Artificial Intelligence: Making AI in our Images

I am a technology anthropologist who examines automation, algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of preserving human agency. My dissertation focused on small independent fringe new technology makers in Silicon Valley, what they are making, and most critically, how the adoption of the outcomes of their efforts impact society and culture locally, and/or globally. I'm currently spending the summer in a corporate AI Research Group where I contribute to anthropological research on AI. I'm thrilled to blog for the renowned Savage Minds this month and hope many of you find value in my contributions. There is so much going on in the world that it is challenging to choose a single topic to write about--floods, fires, hurricanes, politics--as anthropologists in 2017, we are spoiled for choice.