Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

Seoul’s Imported Prophets

Dec 11, 2023 - logicmag.io
This article discusses the influence of Silicon Valley's AI mysticism on South Korea's tech industry, particularly in the context of the AI Expo Korea 2023. The author argues that the narrative of "catch-up innovation" and "AI sovereignty" is deeply ingrained in South Korea's tech culture, leading to a reproduction of American AI narratives and a marginalization of alternative perspectives. The article also highlights the role of mythmaking in legitimizing certain technological futures, and the potential for resistance and critique to challenge these dominant narratives.

The author further explores how the myth of AI is propagated through various mediums, such as tech expos, government initiatives, and public figures like Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI. The article also discusses the socio-economic implications of AI, particularly in relation to data labeling and the gig economy. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of restoring friction to the AI myth through acts of subversion and resistance, arguing that every small concession to human needs has been won through organized struggle, not by racing to keep up with technological progress.

Key takeaways:

  • The article discusses the AI Expo Korea 2023 and the push for South Korea to seize "AI sovereignty" by adopting large language models and generative AI technologies from Silicon Valley.
  • The author critiques the narrative of "catch-up innovation" and the assumption that AI development led by Silicon Valley is the inevitable future, arguing that this mindset marginalizes alternative perspectives and possibilities for AI development within South Korea.
  • The article also explores the role of mythmaking in promoting Silicon Valley's vision of the future, and how this vision is often uncritically accepted and propagated by local tech industries and governments in other countries, including South Korea.
  • The author highlights the need for resistance and skepticism towards these dominant narratives, arguing that every act of doubt and refusal can help to challenge and disrupt the universalizing myths of AI and automation propagated by Silicon Valley.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!