Monday, October 15, 2018

Review: How to Profit and Protect Yourself from Artificial Intelligence by Dr. Timothy Smith



Genre: Non-Fiction

Description:

“The rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence permeates our lives through multiple channels from the tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook to the computers controlling our cars, smartphones, and robots on the factory floor. Analysts project massive disruption in employment from this new technology with many jobs being automated in the next twenty years. The era of artificial intelligence is upon us, and the potential for great profits to society, business, and individuals stems from advances in transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. The potential for profit stands in contrast to the possible dangers to our jobs, privacy, society and more. Don’t stand on the sidelines. Learn the potentials and limitations of this new technology to best position yourself, your family, and your career for profit and protection in the new era of A.I.”

Author:

I was unable to find any information about the author. Presumably he has some expertise in the subject of this book. I also found that when the book covered areas where I have some experience, expertise, or prior knowledge, I didn’t spot any problems. That combined with numerous footnotes including references to other sources gave me confidence that the author knows what he’s writing about.

Appraisal:

The mention of protecting yourself from artificial intelligence in the title gave me a bit of concern going in. I was afraid I might find more conspiracy theory and alarmist rhetoric than is justified. The only alarmist was me. Instead I found the information contained to be an excellent introduction to artificial intelligence including the history of the field, an explanation of where things stand now, some ideas on where things might be headed, along with what that might mean to you and me.

I found the explanations and examples given to illustrate the possibilities readily understandable by the average person. The cautions are common sense and not alarmist. For example, the book discusses the effects of artificial intelligence on the job market thus far as well as what we might expect in the future. If you’re planning your future career or considering a career change, the author discusses how you can evaluate the potential risk of that career becoming all or partially displaced in the near future by artificial intelligence and if that were to happen, how it might change the job. This is a book that most of us could benefit from reading to help us understand what the future is likely to bring.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

Some minor proofing issues such as missing words. More than I like to see, but not enough to drop a star from the rating.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

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