Artificial intelligence and the discourse around it often cause rather visceral emotional responses. For some, it’s fear at the thought of sentient computers taking over the world. For others, hope — that a world where computers take care of all of our problems could be within reach.

Either way, at the moment, AI tools are more of a plaything for users. And The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson says these time-wasting uses of AI are actually a key piece of any technological development. He joins Scott Tong for more.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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