A structured reference to the individuals shaping artificial intelligence across research, industry, governance, ethics, and public discourse. Curated as a resource for professionals navigating the AI landscape. For more see the full list at AI People.

Public Intellectuals, Critics, and Journalists

Gary Marcus | AI Critique, Hybrid Approaches | United States Cognitive scientist and persistent critic of deep learning limitations. Argues that current approaches cannot achieve robust AI without incorporating symbolic reasoning. His critiques provide counterweight to AI hype. Key works: "Rebooting AI" (2019), Substack commentary

Melanie Mitchell | Complexity, AI Limitations | United States Santa Fe Institute researcher whose clear explanations of AI capabilities and limitations help non-specialists understand the field. Her work on analogy and conceptual abstraction highlights gaps in current AI. Key works: "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" (2019)

Yuval Noah Harari | Historical Perspective, Human Agency | Israel Historian whose writings frame AI within long-term human history, examining how AI might reshape human agency, work, and meaning. His popular books reach audiences far beyond AI specialists. Key works: "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" (2018), AI commentary

Ted Chiang | Narrative, Cultural Critique | United States Science fiction writer whose stories explore AI's philosophical implications. His essays critiquing AI narratives (comparing ChatGPT to "a blurry JPEG of the web") provide memorable reframings that shape popular understanding. Key works: AI essays, science fiction exploring AI themes

Ethan Mollick | Practical AI, Workforce Impact | United States Wharton professor whose research and writing focus on how AI actually changes work. His practical guidance helps organisations adopt AI effectively rather than getting lost in hype or fear. Key works: "Co-Intelligence" (2024), applied AI research

Karen Hao | Investigative AI Journalism | United States Journalist who has investigated AI labour practices, facial recognition harms, and industry dynamics. Her reporting surfaces stories about AI's human costs that technical coverage often misses. Key works: MIT Technology Review reporting, AI investigations

Cade Metz | AI Industry Journalism | United States New York Times reporter who chronicled the modern AI era in "Genius Makers." His coverage tracks the personalities and corporate dynamics shaping AI development. Key works: "Genius Makers" (2021), NYT AI coverage

Kevin Roose | AI Impact, Popular Coverage | United States New York Times tech columnist whose coverage includes the viral conversation with Sydney/Bing. His writing makes AI developments accessible to general audiences. Key works: NYT columns, AI coverage

Ezra Klein | Long-Form Analysis, Policy | United States Journalist whose podcast interviews with AI researchers and policymakers provide detailed examinations of AI implications. His ability to draw out nuanced positions shapes informed public discourse. Key works: Ezra Klein Show interviews on AI

Zeynep Tufekci | Platforms, Society | United States Sociologist who analyses how platforms and recommendation systems shape society. Her work on algorithmic amplification and information flows informs understanding of AI's societal role. Key works: Platform analysis, algorithmic governance writing

Jaron Lanier | Tech Critique, Human Dignity | United States Virtual reality pioneer turned tech critic who argues for human dignity and against exploitative data practices. His concept of "data dignity" proposes alternatives to current AI training data economics. Key works: "Who Owns the Future?" (2013), tech humanism

Tristan Harris | Attention, Persuasive Technology | United States Former Google design ethicist who founded the Center for Humane Technology. His advocacy on attention manipulation and persuasive design informs concerns about AI recommendation systems. Key works: Center for Humane Technology, attention economy critique

How to Use This Directory

For research: Each entry includes key works and affiliations for deeper investigation.

For event planning: Filter by geographic base, domain, or public engagement experience.

For understanding the field: The categorisation reveals how different communities, from technical researchers, ethicists, policymakers, industry leaders all shape AI development.

For identifying perspectives: Note whose voices are included and whose might be missing from any particular AI conversation.

This directory is maintained as a resource for the AI age. Last updated: 2026.

Curated by Rahim Hirji for thesuperskills.com.

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