385: AI Snake Oil

from Tech Policy Podcast · host TechFreedom

Sayash Kapoor (Princeton) discusses the incoherence of precise p(doom) predictions and the pervasiveness of AI “snake oil.” Check out his and Arvind Narayanan’s new book, AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference.Topics include:What’s a prediction, really?p(doom): your guess is as good as anyone’sFreakishly chaotic creatures (us, that is)AI can’t predict the impact of AIGaming AI with invisible inkLife is luck—let’s act like itSuperintelligence (us, that is)The bitter lessonAI danger: sweat the small stuffLinks:AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the DifferenceAI Existential Risk Probabilities Are Too Unreliable to Inform Policy AI Snake Oil (Substack)

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 23, 2024

What this episode covers

Sayash Kapoor (Princeton) discusses the incoherence of precise p(doom) predictions and the pervasiveness of AI “snake oil.” Check out his and Arvind Narayanan’s new book, AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference. Topics include: - What’s a prediction, really? - p(doom): your guess is as good as anyone’s - Freakishly chaotic creatures (us, that is) - AI can’t predict the impact of AI - Gaming AI with invisible ink - Life is luck—let’s act like it - Superintelligence (us, that is) - The bitter lesson - AI danger: sweat the small stuff Links: AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference (https://tinyurl.com/4v3byma9) AI Existential Risk Probabilities Are Too Unreliable to Inform Policy (https://tinyurl.com/fdrcu5s6) AI Snake Oil (Substack) (https://tinyurl.com/2chwfrka)

PodParley-generated summary based on available episode metadata and transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

385: AI Snake Oil

0:00 53:58

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting! DIOSA. Carolina Sanper This podcast is a sacred space created by Carolina Sanper where you connect with your inner wisdom and embody your magnetic feminine power.It is the realization that the mystical realm is where you plant the seeds of your desired reality.It is a portal to your true essence: awareness, presence, and receiving with ease. Welcome home, DIOSA. 🖤 XXX Tech by SOVRYN Dr. Brian Sovryn The crossroads between technology, sensuality, and metaphysics - and the longest running anarchist podcast in the world! Brought to you by Dr. Brian Sovryn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Tech Policy Podcast?

This episode is 53 minutes long.

When was this Tech Policy Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on September 23, 2024.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Tech Policy Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!