May 2026 blend of links
Forgive the higher-than-usual rate of direct quotes from these links, which replace a few regular comments, but as you can see, there is a general theme in my recent readings. Even though I’m trying to avoid focusing on it in these monthly collections of links, the theme is so rich, so complex and consequential (and fascinating in many ways), that I’m still not really sure what to think about all this and what I can add to these excellent takes.
❧
Your CEO is suffering from A.I. psychosis, by Jake Handy – “An agent without a spec is a random text generator with a budget.” A lot of quotable and relatable parts in this excellent, insightful column.
The Majority A.I. View, by Anil Dash – “One of the reasons we don't hear about this most popular, moderate view on A.I. within the tech industry is because people are afraid to say it. Mid-level managers and individual workers who know this is the common-sense view on A.I. are concerned that simply saying that they think A.I. is a normal technology like any other, and should be subject to the same critiques and controls, and be viewed with the same skepticism and care, fear for their careers.”
The Rise of the Bullshittery, by マリウス (Marius) – “A few thoughts on how the modern economy has stopped rewarding people who know what they are doing, and started rewarding people who know how to look like they do.”
Do I belong in tech anymore? by Ky Decker – “What I’ve gained from A.I. is a deeper appreciation for human communication, in all its messy imperfection.” (via Kottke)
Your A.I. Use Is Breaking My Brain, by Jason Koebler – “Our brains are now performing untold numbers of calculations per day: Is this A.I.? Do I care if it’s A.I.? Why does this sound or look or read so weird? Does this person just write like this? Is this a person at all?”
Craft is Untouchable, by Christopher Butler – “And that’s the risk with collapsing skills into tools. I won’t always be there to do the thing I do. Inferior designs will ship. That’s bad. But what’s worse—the thing that really stings most designers’ egos—is that most people won’t even notice.”
Software as the Product of Obsession Times Voice, by John Gruber – “It’s one thing to make something poorly designed and shrug on the grounds that it doesn’t matter. It’s another thing to make something poorly designed and hold it up as good design.”
“The Biggest Android Update Ever”, by MKBHD – Reading the comments section of this video — which I usually avoid doing at all costs on YouTube — was very revealing of the world we live in: companies pushing A.I. everywhere to please investors, but a sizeable number of users from the general public seem to be genuinely annoyed by it. I also really like this new-ish column-like video format from MKBHD (Marques, if you’re reading this, please consider adding a good old blog next to your YouTube channels and podcast?)
Hyperduck, by Sindre Sorhus – Another excellent little utility from Sindre Sorhus: this one forces me to use open tabs on my Mac as my read-later list, rather than saving the link somewhere, only to forget about it. (via Loren Stephens)
Patricia, I Went on Holiday – Every now and then, I listen to Patricia and their specific bass-deep techno music that sounds like nothing else I know (my fave being Sick Day). This song, not featured on an album, is great, but the fan-made video is very well made and it’s a nice window into the early 90s. I do need to go on holiday.