12 Bytes: How We Got Here. Where We Might Go Next (Hardcover)

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A ‘BOOKS OF 2021’ PICK IN THE GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES AND EVENING STANDARD

Twelve bytes. Twelve eye-opening, mind-expanding, funny and provocative essays on the implications of artificial intelligence for the way we live and the way we love – from Sunday Times best-selling author Jeanette Winterson.

An original, and entertaining new book from Jeanette Winterson, drawing on her years of thinking about and reading about Artificial Intelligence in its bewildering manifestations.

She looks to history, religion, myth, literature, the politics of race and gender and of course, computing science, to help us understand the radical changes to the way we live and love that are happening now.

When we create non-biological life-forms, will we do so in our image? Or will we accept the once-in-a-species opportunity to remake ourselves in their image?

What do love, caring, sex and attachment look like when humans form connections with non-human helpers teachers, sex-workers and companions? And what will happen to our deep-rooted assumptions about gender?

Will the physical body that is our home soon be enhanced by biological and neural implants, keeping us fitter, younger, and connected? Is it time to join Elon Musk and leave Planet Earth?

With wit, compassion and curiosity, Winterson tackles AI’s most interesting talking points, from the algorithms that data-dossier your whole life, to the weirdness of backing up your brain.