Bookmark: If You’re Not On The Table, You’re On The Menu: The AI Revolution

The article “If You’re Not On The Table, You’re On The Menu: The AI Revolution” by Sarim Nadeem examines the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society and illustrates the dichotomy between those shaping AI technologies and those who are subject to its impacts. Nadeem uses the metaphor of being “on the table” versus “on the menu” to distinguish between active participants, such as policymakers and tech leaders who direct AI’s evolution, and passive individuals who endure AI’s consequences without input. The article argues that a small, privileged group currently influences AI development and society-wide deployment, leaving many marginalized. Those “on the menu” include workers vulnerable to automation, businesses stagnant in AI adoption, and consumers unwittingly affected by AI-driven processes. To shift roles, Nadeem advocates for steps like investing in AI literacy to broaden understanding, advocating for ethical development to counter biases and privacy issues, and fostering inclusive AI ecosystems for equitable representation. Acknowledging the swift progression of AI, the article emphasizes the necessity for collective action to ensure that AI serves the whole of humanity rather than merely advantaging a select few. By promoting an ethically engaged and broadly informed approach to AI, the piece concludes that society can better govern its trajectory and mitigate potential harms If You’re Not On The Table, You’re On The Menu: The AI Revolution