Expanding the Techno-Optimist Horizon: Using GPT-4 to Amplify Underrepresented Voices

Yesterday (and again today), I listened to a reading of the Techno Optimist Manifesto via the AI Breakdown Podcast (which I highly recommend you subscribe to). As manifestos do, this one has a grand vision that is compelling and some language that is provocative and, at times, concerning. Unsurprisingly, I was wondering where the voices and ideas of women, particularly women of color, were in this work and what their ideas might do to expand and critique the notions in the manifesto.

I decided to engage GPT-4 in a thought experiment. Based on what it understands of the work of Octavia Butler and adrienne maree brown, two futurists with an emphasis on transformation and critical reflections on power, I asked it to not only critique the piece from their perspective but ask what their perspectives might add to the piece. In addition, at the end of the manifesto, the author provides a lengthy list of people to read and research to become more immersed in the techno-optimist point of view. I went back to ChatGPT-4 and asked it to look at the list and consider to what extent it was representative and whose voice might be missing. It identified a gap in the list in that it is mostly male and Western and provided the names of additional scholars to consider. I am not familiar with these thinkers and am very excited to add them to my reading list (I've gone ahead and hyperlinked them in the output so that you can, too!).

I will paste the prompts and outputs below for your own review and education. Overall, ChatGPT-4 provided a compelling critique from both authors' perspectives, identified where the authors might have synergy and productively expand the ideas in the manifesto, and suggested some additional authors to explore to have a more diverse view on the topic.

Why is this important? Through exercises like this, we can all expand our thinking and engage diverse perspectives in a matter of moments. If we can have the self-awareness in the moment to pause and ask ourselves what/who might be missing from this conversation, we can engage the tool to help us explore that question nearly instantly. In other words, there are no excuses for omitting diverse voices and perspectives, much less forgetting that they are even out there.

Is it a stand-in for truly engaging these scholars for their ideas? Of course not. Will this remedy the plethora of bias issues in generative AI? Definitely not. Can this be one way to leverage the depth of LLMs to lift up voices that are often overlooked? Maybe.

The bottom line is: if you are putting ideas out there and not taking a moment to ask what you might be missing, you're doing yourself and your readers a disservice. We can either use Generative AI to perpetuate the existing biases in our work, or we can use it to interrupt, educate, and expand. For me, the choice is clear. Though a lot of the techno-optimist framing resonates with me, if we're not going to disrupt the means by which we achieve the ends, I'm left wondering who should actually be optimistic?

What do you think? Is this a powerful or problematic use of this technology? How could you regularly critique your own work? What do you think of its engagement with the manifesto through the work of Butler and brown's work? What do you think of the synergies it identified? How could you ask it to suggest thinkers to follow and learn about that you may have never heard of?

Prompt:

I recently read an article called "Techno Optimist Manifesto" and it seems like there were very few voices of women or women of color. Given that I know Octavia Butler is known for her futurist vision and critique, as well as adrienne maree brown. I would like to provide you the text of the manifesto, and then have you imagine first Octavia Butler engaging with the piece and then adrienne maree brown. What do you think they would say about the piece? What would they agree with? How would they critique it? How could their voice expand the vision of the manifesto? Here is the text of the manifesto: [full text provided via the link above]

Output:

Given the length and complexity of the Techno-Optimist Manifesto, I will first provide an overview of the key points that Octavia Butler and adrienne maree brown might engage with. Then, I will provide a more detailed response from each of them.

Overview

1. Techno-Optimism and Technological Determinism: The manifesto strongly advocates for techno-optimism, arguing that technology solves all our problems and is the primary driver of progress. It posits that economic growth, freedom, and abundance are inherently tied to technological development.

2. Markets, Capitalism, and Growth: The manifesto asserts the superiority of free markets, emphasizing that they are the most effective way to organize a technological economy. It argues that markets lead to growth, which in turn leads to societal well-being.

3. Intelligence and Energy: The manifesto places a strong emphasis on intelligence and energy as the cornerstone resources for technological advancement and societal progress.

4. Abundance and Population: The manifesto argues for material abundance and a significant increase in global population, contending that more people mean more creativity and progress.

5. Values: The manifesto promotes values such as ambition, aggression, persistence, relentlessness, merit, achievement, bravery, courage, pride, confidence, and self-respect.

Octavia Butler's Response

Octavia Butler, a renowned science fiction writer, is known for her nuanced and critical perspectives on technology, power, identity, and society. Here's how she might respond to the manifesto:

Agreement

Butler might agree with the manifesto's emphasis on the transformative power of technology. In her works, she often explores how technology can reshape societies, for better or worse.

Critique

1. Technological Determinism: Butler might critique the manifesto's technological determinism. Her works often depict technology as a double-edged sword that can both empower and oppress. She might argue that technology alone cannot solve all societal problems and that its impacts are shaped by social, political, and economic contexts.

