MIT’s new study says your brain does not work better after using ChatGPT. But the setup all but guaranteed that result. This post breaks down what the study actually tested, why the conclusions are misleading, and what a more honest look at real-world AI use should include. If you care about how people actually think with these tools, not just what happens when they check out completely, this is worth a read.

MIT’s new study says your brain does not work better after using ChatGPT. But the setup all but guaranteed that result. This post breaks down what the study actually tested, why the conclusions are misleading, and what a more honest look at real-world AI use should include. If you care about how people actually think with these tools, not just what happens when they check out completely, this is worth a read.

Came across a tool called Synthetic Users that simulates interviews using AI. It reminded me of a project I ran in 2023 using LLMs to generate proto-personas for my collectors. The tech is fast and can be useful in narrow cases, but it is not a replacement for real people. If you want real insight, you still need to watch real users. This post explores where synthetic interviews help and where they quietly fall apart.

Came across a tool called Synthetic Users that simulates interviews using AI. It reminded me of a project I ran in 2023 using LLMs to generate proto-personas for my collectors. The tech is fast and can be useful in narrow cases, but it is not a replacement for real people. If you want real insight, you still need to watch real users. This post explores where synthetic interviews help and where they quietly fall apart.

In this post, I reflect on the first chapter of David Epstein’s Range and what it reveals about human advantage in an AI-driven world. Drawing from Kasparov’s concept of freestyle chess, I explore why those who can coach AI rather than compete with it are positioned to thrive. As a generalist, this helped clarify what I’ve long felt: that broad thinking, strategic judgment, and adaptability are amplified, not replaced, by AI.

In this post, I reflect on the first chapter of David Epstein’s Range and what it reveals about human advantage in an AI-driven world. Drawing from Kasparov’s concept of freestyle chess, I explore why those who can coach AI rather than compete with it are positioned to thrive. As a generalist, this helped clarify what I’ve long felt: that broad thinking, strategic judgment, and adaptability are amplified, not replaced, by AI.

Explores the quiet tension between AI and intellectual property law. Questions whether current systems truly protect creators or simply preserve corporate control. Invites a deeper look at who gets to claim moral authority in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Explores the quiet tension between AI and intellectual property law. Questions whether current systems truly protect creators or simply preserve corporate control. Invites a deeper look at who gets to claim moral authority in a rapidly shifting landscape.

In a world where AI and digital tools redefine creation, the myth of “pure art” is unraveling. This post explores how attention has always been the true driver of value, not just skill or craft. From Da Vinci to Van Gogh, history shows that exposure and recognition elevate art more than the act of creation itself. As AI and NFTs shift the landscape, we must reckon with the new reality—attention matters more than we’ve ever wanted to admit.

In a world where AI and digital tools redefine creation, the myth of “pure art” is unraveling. This post explores how attention has always been the true driver of value, not just skill or craft. From Da Vinci to Van Gogh, history shows that exposure and recognition elevate art more than the act of creation itself. As AI and NFTs shift the landscape, we must reckon with the new reality—attention matters more than we’ve ever wanted to admit.

As AI automates routine tasks, early-career roles are not disappearing. They are being reshaped. This piece explores how the middle of the job ladder is compressing, pushing junior workers into more complex responsibilities without traditional support structures. Drawing on historical parallels, it argues that AI raises the floor rather than eliminates it, and calls for new systems of training and mentorship to meet the moment.

As AI automates routine tasks, early-career roles are not disappearing. They are being reshaped. This piece explores how the middle of the job ladder is compressing, pushing junior workers into more complex responsibilities without traditional support structures. Drawing on historical parallels, it argues that AI raises the floor rather than eliminates it, and calls for new systems of training and mentorship to meet the moment.

As AI tools become more accessible, some fear the loss of skill and craft. But what if the opposite is happening? This piece explores how AI might be raising the baseline, pushing creators to develop deeper expertise, and how widespread access can actually increase appreciation for refined, intentional work. In a world of mass creation, craft, skill, and artistry may not disappear—they may become more valuable than ever.

As AI tools become more accessible, some fear the loss of skill and craft. But what if the opposite is happening? This piece explores how AI might be raising the baseline, pushing creators to develop deeper expertise, and how widespread access can actually increase appreciation for refined, intentional work. In a world of mass creation, craft, skill, and artistry may not disappear—they may become more valuable than ever.

AI is rapidly reshaping our world, altering how we think, create, and engage with technology. What began as a niche pursuit in the 1970s ...

AI is rapidly reshaping our world, altering how we think, create, and engage with technology. What began as a niche pursuit in the 1970s ...

Back when I was working in book publishing, I saw firsthand how technology reshaped the industry. In 2006, blogging and social media star...

Back when I was working in book publishing, I saw firsthand how technology reshaped the industry. In 2006, blogging and social media star...

Some think AI is as transformative to human industry as the industrial revolution was to the agrarian economy. But I see this as more sci...

Some think AI is as transformative to human industry as the industrial revolution was to the agrarian economy. But I see this as more sci...