Lies, Damn Lies, and AI

• Bambenek's new book, Lies, Damn Lies, and AI, explores how AI’s promise is often overstated — especially when it’s portrayed as a magical black box that can solve any problem.

• Title is inspired by the classic quote about misleading statistics — now updated for the AI era.

• AI is valuable only when paired with human professionals, not when left on its own.

• Example: AI can help doctors detect anomalies on X-rays, but only a human can make complex medical judgments.

• The lie: That AI will replace doctors, when in reality it augments them.

• Bambenek argues that AI amplifies misinformation at scale, and platforms aren’t prepared to filter it properly.

• AI-generated content (deepfakes, fake articles, fake studies) can erode trust faster than any disinformation campaign in history.

• AI tools are now helping hackers, not just defenders.

• Script kiddies can launch sophisticated attacks without understanding the code.

• A new arms race is underway: AI vs. AI in cybersecurity.

• Venture capital and corporate hype often exaggerate what AI can do, leading to wasted money, broken products, and dangerous expectations.

• The idea of “general AI taking over everything” is a misleading narrative pushed for clicks and funding.

• Bambenek advocates for “explainable AI” — if an algorithm makes a decision, we should understand why.

• Black-box systems being deployed in legal, medical, or hiring decisions are a major red flag.

“AI doesn’t replace expertise. It amplifies it — or it amplifies ignorance if you’re not careful.” – John Bambenek “There’s nothing more dangerous than trusting a machine you don’t understand.” – Mark Fidelman

• Book: Lies, Damn Lies, and AI by John Bambenek – Available on Amazon

• Guest: John Bambenek on LinkedIn