All Episodes

October 15, 2024 35 mins


As AI models grow larger and more powerful, they promise incredible capabilities — but at what cost? 

Karen Hao is a journalist and former engineer who writes about the impact of artificial intelligence on society for The Atlantic and other top publications. 


On this episode of CRAFTED., we discuss whether the largest AI models are worth their hefty footprint: They consume massive amounts of electricity and water and Karen argues that smaller models better balance cost vs. benefit. 


Karen will also provide a view of AI from outside — far outside — Silicon Valley. She’s reported on AI from across the Global South and we’ll hear about the fight over data centers in Chile, how New Zealand’s Maori people are using AI to preserve their indigenous language, and why it’s a problem that AI can speak any language, but can only really be policed in a few.

Key Moments:

  • (01:51) - - The view of AI from the Global South
  • (04:08) - - Data centers are thirsty and their benefit is unclear to locals in Chile (and elsewhere)
  • (09:16) - - GenAI is English-first: Why it’s not as safe in other languages
  • (12:12) - - Why some activists call AI a new form of “colonialism”
  • (14:50) - - Indigenous communities innovating with AI
  • (17:46) - - The case for smaller AI models
  • (19:40) - - Why open source AI is so important
  • (25:09) - - AI and the environmental impact: Karen’s reporting on Microsoft’s “hypocrisy”
  • (28:40) - - Are big AI models worth the cost?
  • (34:56) - - How Karen trains journalists to cover AI

Where to find Karen:

Articles Mentioned:


Where to find Dan Blumberg:

CRAFTED. is produced by Modern Product Minds, where CRAFTED. host Dan Blumberg and team can help you take a new product from zero to one... and beyond. We specialize in early stage product discovery, growth, and experimentation. Learn more at modernproductminds.com 


Subscribe to CRAFTED., follow the show, and sign up for the newsletter 👉 crafted.fm

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.