I read a lot of books in the genre of what I like to call “Tech Won’t Save Us” and this is by far the book I will forever recommend when someone asks “what’s the worst that could happen?” Girl, there’s ✨plenty✨ already happening and it’s terrifying. From deep fakes, to surveillance, to algorithms controlling our lives in the shadows — there are so many things in the inhuman economy that are slowly chipping away at our humanity.

Murgia does an excellent job humanizing these stories. We see their lives and the impacts that these new technologies have had on them; they’re not just numbers, they feel like our friends and neighbors. I was already hesitant, but by the end of this book, I’m ready to toss out my smartphone and unplug for the foreseeable future, but also to fight for a humane future.

Silvia Murgia’s Code Dependent is a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s pervasive influence on modern life. Murgia masterfully weaves together the stories of a British poet, a Pittsburgh UberEats courier, an Indian doctor, and a Chinese activist, revealing how artificial intelligence reshapes everything from our justice systems to personal relationships.

While the book is undeniably enlightening, its scope sometimes feels overwhelming. Murgia’s extensive focus on various individual stories, though illuminating, occasionally dilutes the central thesis. The broad range of examples, while illustrative, may leave readers craving a more cohesive narrative thread to connect these diverse experiences. Additionally, while the criticism of AI's effects on personal agency is compelling, some arguments can come off as alarmist without sufficiently addressing the potential benefits of AI advancements.

Despite these critiques, Code Dependent succeeds in highlighting the urgent need for ethical considerations in AI development. Murgia’s call for a more human-centered approach to technology is both timely and necessary. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the intersection of technology and human values, offering a sobering yet crucial perspective on the challenges we face in the digital age.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Timely Examination of AI’s Impact**

Madhumita Murgia’s *Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI* provides a thoughtful and timely exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives and societies. Murgia offers a balanced view of the benefits and challenges associated with AI, delving into its implications for privacy, work, and human relationships. The book is well-researched and accessible, presenting complex concepts in a way that is both engaging and informative. While some discussions could be more in-depth, *Code Dependent* effectively highlights the need for critical reflection and proactive measures in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Full Rating: 4.75 stars rounded up

In "Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI," Madhumita Murgia presents a meticulously researched and deeply unsettling exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping humanity and society. Murgia’s central question, “How is AI changing what it means to be human?” is both poignant and haunting. This book doesn’t just delve into the mechanics of AI but interrogates its broader implications, echoing the impact of past technological revolutions like industrialization and the advent of social media.

One of the most striking aspects of Murgia’s work is her ability to articulate complex concepts such as “surveillance capitalism” and “data colonialism” in an accessible and engaging manner. The idea that "if a product is free, you become the product" is a powerful reminder of how deeply entrenched we are in capitalist systems that commodify our very existence. The book's exploration of how AI perpetuates these systems is both eye-opening and alarming, drawing parallels to historical abuses and exploitations driven by profit motives.

Murgia’s exploration of the labor dynamics within the AI industry is particularly compelling. She vividly illustrates how the tech industry thrives on cheap labor, reinforcing capitalism’s relentless drive for cost minimization at the expense of human dignity and safety. The anecdotes about exploited laborers and the emotional toll on AI trainers—who suffer from nightmares and depression due to their work—are harrowing. These stories underscore the human cost of our technological advancements and the ethical implications of prioritizing profit over people.

The book’s examination of AI’s inherent biases is equally powerful. Murgia deftly exposes the fallacy of AI’s supposed objectivity, demonstrating how human prejudices are embedded within these systems. For instance, the discussion around facial recognition technology and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities highlights the dangers of unchecked AI deployment. The chilling reality that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities and perpetuate systemic biases is a central theme throughout the book.

Throughout the book, Murgia does not shy away from the darker aspects of AI's impact on society. She examines how AI-driven surveillance affects culture and individuality, raising critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the potential for a homogenized society. The surveillance of the Uyghur people, for example, serves as a grim illustration of how AI can be weaponized to control and oppress.

"Code Dependent" is a sobering yet essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound and often troubling implications of AI. Murgia’s ability to weave together technical analysis, ethical concerns, and human stories makes this book a compelling call to action. As we hurtle towards an increasingly AI-driven future, Murgia reminds us that none of us are truly free until all of us are free, urging us to scrutinize and challenge the systems that shape our lives.

