AI news covering the week of June 1, 2026
The AI Round-up: Year 4, Issue 19
Do you think AI companies are dialing back the doom and gloom? Me too.
Then I heard a comment on the most recent episode of The Artificial Intelligence Show – Paul said, of course they are. That’s what happens when you file for an IPO. (Episode 217)
Very interesting. This is a unique moment in a unique period – what’s the truth about the future of AI? Is it what they said then or what they say now?
Honestly, this is where I implore you to trust your gut. Not out of fear, but out of opportunity. Don’t lose sight of the goal now – keep working to be educated, informed and accelerated when it comes to AI literacy.
Let’s get to it.
From ‘Co-Intelligence’ to ‘Co-Existence’.
Ethan Mollick has announced a new book – Co-Existence, coming out in October. I’m pre-ordering it and I suggest you do too. He has been one of the most level-headed voices when it comes to existing with AI and I think there is going to be a lot to learn about our next phase from the author who has preached ‘human in the loop’ from the start.
Dispatches from the possibly last days of human relevance.
Nothing like a cheery title to get our attention!
Listen, I’m not going to pretend to understand this blog from theoretical computer scientist Scott Aaronson. But for some reason he reminds me of the guy in a disaster movie that is ignored, then brought into the White House to help solve the problem.
He’s writing about the fact we should stop using AI to solve/refute mathematics because of it’s impact on quantum everything, including keeping young minds from going into it or just abandoning it all together, Three Body Problem style.
Should we understand it? If you can, sure! Should we be aware of it? Absolutely.
What is recursive self-improvement?
Is it a fancy way of saying AI that builds itself?
Yes. And the implications for science and humanity are incredible. But the impact on our ability to ‘control’ AI or stop it from growing too fast are concerning.
Breaking news: So, should we be surprised?
Anthropic calls for global pause on AI development.
Microsoft has entered you into the world of the Claw.
Scout, from OpenClaw, will now be available to you on Microsoft365. It can access all of your files, information, etc. so you can build whatever you want. Question is…who owns it? You…or the company paying for your time and Microsoft subscription?
We have to make TWO sites now?
Apparently, if you believe The Economist, yes. One for AI to crawl and one for humans.
Meta and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week
Whoa. This is nuts:
Reddit, is that you?
Nope. It’s companies scamming AI by pumping a lot of their content onto Reddit. Blackhat AEO?
Good news! You can stop being so damn polite to AI!
No, really! It’s good for the planet.
Big news: Kevin Roose is coming to MAICON!
If you haven’t registered yet…now’s the time!
3 Nopes.
-Ben
As a reminder, this is a round-up of the biggest stories, often hitting multiple newsletters I receive/review. The sources are many … which I’m happy to read on your behalf. Let me know if there’s one you’d like me to track or have questions about a topic you’re not seeing here.