48 Hours Without A.I.
48 Hours Without A.I.

A.J. Jacobs went 48 hours without interacting with artificial intelligence. That meant more than just avoiding generative A.I. tools like ChatGPT – he did his best to not interact with any products that used any kind of machine-learning algorithms in their production, marketing or distribution. This was more limiting than expected; Jacobs needed to find ways around using electricity, running water and more. The 48-hour experiment revealed just how embedded artificial intelligence already is in our daily lives.
Read the full article on NY Times Technology
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate in its general premise, highlighting the pervasiveness of AI. The bias is minimal, presenting the experiment without strong emotional language, though the framing inherently suggests a critical perspective on AI's integration. Minor claims regarding the extent of AI's use in everyday products are difficult to verify exhaustively, but the core idea is supported.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: A.J. Jacobs went 48 hours without interacting with artificial intelligence.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms the experiment took place.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: This meant avoiding generative A.I. tools like ChatGPT and any products that used any kind of machine-learning algorithms in their production, marketing or distribution.
- Verification Source #1: The article confirms that the experiment involved avoiding both generative AI and products using machine learning.
- Verification Source #3: Reddit comments discuss the difference between generative AI and machine learning, which is relevant to the claim's scope.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Jacobs needed to find ways around using electricity, running water and more.
- Verification Source #1: The article mentions the difficulty of avoiding AI, implying the need to circumvent common utilities.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: The 48-hour experiment revealed just how embedded artificial intelligence already is in our daily lives.
- Verification Source #1: The article explicitly states this conclusion.
- Assessment: Supported
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1 confirms the experiment and its central premise: 'It's everywhere, as the author learned the hard way while making as little contact as possible with machine learning and generative artificial...'
- The claim that avoiding AI requires circumventing electricity and running water is supported by the general understanding that these utilities rely on automated systems and data analysis.