📖 Recommended For: Tech Enthusiasts Interested in Social Justice, Readers Who Appreciate Intersectional Activism, Fans of Investigative Journalism, Those Curious About the Intersection of Technology and Identity.

🔑 Key Themes: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Intersectionality in Technology, Marginalized Experiences in Tech, Social Justice and Cyber Activism, Exploration of Identity in Digital Spaces, Surveillance Capitalism.

So much of the focus around AI has been how it will affect those of us who can potentially use it, while ignoring how it has already affected those who helped create it (and don't get the benefits). An eye-opening read!

This is a timely and often frightening exploration of the effects AI is already having on our daily lives (in policing, moving about freely, medicine, the workplace, education, etc). Murgia grounds her explorations in real people's lives, and the strength of this book lies in the interviews she conducts; often the people she focuses on are the very people who are made invisible through AI (Uber drivers, community health advocates, workers in Africa who are scanning flagged videos). The book shows the frustration of living under algorithms and the deep frustration that comes from noting their flaws and being unable to find a human solution to repairing them; she also points out the human inequalities inherent in AI-production (such as the very-poorly paid content scanners who are dealing with the trauma of watching terrible things for hours on end while their experiences are being used to train their computerized replacements). I thought I was reasonably knowledgeable on some of the challenges of AI, but I found this book eye-opening. It's also very readable, and it deserved its place on the Women's Prize for Nonfiction shortlist.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my free earc in return for an honest opinion. My opinions are all my own.

Had a very difficult time getting through this, and found my attention wandering. This couldn't hold my attention unfortunately and I was unable to finish. Might be an exciting and interesting read for someone else more interested in AI!

After being shortlisted for the first Women's Prize for Nonfiction, I was intrigued to read Code Dependent, which addresses the hidden social implications AI is already having. Thought-provoking and approachable, Code Dependent highlights how AI is being formed and molded from the life experiences, data, and work of minorities. This book highlights how governments can and do use AI to monitor citizens and create policies based on the information gathered. This is a great book if you're seeking real-world case studies of how AI is already affecting the lives of individuals globally.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC.

“Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI” by Madhumita Murgia explores the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence on modern society. Through a series of well-researched themes, Murgia delves into the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI. The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of AI, from its benefits in healthcare and education to its potential to exacerbate inequalities. Murgia’s engaging writing style and use of real-world examples make complex topics accessible. While the book provides a comprehensive overview, it occasionally lacks depth in discussing alternative viewpoints. Overall, “Code Dependent” is a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its societal impact.

Lately, it seems like AI or ChatGPT is referenced in just about every conversation I have, and yet I knew very little about this technology. After seeing “Code Dependent” by Madhumita Murgia shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy on NetGalley to review and to learn more about AI.

Murgia shares a series of vignettes shows how different people’s lives all over the world have been impacted by the growth of AI. Some of these situations paint a positive light on the technology (the ability to assist in medical diagnoses!), while others show a much darker side (deep-fake explicit images) — and yet every situation poses the same questions surrounding how we as a society can control this technology.

I loved this examination of how AI technology has become involved in so many aspects of life, and the way this was told through the perspectives of individuals involved in or impacted by the technology was very impactful. One of the best nonfiction books I’ve read in a long time!

This book started out fine, with the stories and informational support of the initial thesis, however, it didn't really pull me in. This definitely feels more like a book that would be assigned class reading than a book you would pick up for pleasure.

This book was not what I thought it was going to be about, in the BEST WAY possible.

I thought I was in for a read about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is mining our data, killing creativity, or prone to errors without close human supervision. And while Murgia’s critique of AI does include those conversations, it’s so much deeper than that.

Code Dependent is an exposé of AI through an economic and social justice lens. The first important revelation shared is correcting the misnomer that AI is automated. AI needs to be trained; it needs an input. For the robots to work, countless images and words need to first be coded by human hand. So without realizing it, what we experience on the user end of an algorithm is often the result of thousands of exploited workers around the globe working in inhumane conditions for little pay.

