The Ironies of A^2 I^2

The Ironies of A^2 I^2 is a presentation by J. Paul Reed, focusing on the complexities and unexpected outcomes of using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) during high-stakes incidents in software operations.

Key Points Discussed:

• The ironies of automation, drawn from Bainbridge's 1983 paper, highlight how automation can create scenarios where human intervention becomes crucial but is often challenged by the lack of transparency and predictability in automated systems.
• Artificial Intelligence is examined as a more advanced form of automation, which presents additional challenges due to its reliance on learning algorithms and lack of causal models, making it difficult to handle novel situations.
• The concept of joint cognitive systems is introduced, emphasizing the importance of human and AI interaction within defined system boundaries during incident responses.

Challenges with Automation and AI:

• The animacy paradox describes how automated systems can seem to act independently during incidents, complicating human operators' ability to control and understand them.
• AI's lack of transparency and unpredictable behavior often leads to difficulties in incident response, where operators rely on mental models to diagnose and resolve issues.
• There is a need for better coordination and communication within teams when AI is involved in incident management to prevent extended incident durations.

Concluding Thoughts:

• Reed emphasizes that while AI can provide significant benefits, it is imperative to be aware of its limitations and ensure that operators are informed about AI's use during incidents to marshal appropriate resources and responses.
• The continuing enthusiasm for AI must be balanced with a realistic assessment of its current capabilities and the contexts in which it performs well.

Reed's presentation urges a discussion on the judicious use of AI, understanding its limitations, and maintaining human oversight to ensure effective incident response and resolution.

This is the end of the AI-generated content.

In this talk, we'll explore some of the "ironies" of automation—and now, artificial intelligence—in their interactions with software operators (i.e. you), especially during high consequence, high tempo situations (aka incidents).

We'll also look at considerations when building automation and integrating AI into your systems and workflows, including how we reason about them when they go awry and some food for thought on the role both AI _and automation_ play in your next incident. Also? "Fun" incident stories!