Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine
 | |
| Author | Hannah Fry |
|---|---|
| Original title | Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of Machine |
| Translator | Sigrid Schmid |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Algorithms, artificial intelligence, technology and society |
| Genre | Nonfiction, popular science |
| Publisher | Transworld Publishers (UK), Black Swan (imprint) |
Publication date | 6 September 2018 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback), eBook, audiobook |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 9781784163068 |
Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine is a book on the growing influence of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) on human life, authored by mathematician and science communicator Hannah Fry. The book examines how algorithms are increasingly shaping decisions in critical areas such as healthcare, transportation, justice, finance, and the arts.
Overview
[edit]Fry uses real-world examples, such as driverless cars and predictive policing, to illustrate her points. She emphasizes that algorithms are not inherently objective; they reflect biases embedded in their design and data inputs. While acknowledging their potential to improve efficiency and accuracy, Fry cautions against over-reliance on machines without human judgment.[1]
Fry explores moral questions surrounding algorithmic decision-making, such as whether machines can replace human empathy in critical situations.[2] She advocates for greater scrutiny of algorithms to ensure fairness and avoid harmful biases. The book proposes a "cyborg future", where humans work alongside algorithms to enhance decision-making while retaining ultimate control.[3]
Reception
[edit]Hello World has been praised for its clarity, engaging storytelling, and balanced perspective. Critics have highlighted Fry's ability to make complex topics accessible to general audiences while raising important questions about technology's impact on society.[3][4]
The book was shortlisted for awards such as the 2018 Baillie Gifford Prize and the Royal Society Science Book Prize.[5][6]
References
[edit]- ^ Fry, Hannah (2019). Hello world: how to be human in the age of the machine (Black Swan ed.). London: Black Swan. ISBN 978-1-78416-306-8.
- ^ Hello World by Hannah Fry. ISBN 978-1-78416-306-8.
- ^ a b Cox, Rebecca (2019-12-26). "Books: Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine". British Journal of General Practice. 70 (690): 32.2–32. doi:10.3399/bjgp20x707621. ISSN 0960-1643. PMC 6919485.
- ^ "Hello World by Hannah Fry". kara.reviews. 2019-03-21. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ "2018 The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction". Baillie Gifford Prize. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ "Shortlist for The Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize 2018 revealed". royalsociety.org. Retrieved 2025-04-14.