Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

In "Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI," Madhumita Murgia presents a meticulously researched and deeply unsettling exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping humanity and society. Murgia’s central question, “How is AI changing what it means to be human?” is both poignant and haunting. This book doesn’t just delve into the mechanics of AI but interrogates its broader implications, echoing the impact of past technological revolutions like industrialization and the advent of social media.

One of the most striking aspects of Murgia’s work is her ability to articulate complex concepts such as “surveillance capitalism” and “data colonialism” in an accessible and engaging manner. The idea that "if a product is free, you become the product" is a powerful reminder of how deeply entrenched we are in capitalist systems that commodify our very existence. The book's exploration of how AI perpetuates these systems is both eye-opening and alarming, drawing parallels to historical abuses and exploitations driven by profit motives.

Murgia’s exploration of the labor dynamics within the AI industry is particularly compelling. She vividly illustrates how the tech industry thrives on cheap labor, reinforcing capitalism’s relentless drive for cost minimization at the expense of human dignity and safety. The anecdotes about exploited laborers and the emotional toll on AI trainers—who suffer from nightmares and depression due to their work—are harrowing. These stories underscore the human cost of our technological advancements and the ethical implications of prioritizing profit over people.

The book’s examination of AI’s inherent biases is equally powerful. Murgia deftly exposes the fallacy of AI’s supposed objectivity, demonstrating how human prejudices are embedded within these systems. For instance, the discussion around facial recognition technology and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities highlights the dangers of unchecked AI deployment. The chilling reality that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities and perpetuate systemic biases is a central theme throughout the book.

Throughout the book, Murgia does not shy away from the darker aspects of AI's impact on society. She examines how AI-driven surveillance affects culture and individuality, raising critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the potential for a homogenized society. The surveillance of the Uyghur people, for example, serves as a grim illustration of how AI can be weaponized to control and oppress.

"Code Dependent" is a sobering yet essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound and often troubling implications of AI. Murgia’s ability to weave together technical analysis, ethical concerns, and human stories makes this book a compelling call to action. As we hurtle towards an increasingly AI-driven future, Murgia reminds us that none of us are truly free until all of us are free, urging us to scrutinize and challenge the systems that shape our lives.

📖 Recommended For: Tech Enthusiasts Interested in Social Justice, Readers Who Appreciate Intersectional Activism, Fans of Investigative Journalism, Those Curious About the Intersection of Technology and Identity.

🔑 Key Themes: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Intersectionality in Technology, Marginalized Experiences in Tech, Social Justice and Cyber Activism, Exploration of Identity in Digital Spaces, Surveillance Capitalism.