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deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·Jul 6·5 min read
A Speed Limit for Computers
TL;DR
A gap exists where increased computing power does not lead to greater autonomy for users. Ivan Illich's concept of marginal disutility of energy suggests that beyond a certain point, more energy leads to negative returns.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers should prioritize equitable access to technology to avoid concentrating power and control.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate energy use impacts on equity in technology.
- Design systems that promote user autonomy and access.
- Consider Illich's theories in modern computing contexts.
- Analyze how speed and efficiency affect user experience.
Full Summary
In the context of the computing revolutions from the 70s to the 90s, a significant shift occurred where increased computing power began to limit user autonomy. Ivan Illich's 1973 essay 'Energy and Equity' introduced the idea of marginal disutility, stating that beyond a certain threshold of energy consumption, benefits diminish and inequity increases.
He illustrated this with traffic dynamics, arguing that higher speeds create distances that benefit only a few while isolating others. This concept can be applied to modern computing, where advancements may lead to centralized control rather than empowering users.
The implications suggest that engineers and researchers should consider the societal impacts of their technologies, ensuring that increased power does not come at the cost of equity.