Review of Terms of Service
Posted: 01 Mar 2023, 05:57
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
Terms of Service: Subject to Change without Notice echoes classic Dystopian novels, with a still clear link to the world as we currently known it - Almost three centuries in the future, we follow Kim through her life in a world strictly controlled by artificial intelligence. There is no aspect of life that isn't controlled and regulated - entertainment, relationships, even the way in which people speak.
Kim, our main character, is a talented AI trainer who for the most part is an upstanding citizen of this dystopian society. A series of unfortunate infractions started by Kim's agreement to go on a bike ride with a friend results not in punishment as Kim expected, but instead a new job. This new job has more responsibility, more rewards, and creates more questions for Kim. We join Kim as she struggles with consolidating her individuality and self-discovery with the deeper knowledge she gains about the world she lives in.
The writing style is effortless to read. Sentences flow easily, and with the exception of some of Kim's overly enthusiastic inner monologue at the beginning, is easy to engage with. An aspect of dystopian reads is always picking up on new vocabulary and slang words - and this book has enough to keep you interested, but not enough to make it unreadable or difficult to follow.
The character development throughout was excellent, and while some may find it difficult to relate to Kim's easy compliance at the beginning of the story - I think people would be surprised how easily you can fall into the rules and routines set by others. Covid lockdowns provided a perfect example - they went from being shocking, unprecedented events to the new normal. A switch to an AI controlled society would be a dramatic change if you lived through it, but if it's all you've known, then why would you have any cause to fight for anything more? I enjoyed the way Kim's own beliefs were challenged and the challenge of self-discovery this then set. Keeping it spoiler free, I can also confirm that there's an interesting twist for Kim later in the book that touches on common philosophical questions related to AI, and what makes a human, human.
I do wish that there was more history of the society within the book - I was so intrigued and wished there was more information on the "how" as well as the "why". I also do have to admit that there is an element of predictability to the story - but this is more due to the typical premise and plot lines of most dystopian books. It's difficult to create an entirely new storyline based on an oppressive and all-seeing society. With that being said, the entire concept is a cleverly built take on what would happen if we continue on the trajectory we're currently on with tech, AI and personal privacy and this was a really interesting series of thoughts to keep in mind while reading. Technology is incredible, and has such a huge impact on every day living - but at what cost?
I would give this book a solid four out of five stars - I really enjoyed it, and will likely read it again in the future. I'll also pick up the next book as I want to see what happens next.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dystopian future book, and for anyone who has any interest in the future of AI and machine learning - or the moral, philosophical and ethical implications of the AI in the future. It was an excellent read and I think is well worth picking up.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service: Subject to Change without Notice echoes classic Dystopian novels, with a still clear link to the world as we currently known it - Almost three centuries in the future, we follow Kim through her life in a world strictly controlled by artificial intelligence. There is no aspect of life that isn't controlled and regulated - entertainment, relationships, even the way in which people speak.
Kim, our main character, is a talented AI trainer who for the most part is an upstanding citizen of this dystopian society. A series of unfortunate infractions started by Kim's agreement to go on a bike ride with a friend results not in punishment as Kim expected, but instead a new job. This new job has more responsibility, more rewards, and creates more questions for Kim. We join Kim as she struggles with consolidating her individuality and self-discovery with the deeper knowledge she gains about the world she lives in.
The writing style is effortless to read. Sentences flow easily, and with the exception of some of Kim's overly enthusiastic inner monologue at the beginning, is easy to engage with. An aspect of dystopian reads is always picking up on new vocabulary and slang words - and this book has enough to keep you interested, but not enough to make it unreadable or difficult to follow.
The character development throughout was excellent, and while some may find it difficult to relate to Kim's easy compliance at the beginning of the story - I think people would be surprised how easily you can fall into the rules and routines set by others. Covid lockdowns provided a perfect example - they went from being shocking, unprecedented events to the new normal. A switch to an AI controlled society would be a dramatic change if you lived through it, but if it's all you've known, then why would you have any cause to fight for anything more? I enjoyed the way Kim's own beliefs were challenged and the challenge of self-discovery this then set. Keeping it spoiler free, I can also confirm that there's an interesting twist for Kim later in the book that touches on common philosophical questions related to AI, and what makes a human, human.
I do wish that there was more history of the society within the book - I was so intrigued and wished there was more information on the "how" as well as the "why". I also do have to admit that there is an element of predictability to the story - but this is more due to the typical premise and plot lines of most dystopian books. It's difficult to create an entirely new storyline based on an oppressive and all-seeing society. With that being said, the entire concept is a cleverly built take on what would happen if we continue on the trajectory we're currently on with tech, AI and personal privacy and this was a really interesting series of thoughts to keep in mind while reading. Technology is incredible, and has such a huge impact on every day living - but at what cost?
I would give this book a solid four out of five stars - I really enjoyed it, and will likely read it again in the future. I'll also pick up the next book as I want to see what happens next.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dystopian future book, and for anyone who has any interest in the future of AI and machine learning - or the moral, philosophical and ethical implications of the AI in the future. It was an excellent read and I think is well worth picking up.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes