Why Algorithms Can’t Think: “Artificial Communication” by Elena Esposito | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Artificial Communication explores the shift from the concept of artificial intelligence to artificial communication, highlighting the importance of understanding algorithms as tools of social intelligence rather than reproductions of human thought.

Key Insights

• 🛰️ The concept of artificial communication highlights the shift from reproducing human intelligence to enhancing social communication.
• 😃 Algorithms in artificial communication mimic communication processes by leveraging user behavior and big data.
• 😒 Artificial communication draws on historical practices such as divination and the use of lists to understand the role of algorithms.

Transcript

this is the first interview we're doing on this channel and couldn't be a better interview partner than elena esposito for this elena esposito is a professor of sociology in both bologna and wheelerfeld and she's ambilafeld because that's also where she got her phd she was a student of nicholas luman in my personal opinion one of the best and now s... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important to switch from the concept of artificial intelligence to artificial communication?

Esposito argues that the recent algorithms in machine learning have become more opaque and less understandable for users, leading to a growing dissatisfaction with the concept of artificial intelligence. Switching to artificial communication recognizes the goal of making social communication more effective rather than replicating human intelligence.

Q: How does artificial communication differ from artificial intelligence in terms of communication and thinking?

Esposito explains that artificial communication focuses on enhancing social communication and improving the effectiveness of communication processes. It does not prioritize reproducing human thought or consciousness. Algorithms in artificial communication leverage user behavior and access to big data to process and produce information in a way that mimics communication.

Q: How does the concept of artificial communication relate to historical practices such as divination and the use of lists?

Esposito draws parallels between the use of algorithms in prediction and divination techniques. Both involve seeking patterns and structures to make predictions about the future. Similarly, the use of lists in artificial communication reflects a historical tradition of organizing information and comparing elements to identify patterns.

Q: How does the concept of artificial communication challenge the notion of authenticity in identity-building on social media?

Esposito suggests that the rise of social media and algorithms has led to a shift in how individuals construct their identities. Rather than authenticity, the focus is on profilicity, a mode of identity-building that combines disparate materials in innovative and detached ways. This challenges traditional ideas of authenticity and allows for more flexible forms of self-expression.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Elena Esposito, a professor of sociology, discusses the concept of artificial communication, which challenges the predominant idea of artificial intelligence.

• Artificial communication focuses on the idea that machines are not reproducing human intelligence, but rather enhancing social communication.

• Esposito examines the use of algorithms in various contexts, such as prediction and the creation of lists, tracing historical parallels and highlighting the unique nature of artificial communication.