2. Markets and Capitalism: Butler might challenge the manifesto's uncritical endorsement of capitalism and markets. Her works often depict economic systems as sources of inequality and exploitation. She might argue for a more nuanced understanding of economic systems and their impacts on different groups.

3. Abundance and Population: Butler might question the manifesto's call for abundance and increased population. Her works often explore themes of environmental degradation and overpopulation. She might argue for a more sustainable and equitable approach to resource distribution and population growth.

4. Values: Butler might challenge the manifesto's emphasis on values such as aggression and relentless ambition. She often explores themes of cooperation, empathy, and adaptability in her works. She might argue that these values are equally important for societal progress.

Expansion

Butler might expand the vision of the manifesto by incorporating perspectives on power, identity, and social justice. She might argue for a more inclusive and equitable approach to technological development, one that takes into account the diverse needs and experiences of different groups.

adrienne maree brown 's Response

adrienne maree brown, a social justice activist and writer, is known for her work on emergent strategy and transformative justice. Here's how she might respond to the manifesto:

Agreement

brown might agree with the manifesto's emphasis on the transformative potential of technology. As a futurist, she often explores how technology can be harnessed for social justice and societal transformation.

Critique

1. Technological Determinism: brown might critique the manifesto's technological determinism. She often emphasizes the importance of human agency, relationships, and social structures in shaping societal outcomes. She might argue that technology is a tool, not a panacea, and that its impacts depend on how it is used and who has access to it.

2. Markets and Capitalism: brown might challenge the manifesto's endorsement of capitalism and markets. As a social justice activist, she often critiques these systems for perpetuating inequality and exploitation. She might argue for alternative economic systems that prioritize equity, sustainability, and community well-being.

3. Abundance and Population: brown might question the manifesto's call for abundance and increased population. She often emphasizes the importance of sustainability and balance in her work. She might argue for a more thoughtful and equitable approach to resource use and population growth.

4. Values: brown might challenge the manifesto's emphasis on values such as aggression and relentless ambition. In her work on emergent strategy, she often emphasizes values such as interdependence, adaptation, and cooperation. She might argue that these values are crucial for creating more just and sustainable societies.

Expansion

brown might expand the vision of the manifesto by incorporating perspectives on social justice, community, and interdependence. She might argue for a more inclusive and equitable approach to technological development, one that prioritizes community well-being, social justice, and ecological

Prompt:

The authors of the manifesto provided a list of people to read to learn more about their perspective and techno-optimism. I am curious about this list. Do you think this list is representative? Who might be missing from this list that would add a valuable perspective and what would they add? Are there black, indigenous, women of color that are missing from this list that are important voices to consider? [list provided via link above]

Output:

The list you provided contains many influential thinkers from a variety of fields such as economics, technology, philosophy, and science. However, the list seems to lean heavily towards Western and male thinkers. While these individuals have undoubtedly made significant contributions to their respective fields, the list could benefit from more diversity to represent a wider range of perspectives and experiences.

Adding more voices from women, people of color, and indigenous thinkers could provide valuable insights into the impacts of technology on different communities and the potential for technology to address social and environmental injustices. Here are some individuals who could be added to the list:

1. Kimberly Bryant: As the founder of Black Girls Code, Bryant could provide insights into how technology can be used to promote social justice and equality. Her work emphasizes the importance of diversity in the tech industry and the potential for technology to empower underrepresented communities.

2. Ruha Benjamin: As a sociologist and author of "Race After Technology", Benjamin explores the intersection of race, justice, and technology. She critiques the idea that technology is neutral and highlights how it can often reproduce and reinforce existing social inequalities.

3. Joy Buolamwini: As a researcher at the MIT Media Lab, Buolamwini investigates the social implications of artificial intelligence. Her work on algorithmic bias could provide valuable insights into the ethical and social challenges posed by technology.

4. Maria Mies: As a feminist economist and author of "Ecofeminism", Mies could provide a critical perspective on the relationship between capitalism, technology, and the environment. Her work emphasized the importance of sustainability and critiques the growth-oriented nature of capitalist economies.

5. Winona LaDuke: As an indigenous environmental activist and author, LaDuke could provide insights into the impacts of technology on indigenous communities and the environment. Her work emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices.

6. Safiya Umoja Noble: As the author of "Algorithms of Oppression", Noble explores how biases in technology can reinforce social inequalities. Her work could provide a critical perspective on the social implications of technological development.

These individuals could add valuable perspectives on the social, ethical, and environmental implications of technology. They could challenge the techno-optimist view by highlighting the ways in which technology can reproduce and reinforce social inequalities and environmental degradation. They could also provide insights into how technology can be used to promote social justice, equality, and sustainability.