The Coevolution of AI and Human Intellect: An Optimistic Take (ft. author & professor W. Russell Neuman)
W. Russell Neuman is Professor of Media Technology at New York University. A founding faculty of the MIT Media Laboratory, he served as Senior Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. His recent books include The Digital Difference: Media Technology and the Theory of Communication EffectsIn his new book EVOLUTIONARY INTELLIGENCE: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter (MIT Press; September 26, 2023), Neuman offers a surprisingly positive vision in which computational intelligence compensates for the well-recognized limits of human judgment, improves decision making, and increases our agency. Drawing on his vast experience, Neuman makes a convincing case about how human intelligence will coevolve with digital technology to revolutionize how we think and behave.In today's episode, we explore the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. While many view AI with suspicion, Neuman offers a hopeful perspective. He believes that just as the wheel enhanced mobility, the rise of AI in everyday devices will revolutionize our decision-making. Neuman suggests that by embracing AI's evolutionary intelligence, we can better adapt to challenges and ensure our long-term survival. Join us as we delve into this optimistic view on AI's role in our future.