Artificial stupidity

Public debate about AI is dominated by Frankenstein Syndrome, the fear that will become superhuman and escape human control. Though superintelligence theoretically possible, it distracts from a more pressing problem: rise of Artificial Stupidity (AS). This article discusses cultural roots provides conceptual framework for evaluating stupidity artificial agents. It then identifies an alternative literary tradition exposes perils benefits AS. In writings Edmund Spenser, Jonathan Swift E.T.A. Hoffmann, ASs replace, enslave or delude their users. More optimistically, Joseph Furphy Laurence Sterne imagine can augment intelligence serving as maps pipes. These writers provide strong counternarrative to myths currently drive debate. They identify ways even stupid agents thwart aims, demonstrate social scientific value texts.