Mid-Western Regional Council Library

Book Review
'The new age of s*xism' by Laura Bates
IS THE AI REVOLUTION REINVENTING MISOGYNY?
AI is here, bringing a seismic shift in the way society operates. Might this mean a future reimagined on equitable terms for women and marginalised groups everywhere? Not unless it's fought for. At present, power remains largely in the hands of a few rich, privileged, caucasian men. New AI-driven technologies, with misogyny baked into their design, are putting women in danger, their rights and safety sacrificed at the altar of profitability and reckless speed, according to Sunday Times bestselling author and campaigner Laura Bates

In The new age of s*xism, Bates takes us deep into the heart of this rapidly evolving world. She explores the metaverse, confronts deepfake po*******hy, travels to cyber brothels, tests chatbots, and hears from schools in the grip of online s*xual abuse, showing how our lives – from education to work, s*x to entertainment – are being infiltrated by easily accessible technologies that are changing the way we live and love. What she finds is a wild west where existing forms of discrimination, inequality and harassment are being coded into the future we will all have little choice about living in – unless we seize this moment to demand change.

The positive implications of AI have long been heralded by many. Until recently few opposed its integration into our current way of life - except perhaps those who may have watched Terminator (and other similar offerings) a few more times than the average person. As Laura Bates was writing this book, questions about the impact on creatives, and the potential environmental impacts, and harm to human health (especially for those living near to large data centres), were starting to hit the mainstream media. But little time and attention was being given to the subject of her book. Since its release that has definitely changed. The implications of AI chatbots and Large Language Models such as Grok, being used to alter images of women and children has been central in global news coverage in the past weeks. It proves Bates' point about how quickly this technology is being rolled out, and that it is affecting society in ways which weren't considered, or were brushed aside during development. While slightly repetitive in parts, Bate's book is potentially eye-opening for many, and it exposes a phenomenon that society cannot afford to overlook anymore.

It may not be possible to call this book a good read, but it's an important one, raising questions that need to be asked and addressed. It is available from the Library in print format. We rate this book 4.5 stars. Access it at: https://bit.ly/4phb7VG

🖤💛❤️ NAIDOC Week ❤️💛🖤

"Here is the land, here is the sky, here are my friends, and here am I."

This is the Acknowledgement of Country we share at our Storytimes. A simple reminder to pause, reflect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather.

This NAIDOC Week, we invite you to explore stories that celebrate the histories, cultures, achievements and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Visit your local library to browse our NAIDOC Week book displays, featuring titles for children, young adults and adults. Whether you're discovering a new author or deepening your understanding, there's something for every reader.

📚 We hope you'll visit your local library this week and discover a story that inspires learning, reflection and connection.

Edit: We're happy to report that the power has been restored.

The Kandos branch library is currently closed due to an unplanned power outage.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

As of our most recent update power is still available at the Rylstone branch, should you need to access a pc, print or photocopy.