Post #1481332

2025-12-19 15:15 UTC

@j_bertolotti There's also another (likely and common) POV which is "This has uses, but is not cost-effective / economically viable." We see technologies like this all the time (my favorite analogy: supersonic passenger planes). I'm very depressed by the complete unwillingness of people to approach ML techologies in rational terms. Everyone is either "All in, we're firing everyone and replacing them with robots" or "ML is going to eat your babies and shoot your dog."

Replies (4)

@noodlemaz@med-mastodon.com 2025-12-19 15:18

@peterb @j_bertolotti not everyone. Those of us with research experience are generally well aware that ML is both applicable/useful in some areas and not brand new. Or inherently evil. My problem, to speak for myself, is both genAI and the corps who've made the huge public tools with no ethical considerations whatsoever. The ones built on theft that produce slop. The stuff being shoved in our faces day in, day out, even though it's shit and useless and brain rot. Big difference. #genAI #noAI

Open ##1481333
@rlcw@ecoevo.social 2025-12-19 15:27

@peterb I think "Use it sensibly" has never been a viral post, even if that is how most people end up using any technology really. But where is the feels in acting sensible? There is likely a large gap between the behaviours reported widely and actual use. @j_bertolotti

Open ##1481334
@aoanla@hachyderm.io 2025-12-19 17:11

@peterb @j_bertolotti well, and the closely related "This may have good uses, but the negatives are too high" (analogies: asbestos, CFCs, etc). The problem with technologies like this is that the industry in question often requires legislation to stop them using the tech despite its harms - and governments are slow to legislate because of the short-term economic effects & lobby influences.

Open ##1481335
@SvenGeier@mathstodon.xyz 2025-12-19 17:24

@peterb I would add the variation "yet": this has uses but it's not economically viable YET. After the railroad crash, someone else buys the laid track for pennies on the dollar and makes a real business out of it. Or the dark fiber. 🤷 @j_bertolotti

Open ##1481336