Kamala Harris and AI: A Misunderstanding of the Future
In this commentary, we delve into the recent controversy surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris’s attempt to explain artificial intelligence (AI). We examine the backlash she received, the importance of understanding AI, the need for better communication about complex topics like AI, and the proactive approach our leaders should take towards AI. This article serves as a call to action for our leaders and all of us to deepen our understanding of AI, improve our communication about AI, and actively shape the AI-driven future.
See more：How Kamala Harris Explains AI: “It’s Two Letters, Fancy Thing”
The AI Explanation That Wasn't
Vice President Kamala Harris recently attempted to explain artificial intelligence (AI) during a roundtable event with labor and civil rights leaders. Her explanation, however, left many confused and questioning her understanding of the subject. Harris described AI as “kind of a fancy thing” and “first of all, it’s two letters.” She went on to say that AI is about machine learning and the information that goes into the machine, which then determines the decisions and opinions that may be made through that process.
This explanation, while not entirely incorrect, is overly simplistic and fails to capture the complexity and significance of AI. AI is not just about machine learning or the information that goes into a machine. It’s about using algorithms and computational models to make machines capable of performing tasks that would normally require human intelligence. It’s about creating systems that can understand, learn, predict, adapt, and potentially operate autonomously.
The Backlash
Harris’s explanation was met with widespread criticism and ridicule. Critics accused her of speaking to Americans as if they were in kindergarten and of being unable to put a sentence together to save her life. Her explanation was described as a “word salad” and a “bumbling attempt” at explaining AI. Some even suggested that a whole website should be dedicated to Harris explaining things, humorously suggesting the name “Wikamalapedia.”
This backlash is not just about Harris’s explanation of AI. It’s about the perception that she, and by extension our leaders, lack a deep understanding of important and complex topics like AI. It’s about the frustration that comes from seeing our leaders fail to communicate effectively about these topics, resorting instead to oversimplifications and buzzwords.
The Importance of Understanding AI
AI is not just a “fancy thing.” It’s a powerful tool that is shaping our world and our future. It’s being used in everything from healthcare to transportation, from education to entertainment. It’s changing the way we work, the way we communicate, and the way we live. As such, it’s crucial that our leaders have a solid understanding of AI and its implications.
Understanding AI is not just about knowing what it is or how it works. It’s about understanding its potential and its limitations, its benefits and its risks. It’s about understanding how it can be used to solve problems and improve lives, but also how it can be misused or abused. It’s about understanding the ethical, legal, and societal issues that it raises, and the need for policies and regulations to address these issues.
The Need for Better Communication
Harris’s attempt to explain AI highlights a broader issue: the need for better communication about complex topics like AI. It’s not enough to simply use buzzwords and jargon. We need clear, concise, and accurate explanations that everyone can understand. We need leaders who can effectively communicate the importance and impact of AI, who can engage in meaningful discussions about its benefits and challenges, and who can guide us in navigating the AI-driven future.
Good communication is not just about clarity and accuracy. It’s also about empathy and understanding. It’s about being able to put yourself in the shoes of your audience, to understand their concerns and questions, and to address them in a way that is respectful and responsive. It’s about being able to inspire and motivate, to convey a vision and a sense of purpose.
Recommendations
In light of this, I would recommend that Harris and other leaders take the time to deepen their understanding of AI. They should engage with experts in the field, participate in AI-related events and initiatives, and stay informed about the latest developments and trends. They should also work on improving their communication skills, particularly when it comes to explaining complex topics. They should strive to provide clear, concise, and accurate explanations, and to engage in meaningful and informed discussions about AI.
In addition, I would recommend that our leaders take a proactive approach to AI. They should not just react to developments in AI, but actively shape them. They should promote research and innovation in AI, encourage the responsible use of AI, and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared widely and equitably. They should also work to address the challenges and risks of AI, from job displacement and privacy concerns to bias and inequality.
In conclusion, the recent controversy over Harris’s explanation of AI serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and communicating about AI. It’s a call to action for our leaders to deepen their understanding of AI, to improve their communication about AI, and to take a proactive approach to AI. It’s a call to action for all of us to engage in the conversation about AI, to ask questions, to seek answers, and to shape the AI-driven future that we want to see.