The Good Robot

Why do we call it "Artificial Intelligence"? It wasn't the only name on the table in 1956, but it’s the one that stuck, and according to Dr. Stephen Cave, that’s because it tapped into 3,000 years of deep-seated mythology.
In this episode, Kerry McInerney sits down with Dr. Stephen Cave to discuss his new book (co-authored with Dr. Kanta Dihal) on the origin myths of AI. They dive into the "value-laden" history of technology, exploring how the binary of the artificial vs. the natural was used to justify colonial conquest, and how the very concept of intelligence was forged by card-carrying eugenicists to structure society into hierarchies of "fitness". From the labs of Silicon Valley to the history of SATs (Standard Assessment Tests), Dr. Cave illustrates how these old stories continue to shape who gets to build our future and whose voices are sidelined.

Edited by Meibel Dabodabo

In this part 2 episode, Eleanor continues her conversation with Lisa Nakamura about her latest book, The Inattention Economy. They delve deeper into the digital labor of women of color, the rise of influencers like Tila Tequila, and the pressing issues of online toxicity, exploitation, and reparations. Discover how historical and cultural shifts have shaped modern fame and the importance of reparations in the digital age.
Edited by: Meibel Dabodabo

In this episode, we talk to Lisa Nakamura, Professor at the University of Michigan and author of The Inattention Economy: Seeing the Digital Labour of Women of Colour. Lisa reflects on how race, gender, and power shape the histories of digital technology, focusing on the often overlooked labour that has made computing possible. She discusses the work of Navajo women in semiconductor manufacturing, the role of Japanese Americans in early tech production, and why attention, care, and recognition matter for understanding digital culture today.

In this episode, Tara Fickle, an associate professor of Asian American studies, delves into the intersection of race and gaming, introducing the concept of ludo-orientalism. She explores how racial stereotypes shape perceptions of Asian gamers and discusses the role of gender in e-sport culture.

Edited by: Meibel Dabodabo

In this episode, Tomasz Hollanek argues that design is central to AI ethics. We discuss what role designers should play in AI ethics, the significance of AI literacy, and the responsibility of journalists in reporting on AI technologies.

Edited by: Meibel Dabodabo