The second theme is around social inequity: AI has been touted as a great social equalizer that has the power to democratize knowledge and services. But again, because AI systems are built on human codes, AI ends up exacerbating, NOT correcting bias, prejudicial practices, and discrimination. In one horrifying story reminiscent of something out of Minority Report, a crime predictive software out of the Netherlands flagged children with certain social indicators as “at risk” in their system, increasing their surveillance under the state, which predictably resulted is some self-fulfilling prophecies.

This is that perfect type of nonfiction read that is timely, expands your knowledge, and is just an enjoyable read. Because Murgia is a journalist by trade, Code Dependent is written as an investigative journalism piece. Real people are at the heart of the narrative: Murgia spends time with ten individuals who had unexpected encounters with AI that had expose the dark underbelly of these automated systems.

Read this if:
✔️ You’ve used ChatGPT
✔️ You keep up with science and tech news
✔️ You’re trying to incorporate more non-memoirs into your nonfiction reading

CODE DEPENDENT by Madhumita Murgia is subtitled "Living in the Shadow of AI" and in a rather angry manner Murgia stresses the need for individuals around the world to unite in the face of AI. She writes about the concept of data colonialism and points to how gig workers (e.g., those affiliated with Uber) are oppressed and manipulated by algorithms. That made me wonder about how did business management transform from a cooperative, albeit paternalistic, view to an all-knowing heartless controller? Is that accurate? Is it part of a continual cycle of exploitation and reform? Some of these points were raised several years ago in The End of Loyalty by Rick Wartzman. Murgia, an award-winning Indian-British journalist who is currently AI Editor at the Financial Times, argues that "by reflecting on the march of AI, we can start to address the imbalances in power, and move towards redress." Her work draws on examples from around the world, having spoken to people living in Kenya, Britain, Argentina, Italy, and to refugees from Iraq and China. In sections labeled Your Livelihood, Your Body and Your Identity, she shares concerns about wage differentials, deepfakes, and facial recognition. A subsequent section on Your Health features a doctor in rural India who is able to use an app to help to quickly diagnosis TB and later to contribute to recalibrate it to distinguish between TB and COVID. After several other chapters, Murgia describes OpenAI and Chat GPT and the tendency to hallucinate based on training. A favorite part is the Epilogue where Murgia describes the work of the world's major religions in contributing to developing some ethical standards for deploying AI. Endnotes and an Index comprise between ten and fifteen percent of the text. The Guardian called CODE DEPENDENT "highly readable and deeply important," saying "the power of this book lies in the rich stories it tells of individuals ... Drawing on interviews from around the globe." Those stories veer between deep pessimism and glimmers of optimism and offer unique perspective. Much to consider. 4.5 stars

Code Dependent was upsetting, informative, and interesting. I found this book to be a perfect merging of research based evidence with qualitative storytelling to illicit understanding. Unfortunately, this book has made me far for leery of AI and it's future impacts, but I am grateful to know more.

I'm so grateful to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing early access to this book, which is certain to do well in bookstores this summer. This is my favorite type of nonfiction. Long-form reporting that exposes the dark side of an emerging business/technology. The author explores various aspects of AI, from its impact on civil liberties to personal privacy. I particularly enjoyed the section exploring AI as boss - I always recall Uber advertising the benefits of "being your own boss" but the author argues that companies like Uber and DoorDash replace a human boss with an AI one.

Code Dependent is a fascinating introduction to the potential pitfalls and dangers (and possibilities!) of a world subjected to the 'algorithm.' Madhumita Murgia presents the readers with the invisible human work powering Artificial Intelligence whether that be training self-driving cars to recognize road impediments or identifying disturbing content for moderation. I found the writing and subject matter compelling, informative, and full of humanity.

"I believe that no matter how exceptional a tool is, it only has utility when it preserves human dignity."

Many thanks to Henry Holt & Company and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

With everything that’s happening these days about advances in AI, ChatGPT and more, I knew I had to read this book. But what the author presented here is so much more. The implications of using black box AIs to diagnose adverse health conditions, the poor data laborers suffering from PTSD due to the incessant exposure to violent content, the uber drivers and gig workers not knowing how they are paid and why they may get suspended, or crime prediction AIs being used to put marginalized people further on lists and marking them for adverse outcomes, deepfake technologies, and extreme surveillance - while the author and many others are optimistic about the opportunities AI provides in various fields, the human stories necessitate the need to look at the consequences and impacts on lives, rights, and society as a whole from a moral and ethical POV.

