As artificial intelligence technology accelerates its integration into nearly every aspect of modern life, a pressing question emerges: Should society be concerned or even fearful about the expanding role of generative AI? This inquiry lies at the heart of journalist Karen Hao's New York Times bestselling book, Empire of AI, which delivers a compelling examination of OpenAI's evolution and the broader implications of AI proliferation.
A Call for Skepticism Over Fear
Karen Hao, a distinguished MIT graduate and former Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in AI coverage, advocates for a proactive stance rather than succumbing to paralysis through fear. She emphasizes that public skepticism should be directed toward the corporations and individuals behind today's most prominent generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT.
"We should absolutely be skeptical of the companies and the people behind the technologies that are most popular today," Hao asserts. "We should be doing the opposite of just being scared and paralyzed. We should be thinking strategically about how we can assert our agency and push back."
The Evolution of OpenAI
Hao's reporting journey began in 2019 with her coverage of OpenAI, culminating in the May 2025 publication of Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI. The book traces OpenAI's transformation from its original presentation as a nonprofit entity dedicated to assisting humanity into what it has become: an immensely valuable for-profit technology generating significant societal impacts across multiple domains.
These impacts span mental health concerns, environmental consequences, and political ramifications, raising critical questions about whether technological advancement is being prioritized over human welfare. The rapid expansion of AI capabilities has left many wondering where appropriate safeguards exist amid growing apprehension that technology leaders may value profit above people.
Public Agency and Resistance
Despite the daunting influence wielded by billionaire tech executives who have cultivated substantial political favor, Hao maintains that surrender is not a viable option. She points to specific instances where public mobilization has successfully countered legislative attempts to curtail AI regulation.
"There's actually a perfect example of an instance in which people took agency and blocked this from happening," explains Hao, who is based in Hong Kong. "Trump tried this twice, and in both cases, it was hugely unpopular and it failed to pass Congress. And part of the reason was because people were calling their lawmakers like crazy, saying absolutely not. You should not be voting yes on this bill."
Subsequent efforts have included legal actions against technology companies and increased pressure on legislators to implement child safety regulations, demonstrating that citizen engagement can effect meaningful change.
Educational Outreach and Public Discourse
Beyond her writing, Hao contributes to journalistic education through the Pulitzer Spotlight Series, training fellow reporters on effective AI coverage. She will further this dialogue through a public conversation with acclaimed writer Naomi Klein at the University of British Columbia's Chan Centre on March 12 at 7:30 p.m., an event that promises to deepen public understanding of AI's complex landscape.
Hao's work ultimately challenges readers to move beyond apprehension and toward informed, strategic engagement with the forces shaping our technological future. By examining both the promises and perils of generative AI, Empire of AI provides a crucial framework for navigating an increasingly automated world with both caution and agency.
