‘…we are both invested and sensitive to how AI is portrayed in the media. In this article, we suggest a list of best practices for media coverage of AI, some of which may not be obvious to people without a technical background in AI.’
SKYNET TODAY suggests 10 ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for how to portray AI.
The do’s:
- Do: Be careful with what “AI” is
- Do: make clear what role humans have to play
- Do: emphasize the narrowness of today’s AI-powered programs
- Do: avoid comparisons to pop culture depictions of AI
- Do: make clear what the task is, precisely
- Do: call out limitations
The don’ts:
- Don’t: imply autonomy where there is none
- Don’t: state programs “learn” without appropriate caveats
- Don’t: cite opinions of famous smart people who don’t work on AI
- Don’t: ignore the failures
SKYNET TODAY is published online by two graduate students in computer science along with contributors from the field. They say their points reflect a canvass of AI researchers as well as their own ideas.
They are quick to point out their advice is not always followed within the AI research community, either. Their intent is a set of principles to apply and to ‘ignore as need be according to good judgement.’
OUR TAKE
- Despite the informal research methods used, many of the points echo recurring observations from the AI community in op-eds or talks.
- ‘Advice’ about coverage is always tricky. This piece seems to be a genuine attempt to offer constructive ideas.