This is a very accessible book about AI which explains technical stuff in a simple and nuanced manner, while going more into details about the humans directly impacted by it, positively or negatively. It’s immensely readable, very impactful, and leaves us with many questions to ponder as we go about our lives using various AI applications and supporting big corporations without thinking about their outsize societal impacts. Definitely recommend this, whether you are an avid reader about these emerging technologies or someone who just wants to learn about it all.

This was a read I was looking forward to because it was on the inaugural longlist for the Women's Prize for Nonfiction and I am so glad that it was recently shortlisted. This was a super interesting book about the good, the bad, and the ugly side of AI. Through a series of chapters or almost case studies, the author provides insight on the impact that AI has in our current society and what we have to look forward to in the future. As someone that is freaked out by the idea of AI, I learned a lot that made me better understand what it is and what it isn't. I sometimes worry about picking up books like this because I am afraid the language will be too advanced for me and a lot of the content will be over my head. That was not the case with this book. The writing was well done and extremely accessible for all readers and even those that know nothing about AI. Some of the chapters were more interesting than others, as is the case with any book, and I especially loved the one related to AI being used to help with medicine in underdeveloped areas that lack advanced medical care. As a nurse, I was so happy to hear that people were getting the care they needed and that the stretched too thin care providers were getting assistance as well. There was also a very enlightening, and scary chapter about deep fake pornography which is obviously highlighting the dark side of AI. I really enjoyed this reading experience and I highly recommend this book.

Firstly, I'd like to express my gratitude to Henry Holt & Co for providing me with the ARC. I had been searching for a copy since it was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Nonfiction and out of all the books, this topic resonated with me a lot.

I've read approximately 50%, up to Chapter 5, "Your Freedom," and have also read the "Epilogue." and now I have decided to DNF it.

Initially, the start was a little long-winded, with a broad narrative voice that irked me a little, but I didn't mind it that much and continued. However, all of the chapters seemed to lack depth and nuance. The first chapter, "Your Livelihood," was much better than the others in this aspect, providing a balanced view with pros and cons. The second chapter, "Your Body," discussed the important topic of deepfake technology and how it's weaponized for promoting non-consensual pornographic content and the flimsiness of internet regulations. This chapter was interesting to read, especially because of the addition of victims' and activists' viewpoints, rather than solely focusing on commentary on the nature of internet regulation (which was discussed at quite a minute level). However, things went downhill in Chapter 3, where the author talked about the use of facial recognition. Not only did the author fail to frame the chapter in a critical point, but their points seemed to echo "facial recognition is always bad" too many times. It didn't sit well with me how someone who's supposed to be an "expert" simplified things too much. Coupled with the fact that the author cut off news on crucial parts and framed them in an ambiguous stance, such as the author's reporting on the 2021 Indian Republic Day farmers storming the Red Fort while destroying public property and hoisting the union's flag and Sikh religious flag. Chapters 4, "Your Health," and 5, "Your Freedom," were better than the earlier chapter but still seemed to echo the same sentiments and factual similarities with other chapters, along with dabbling in long and emotional narrative supposed to invoke empathy.

Then I peeked at the "Epilogue" where I had hoped the author would discuss some consolidated form of solutions which can supposedly be implemented to regulate AI from exploiting people, and darn it was quite the disappointment. It offered no real solution but propagated the same rhetoric the author always warned us against—wealthy big corps and individuals dictating the lives of marginalized people, but in the form of "more" corrupt religious institutions (which thrives on dogmatism, fearmongering, and economic corruption) signing a treaty for regulation of AI. Not to mention, the treaty seemed toothless and ornamental. This portion of the book seems like a huge disappointment. This would have been in the 3-4 star area if there weren't so many glaring faults in this book. I am rating it 2 stars out of 5 because this book did give me some, although a very tiny amount of food for thought and important factual information that I should care more about. You can read this book if you want a discussion only of the worst aspects of being dependent on AI.

This was a fascinating look at the current and potential consequences of relying on AI. Also quite scary.