Mark Dingemanse4d ago

New! Interactional foundations for critical AI literacies https://zenodo.org/records/19452872

Why do Anthropic engineers talking to Claude sound like Azande witch doctors addressing their potions? What does Mambila spider divination have in common with prompt engineering? Why are LLMs so irresistible to interact with?

If you're interested in questions like that, and in luminaries like Lovelace, Adorno, Suchman and Weizenbaum, you may be interested in this paper: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19452872

Show threadMolly in Missouri
@dingemansemark @tante over the top flattery actually appeals to a specific type that capitalism especially needs. If the constant ego stroking in the llm reponses doesnt make you want to vomit, capitalists know they've got you for life. 💀
Apr 9 at 12:50pmWeb
Show threadMark Dingemanse2d ago

@whatzaname @tante oh yes

I was under a strict word limit but have this Adorno quote stocked for another occasion

"He caters above all to narcissism as one of the strongest and most easily
approached defences. Often his references to his readers' outstanding
qualities and chances seem so silly that it is hard to imagine that anyone
will swallow them, but the columnist is well aware of the fact that vanity is
nourished by so powerful instincts"

For columnist, read ChatGPT — chef's kiss