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 Post subject: Entitlement in the Western Go Community: Misuse of AI Tools
Post #1 Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2024 11:25 am 
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The Entitlement Problem in the Western Go Community: Stagnation, Misuse of AI, and Disregard for Developer Contributions

The game of Go, with its intricate depth and centuries-old history, has a profound cultural significance in East Asia. However, in the West, where Go has struggled to gain a strong foothold, attitudes toward the game and the tools used to study it—especially AI—can be surprisingly problematic. While advanced AI tools like KataGo have been revolutionary in helping players deepen their understanding of Go, certain segments of the Western Go community misuse these tools, showing a sense of entitlement that undervalues the work of AI developers and fails to recognize the dedication required to improve in Go.

Despite years of access to sophisticated AI tools, many of these players remain stagnant at the kyu level, expecting AI to carry them to new heights without investing their own effort. This entitlement is not only misguided but also disrespectful to the developers who continue to push the boundaries of Go AI. Let’s explore why this sense of entitlement hinders both personal growth and the broader advancement of Go AI as a field.

Overreliance on AI Tools Like KataGo Without Progress

The Western Go community has been fortunate to have access to incredible tools like KataGo, which provides in-depth insights and guidance to help players improve. Yet, many players misuse KataGo as a quick-fix solution, hoping it will magically elevate their skills without the hard work traditionally required to improve in Go. They use AI primarily to confirm or validate their current understanding rather than as a tool for disciplined study. Despite years of using KataGo, their skills often remain stagnant at the kyu level, with little to no measurable progress.

This long-standing lack of improvement, however, does not entitle these players to demand even more AI tools. Instead of focusing on how they can deepen their study with KataGo, many seem to assume that accessing additional AI resources will bring the skill they haven’t developed through their own efforts. This approach reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what Go AI is meant to accomplish. KataGo, Leela Zero, and similar tools are intended to guide, not replace, the discipline and dedication necessary to truly improve.

A Misguided Sense of Entitlement to Free AI Access

Some players believe they should have unrestricted, free access to all available Go AIs, without appreciating the resources, time, and skill required to create these tools. This attitude of entitlement often manifests in demands or complaints, as if the developers owe them unlimited access to the latest AI models. However, these tools are not created effortlessly; they’re the result of countless hours of research, development, and fine-tuning. The achievements of developers in enhancing AI capabilities deserve respect and recognition, not disregard.

This expectation of free access reveals a broader problem: many players have come to rely on AI as a substitute for hard work. Rather than seeing Go as a lifelong pursuit requiring dedication and humility, they view it as a skill that can be borrowed or achieved simply by using the latest technology. This attitude does not just undervalue the work of developers; it also undermines the spirit of Go itself.

Downplaying Developer Achievements and Disrespecting Contributions

A troubling aspect of this entitlement is how it often leads to downplaying the accomplishments of the developers who created and refined these AIs. KataGo, for example, is a result of significant time and effort, with continuous improvements that make it one of the most sophisticated Go AIs available. However, some players act as though this innovation is owed to them without acknowledging the skill and resources required to make such advancements possible.

Moreover, rather than exploring the unique contributions of various AIs, many players demand a one-size-fits-all approach to AI tournaments and analysis. They argue that only by using all Go AIs can one truly “advance” the field, but this expectation ignores the real purpose of AI development—to explore, innovate, and challenge the limits of Go, rather than to create a shortcut for superficial improvement. In their disregard for the developers’ hard work, they miss the broader purpose of these tools and their potential contributions to the field.

Stagnation and the Missed Opportunity for Growth

Perhaps the most concerning outcome of this attitude is that it prevents real improvement. Many Western Go players who remain at the kyu level have had access to KataGo and other AIs for years but lack the commitment to engage with these tools in a meaningful way. Instead of using AI to explore complex strategies, analyze their mistakes, and actively work on their weaknesses, they treat it as a shortcut that should magically deliver skill. This mindset not only limits their personal growth but also ignores the genuine potential of AI as a transformative tool for serious players.

In contrast, players in East Asia often approach Go with a mindset of humility, using AI as a complement to traditional study and practice. Improvement is seen as a process of dedication, and AI is valued as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, that effort. This difference in perspective highlights a broader cultural contrast: where one group sees Go as a path requiring continuous effort, another may see AI as a convenient replacement for that effort.

A Call for Respect and Personal Responsibility

To truly benefit from the remarkable advancements in Go AI, the Western Go community needs a shift in mindset. Players who have relied on tools like KataGo for years without seeing improvement should ask themselves whether they are truly using these resources to their fullest potential. Instead of expecting more and more AI tools without making a personal commitment, they could choose to engage with the tools they already have in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Supporting developers—whether through financial contributions, feedback, or simply respecting their work—would also create a healthier, more collaborative Go AI community. Rather than viewing AI as a crutch, players should treat it as a ladder for real improvement, recognizing that Go mastery requires humility, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Conclusion: Embrace AI as a Tool for Growth, Not a Shortcut

The entitlement and misuse of Go AI in the Western community reveal a need for greater appreciation of both the game and the efforts of AI developers. Access to powerful tools like KataGo is a privilege, not a right, and it should be treated as an opportunity to grow. Improvement in Go comes not from having the latest AI but from the discipline, respect, and dedication to make the most of the resources at hand.

For those who aspire to deepen their understanding and elevate their skills, the choice is clear: invest in genuine practice, acknowledge the contributions of developers, and use AI as a tool for real progress, not a shortcut to superficial improvement. Only by embracing this approach can players transcend the kyu-level plateau and engage with Go on a truly meaningful level, honoring both the game and the developers who continue to push its boundaries.

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