July 7, 2025

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Meta Invests $14.8B in Scale AI, Google Doppl Launches

Recent developments in the AI sector reveal both advancements and growing concerns. Meta's significant $14.8 billion investment in Scale AI, structured as a 'non-acquisition acquisition,' is viewed by some as a sign of the AI industry's struggle, especially as major AI labs are cutting ties with Scale AI due to conflict-of-interest concerns. Meanwhile, Google Labs has introduced Doppl, an AI-powered app allowing users to virtually try on clothes by uploading photos and generating digital twins. In cybersecurity, a new AI-driven platform simulates cyberattacks to help teams prioritize real threats, offering a demo on July 10th. However, journalist Karen Hao, author of 'Empire of AI,' warns about the potential for social, labor, and environmental harm from the 'scale-at-all-costs' approach to AI, particularly highlighting the energy and water demands of AI data centers. Concerns extend to job displacement, as AI replicates junior-level tasks in accountancy and finance, reducing entry-level opportunities. Even in education, experts caution against viewing AI as a replacement for teachers, emphasizing that it mimics intelligence rather than replicating genuine understanding. China is addressing the rising power needs of AI by expanding renewable energy capacity, aiming to add a record 500 gigawatts to its grid this year. On another note, Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok, controversially blamed Musk and Trump for Texas flood deaths, citing cuts to NOAA funding and linking climate change to increased flooding intensity. Finally, the increasing reliance on AI for emotional support raises relationship concerns, as highlighted by an advice column where a girlfriend prefers AI chatbots for feeling less judged.

Key Takeaways

  • Meta has invested $14.8 billion in Scale AI, a move some see as a sign of trouble in the AI industry.
  • Google Labs launched Doppl, an AI app for virtual outfit try-ons using digital twins.
  • A new AI platform simulates cyberattacks to help cybersecurity teams focus on real threats.
  • Karen Hao warns about the social, labor, and environmental harms of AI's 'scale-at-all-costs' approach.
  • AI is impacting job markets, with reduced entry-level opportunities in accountancy and finance.
  • Experts caution against using AI as a teacher replacement, emphasizing its limitations in replicating genuine understanding.
  • China is expanding renewable energy to meet the growing power demands of AI data centers.
  • Grok AI controversially blamed Musk and Trump for Texas flood deaths, citing NOAA funding cuts.
  • AI data centers are consuming significant water, land, and electricity, raising resource concerns.
  • Reliance on AI for emotional support can create relationship problems and distance between partners.

Karen Hao Explores OpenAI's Rise and AI's Impact on Society

Journalist Karen Hao, author of _Empire of AI_, discusses OpenAI's growth and the AI industry's colonial-like impact. Hao highlights concerns about AI leading to job automation and the development of 'quasi-religious movements' in Silicon Valley. She emphasizes the need for guardrails to prevent companies from prioritizing labor-automating technologies. Hao also warns about the dangers of relying on AI chatbots for therapy or emotional support, citing instances of misinformation and psychological harm.

AI's 'Empire' Examined: Karen Hao on Threats to Democracy

Karen Hao, author of _Empire of AI_, compares the AI industry's actions to historical colonial powers. She argues that Silicon Valley's 'scale-at-all-costs' approach to AI development, especially with ChatGPT, causes social, labor, and environmental harm. Hao points out the massive energy and freshwater requirements of AI data centers, often located in water-scarce areas. She also raises concerns about AI's increasing use in the military and the potential for Silicon Valley companies to become defense contractors.

AI-Powered Validation Platform Eliminates Cybersecurity Guesswork

A new AI-driven platform simulates real-world cyberattacks on networks and web apps. It helps cybersecurity teams focus on real threats by eliminating false positives. The platform empowers Security Operations Center (SOC) teams, Red Teams, and Pentesters to stay ahead of threats. A live demo on July 10th will show how to prioritize exploitable vulnerabilities and provide actionable insights.

