A.I. Researchers Are Negotiating $250 Million Pay Packages. Just Like NBA Stars.
A.I. Researchers Are Negotiating $250 Million Pay Packages. Just Like NBA Stars.
A.I. technologists are approaching the job market as if they are Steph Curry or LeBron James, seeking advice from their entourages and playing hardball with the highest bidders.
Read the full article on NY Times Technology
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article draws a parallel between AI researchers and NBA stars regarding high compensation, which is partially supported by sources indicating large pay packages for AI talent. However, the specific $250 million figure is only indirectly supported, and the comparison to NBA stars may be an exaggeration to create a narrative. The article exhibits moderate bias through selective reporting and potentially hyperbolic comparisons.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: A.I. researchers are negotiating $250 million pay packages.
- Verification Source #2: Wired reports that Mark Zuckerberg is offering top AI talent pay packages of up to $300 million over four years.
- Assessment: Partially supported. Source 2 indicates that some AI researchers are being offered packages in the range of $300 million, which is close to the $250 million mentioned in the article. However, it doesn't confirm that researchers are *negotiating* specifically for $250 million.
- Claim: A.I. technologists are approaching the job market as if they are Steph Curry or LeBron James.
- Verification Source #4: Source 4 mentions NBA contracts in the context of dealmaking and negotiations.
- Verification Source #3: Source 3 uses NBA player salaries as a comparison for underpaid air traffic controllers.
- Verification Source #5: Source 5 discusses the finances of the WNBA.
- Assessment: Unverified. While the sources mention NBA contracts and salaries, none directly support the claim that AI technologists are behaving like NBA stars in the job market. This is likely a metaphorical comparison.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 2: "As Mark Zuckerberg staffs up Meta's new superintelligence lab, he's offered top tier research talent pay packages of up to $300 million over four years."
- The comparison to NBA stars is not directly supported by any of the provided sources, suggesting a degree of exaggeration or bias in the article's presentation.