Cory Doctorow’s new book, The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI, explores the downsides of AI and its impact on society. Doctorow argues that the AI industry is creating ‘reverse centaurs’, where humans serve as peripherals to machines, rather than being augmented by them. This shift can lead to job losses and increased accountability for humans, as seen in the medical field where AI is being used to replace radiologists. Why it matters: the proliferation of AI could fundamentally change the way we work and live, making it essential to consider the consequences of relying on automation.