A humanist manifesto for the age of AI

Artificial intelligence may be the most transformative technology of our time. As AIs power grows, so does the need to figure out whatand whothis technology is really for. AI Needs You argues that it is critical for society to take the lead in answering this urgent question and ensuring that AI fulfills its promise.

Verity Harding draws inspiring lessons from the histories of three twentieth-century tech revolutionsthe space race, in vitro fertilization, and the internetto empower each of us to join the conversation about AI and its possible futures. Sharing her perspective as a leading insider in technology and politics, she rejects the dominant narrative, which often likens AIs advent to that of the atomic bomb. History points the way to an achievable future in which democratically determined values guide AI to be peaceful in its intent; to embrace limitations; to serve purpose, not profit; and to be firmly rooted in societal trust.

AI Needs You gives us hope that we, the people, can imbue AI with a deep intentionality that reflects our best values, ideals, and interests, and that serves the public good. AI will permeate our lives in unforeseeable ways, but it is clear that the shape of AIs futureand of our owncannot be left only to those building it. It is up to us to guide this technology away from our worst fears and toward a future that we can trust and believe in.