Worldcon, a prestigious sci-fi convention, recently faced criticism after using a large language model to select panelists for its Seattle 2025 event. Organizers clarified that they utilized AI to streamline the vetting process for over 1,300 applicants, aiming to automate lengthy online searches. While they implemented human review controls to mitigate potential errors, the decision sparked significant backlash from the community. Critics highlighted AI's historical inaccuracy and environmental impact, voicing concerns over a potential decline in quality due to reliance on technology in such an esteemed event.
In a statement about the planning for Seattle Worldcon 2025 later this summer, convention organizers admitted they turned to a large language model (LLM) to select which panelists to program.
The staffers explain that they placed some controls on the LLM, including human review, acknowledging that generative AI "can be unreliable."
They note that an expert working in the LLM field found that Worldcon's controls would protect applicants' privacy, but warned that the "process might return false results."
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