In the past year, tech companies have laid off thousands of employees. But when CEOs blame "AI innovation," they're redirecting attention from something much more predictable: job discrimination and gig-ification. Emily and Alex examine some narratives of AI-streamlined workplaces — and why they don't match up with reality.References:Block press release: "From Hierarchy to Intelligence""Lawsuit claims Meta's layoff decisions were made by AI, not humans"Fresh AI Hell:"OpenAI’s latest math breakthroughs commit research misconduct, experts say"Also referenced: Leiden Declaration"AI Assisted Autism Screening"Weird comparison of "AI" emissions to other data center activityPaved paradise and put up a data center"What if you just talked to your children"Palate cleanser: US judge holds DOGE accountable for output they took from ChatGPTPalate cleanser: Data center opposition momentumCheck out future streams on Twitch. Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see.Find our book The AI Con here, and MAIHT3k merch here.Subscribe to our newsletter via Buttondown.Follow us!EmilyBluesky: emilymbender.bsky.socialMastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBenderAlexBluesky: alexhanna.bsky.socialMastodon: dair-community.social/@alexTwitter: @alexhannaMusic by Toby Menon.Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park. Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related