How Generative AI Works and How It Fails
Arvind Narayanan, Sayash Kapoor · 2025
How does generative artificial intelligence (AI) work? Where does it work well, and where does it falter? In this case study, we go over the mechanics underlying the successes of deep learning in generating images and text. We then turn to the harms of generative AI, including the lack of factuality, misuses such as non-consensual deepfakes, and labor exploitation. We conclude with a discussion of how we can mitigate the harms of generative AI through technical and structural changes.