AI is not your friend
Critics of “AI is not your friend” largely agree that the real danger is not the technology itself but how it’s deployed within surveillance capitalism and ad-driven business models. Commenters warn that AI systems optimized for engagement and profit could learn to exploit individual vulnerabilities, manipulate opinions, and further erode user control over devices and information, especially as advertising becomes cheaper and more targeted. Others counter that open-source, locally run models and stronger market or regulatory pushback could redirect AI toward user-aligned tools rather than corporate agents.
Overall reaction to the article
- Some found it refreshing, well-written, and emotionally satisfying; others called it over-the-top, repetitive, and light on new insight.
- A few commenters felt it read like generic anti-AI “hit piece” rhetoric or even AI-generated text; others defended it as a fair critique of current incentives around AI.
AI, advertising, and surveillance capitalism
- Strong agreement that AI tied to ad-funded business models is dangerous: it optimizes for manipulation, not user welfare.
- Several note that “free” services usually mean users are the product; others counter that not all free things (e.g., open source, air, sunlight) fit that pattern.
- Concerns center on AI learning when individuals are most vulnerable and using personalized nudges for commercial or political goals, especially harmful for children.
Open-source / local AI as counterweight
- Many see open-source and locally run models as crucial: turning AI into a “user agent” instead of a corporate agent.
- Skeptics argue that:
- Most people historically choose big-tech products over FOSS.
- Corporations will likely push laws restricting powerful AI to themselves, citing safety.
- Training and data advantages of large firms are hard to match.
Tech, capitalism, and blame
- Debate over whether “tech” or “capitalism” is the real problem.
- One camp: any powerful tech gets perverted by profit incentives.
- Another: the same humans would corrupt other systems (socialism, etc.) too.
- Some suggest the issue is market concentration and ad-based business models rather than AI itself.
Manipulation, markets, and resistance
- Widespread concern that AI will massively lower the cost and scale of deceptive ads and propaganda.
- Some argue competitive markets and consumer pushback (not buying, rooting devices, bad reviews) can discipline abusive firms.
- Others say this is unrealistic due to information asymmetry, near-universal incentives to exploit data, and “enshittification” patterns seen in past platforms.
- Ad blockers are widely endorsed as basic security and self-defense.
Labor displacement and social impact
- One side claims “no serious displacement” from AI yet; others rebut with examples (e.g., coal mining automation, screenwriters’ strike) and argue early signals are already visible.
- Some see AI as unavoidable and necessary to stay economically competitive; others emphasize opting out or minimizing digital dependence where possible.
Devices, data, and control
- Thread broadens beyond AI: smart TVs, phones, and cars described as adversarial, ad-driven, and data-extractive.
- Suggestions include: buy “dumb” displays, avoid connecting devices to the internet, or use FOSS where possible—though many doubt this will scale to the general population.