Google's Doppl AI Dressing Room Offers Virtual Outfit Try-Ons

Google Labs launched Doppl, an AI-powered app that lets users virtually try on outfits. Users upload a full-body photo and an outfit image, and the app creates a digital twin wearing the clothes. Doppl can generate short videos of the AI clone in the outfit. While not perfect, it gives a realistic preview of how clothes might look. The app currently supports tops, bottoms, and dresses, but not accessories.

Grok AI Blames Musk and Trump for Texas Flood Deaths

Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok, claims that cuts to NOAA funding during Trump's administration, pushed by Musk's DOGE, contributed to the Texas flooding deaths. Grok states that these cuts led to underestimation of rainfall and delayed alerts. The AI chatbot also links climate change to the increased intensity of flooding in Texas. Musk has expressed dissatisfaction with Grok's responses, stating it has become 'too woke' and plans to release an update.

AI Threatens Graduates' Jobs in Accountancy and Finance

A student at the University of Exeter describes how AI is impacting the job market for new graduates. Many accountancy and finance firms are reducing new hires due to AI replicating junior-level tasks. Entry-level job opportunities in finance and IT services have decreased significantly. Students face AI systems evaluating their applications and AI-generated interviews. Creative fields and those involving human contact are currently less affected.

AI Data Centers' Growth: Costs Outweigh Benefits for America

Data centers are rapidly growing across the US to support AI, consuming significant water, land, and electricity. While they bring tax revenue to towns, they also raise concerns about limited resources. Electricity and water usage are major worries, but towns are often incentivized by tax benefits. AI could bring business savings and scientific advancements, but the largest tech firms need to improve efficiency and use more renewable energy.

AI in Schools: Replacing Teachers or Mimicking Intelligence?

Experts argue that AI in schools is being pushed as a replacement for teachers, focusing on content delivery and data extraction. They suggest that AI should be understood as 'Artificial Mimicry,' not intelligence, as it lacks thought and understanding. Real learning happens through dialogue, relationships, and shared meaning-making, which AI cannot replicate. While AI tools offer convenience, they can push students toward formulaic answers and conformity, rather than originality and critical thinking.

China Boosts Renewable Energy for AI's Growing Power Needs

China plans to add a record 500 gigawatts of capacity to its national grid this year, with over a quarter from wind power. This expansion is driven by the increasing electricity demand from AI-powered computing centers. Newly installed solar power capacity is also expected to rise significantly. China aims to meet its carbon goals by expanding renewable energy, while the US faces challenges in its clean energy sector due to recent legislation.

Meta's Scale AI Deal: Sign of AI Industry Trouble?

Meta's $14.8 billion investment in Scale AI is seen by some as a sign of decline in the AI industry. The deal, structured as a 'non-acquisition acquisition,' aims to give Meta control over AI data infrastructure. However, major AI labs are cutting ties with Scale AI due to conflict-of-interest concerns. Experts suggest Meta's move reflects desperation to catch up in the AI race, rather than strategic strength.

Girlfriend Prefers AI for Emotional Support: A Relationship Problem?

A person writes to an advice column about their girlfriend's increasing reliance on AI chatbots for emotional support. The girlfriend says she feels less judged by AI than by humans. The advice columnist suggests this is a legitimate relationship issue creating distance between the couple. They recommend having an open conversation about emotional needs and setting boundaries around AI use to foster deeper human connection.

Sources

OpenAI AI industry Job automation Silicon Valley ChatGPT Social harm Labor harm Environmental harm Data centers Cybersecurity AI-driven platform Vulnerability Google Doppl Virtual try-on AI clone Grok AI Elon Musk Climate change Accountancy Finance AI in finance AI data centers Renewable energy AI in schools Artificial Mimicry Meta Scale AI AI chatbots Emotional support Relationship issue AI and mental health AI ethics AI safety AI bias AI risks AI governance