After reading the article Anatomy of AI and reviewing the related infographic, I was impressed by the vast information infrastructure behind a single product. It made me reflect on this question: when consumers purchase a smart speaker and as we strive to develop artificial intelligence, who is truly serving whom?

On the surface, consumers purchase an AI speaker, but beneath this simple product lies a complex web of global supply chains, resource extraction, labor exploitation, environmental pollution, data development, and capitalist structures. The materials used in chips and batteries often involve the extraction of rare minerals, accompanied by harsh labor and environmental impacts. Moreover, the transportation and manufacturing of these products result in significant carbon emissions and environmental costs. This invisible infrastructure goes far beyond the visible technology.

The concept of “extractivism” mentioned in the article is particularly thought-provoking. Extractivism involves not only extracting raw materials from nature but also extracting value from labor and data. Consumers in AI products play a dual role: they are both users and part of the labor force. While enjoying the convenience of AI, they are also a resource, helping companies like Amazon train their neural networks and databases. AI serves us, but we also serve AI.

Anatomy of AI further exposes the hidden layers of information systems, especially how tech giants use user data for commercial gain. In invisible infrastructure's project: online tracking, companies extract data from every click and interaction, which is sold to third parties. The real beneficiaries of these processes are the few who control the data flows.

Overall, beneath the surface of information infrastructure lie deep social and economic issues that demand serious reflection.