Empire of AI by Karen Hao
This book examines AI largely through the lens of woke politics, with constant references to LGBTQ issues, DEI, and global warming. I kept hoping Hao would shift toward the technology itself, but her political framing persists from start to finish. A more accurate title might have been AI Social Issues or AI and Responsible Progressive Concerns.
In fairness, she explains neural networks and other AI concepts thoroughly, and there are a few genuinely interesting sections. But overall, I found the tone somewhat sanctimonious and the writing flat. Hao often presents activist-driven anecdotes—such as a questionable harassment claim—without noting they are allegations, which I found disappointing given her background with the Wall Street Journal.
The book isn’t terrible, but it’s far from compelling. I wouldn’t recommend it to most readers, and I personally wouldn’t seek out more of the author’s work.