Mark Zuckerberg has published his latest manifesto, this time on personal superintelligence. Despite the excitement about these “personal tutors” and “superintelligent lawyers,” it’s hard to shake off the feeling that AI is merely serving as a convenient excuse for not admitting past mistakes.

The essay is riddled with generalities that sound reassuring until you consider the practical implications. For instance, Zuckerberg envisions a future where everyone has access to personalized education tools. Yet, these same tools are already being misused by students bypassing homework and assignments – exactly what might happen if such technology becomes ubiquitous.

His examples of how AI will supposedly improve society, like ensuring fair legal representation, gloss over the complexities and potential downsides. The reality is that even with the best intentions, unintended consequences can arise, exacerbating existing problems rather than solving them.

The real issue, it seems, isn’t whether AI can become a force for good – it’s how we ensure those in power, like Zuckerberg himself, don't use this technology to reinforce their control and avoid accountability. Perhaps the essay should focus less on what tech can do and more on why people doubt its benevolence.

Despite his enthusiasm, Zuckerberg’s refusal to acknowledge past issues and current misuses of AI only serves to fuel public distrust. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break when those in charge keep downplaying the very real concerns of their users.