Looking away from a situation we don’t want to face doesn’t make it go away. The only way out … [+]
In the evolving landscape of human history, the specter of an apocalyptic future has been a recurring theme. From ancient doomsday myths to modern science fiction, our collective imagination has always been preoccupied with the fear of extinction. As one crisis fades, another emerges: Cold War fear of nuclear annihilation has given way to climate change anxiety. Now, Artificial Intelligence is creating new possibilities for destruction and destruction.
But – since the initial hype and hysteria that followed the launch of ChatGTP in late 2022, it seems we have entered a period of cognitive truce. AI is starting to feel less like an existential threat and more like an everyday utility. But is the risk of an AI doomsday gone because tech giants like OpenAI and Google now have a firm grip on the AI trajectory, or have we simply become numb to the expanding presence of this technology and the uncertainty embedded in it? ;
The ebb and flow of existential dread
The fear of human extermination is nothing new. Winston Churchill’s remark in 1924 rings eerily prescient: “Mankind has never been in this position before. Without being appreciably improved in virtue or enjoying wiser guidance, it has for the first time in its hands the tools with which it can unreservedly to complete its extermination.” Although referring to atomic weapons, his words resonate sadly in today’s AI-based landscape.
Humans are paradoxical creatures. We oscillate between excitement about new technology and desensitisation to its chronic dangers. As we navigate the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, we may recognize this pattern: we avidly consume information about AI developments while at the same time tuning into its potential threats. Cognitive dissonance—the ability to hold two contradictory thoughts simultaneously—allows us to embed apocalyptic concerns deep into our cultural fabric, easily hiding them under trivial distractions. We keep our minds too busy to focus on the (uncomfortable) issues at stake. Already predisposed to mental inertia, social media exacerbates this problem through the “doomsday scroll.” Has constant exposure to disturbing news stories numbed us to the facts behind them?
From AI to AGI And Beyond
The initial focus of artificial intelligence was on narrow tasks such as voice recognition or recommendation algorithms, which have now become integral parts of everyday life. However, the development of Artificial General Intelligence—a system capable of understanding and performing tasks in all intellectual domains—takes AI into a new and more powerful realm.
Beyond AGI lies the more lucrative but potentially destructive Artificial Superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in every aspect, from decision-making to creativity, and embrace full agency.
Technologists have suggested that AGI could be achieved as early as 2030, significantly accelerating previously estimated timelines. Last week, OpenAI released the ‘o1’ model, claiming it has the ability to reason. Are we ready?
Illusion of Control
As AI systems become more sophisticated, they have begun to surpass the understanding of their creators. We already know that AI is shaping our preferences, opinions, and actions—from what we watch and buy to more important choices like healthcare decisions and financial investments. Yet we continue to delegate critical decision-making to these algorithms, often without knowing how much control we’ve given up.
We mistakenly believe we are in charge, but algorithms are silently guiding us. AI’s autonomous decision-making capabilities are now embedded in a wide range of social sectors, from healthcare through education, to recruitment and politics. With the upcoming US election, many experts are sounding the alarm that artificial intelligence could distort reality, further undermining trust in democratic institutions. Artificial intelligence could bring a lot of good and terrible.
All includedThe face of Janus
Even before the launch of ChatGTP & Co technology it was referred to as a “With the face of Janus” technology, after the Roman god Janus, who was depicted with two faces — one looking to the future, the other to the past. Artificial intelligence similarly presents two possible futures: one with unprecedented opportunities and innovation, and another with uncontrollable risks and challenges.
Unfortunately, the same two-faced nature characterizes the mindset of many tech giants. Despite public calls in July 2023 by tech leaders for a moratorium on AI development to allow time for reflection and appropriate regulation, many of the same entities have simultaneously continued to invest heavily in advanced AI technologies intelligence. This seeming contradiction highlights the tension between the ethical concerns surrounding the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the competitive drive to dominate this transformative field.
While the likes of Elon Musk and Sam Altman highlight the dangers of unchecked AI development, their companies are at the forefront of pushing AI’s capabilities to new frontiers. This dual approach—expressing caution while accelerating investment—reflects the discord of values and greed, ego and ethics, strategy and social considerations. The struggle for technological supremacy precedes logic.
The key to navigating this duality is recognizing both faces and dealing with them intentionally.
Practical Takeaway: BEWARE
Given the complex risks and rewards of artificial intelligence, the best way forward is to be vigilant and proactive. As users we need to approach AI with a balanced mindset, recognizing both its potential and its risks. Here’s a practical framework for thinking about how to navigate AI challenges, summarized in the acronym BEWARE:
- B: Balance. Understand that AI is a tool, not a substitute for human intelligence. We can find a balance between using AI for efficiency and preserving jobs, skills and roles that are uniquely human. This balance starts with personal choices.
- Q: Rate. Continually assess the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Being an informed consumer has become an essential factor in the (mis)handling of your data and may soon decide the influence AI bots can have on your emotions and thoughts
- W: Watch. Stay updated on the latest developments in AI, including AGI and ASI. Being aware of technological progress and its implications will enable you to make better decisions in your personal and professional life.
- A: Recognized. Accept that the impact of artificial intelligence will be far-reaching, affecting not only the workforce but also social structures, economies and ethical norms. Recognizing the dual role of artificial intelligence is the first step towards its responsible integration and “intelligent” use.
- R: Setting. Support strong regulations to ensure AI is developed with safety, ethics and fairness at its core. Whether you’re a consumer, working with an institution, or both, we can all lobby for prioritizing frameworks that prevent misuse and encourage transparent, responsible development.
- Q: Are you engaged? Engage with AI not just as a passive user but as an informed participant. Invest in developing your natural intelligence as your inner superpower and leverage artificial assets as complements, not replacements. Critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence have never been more valuable than they are now, and will become increasingly valuable in an AI future.
Our hybrid road ahead
The risk of AI-based disaster has not gone away. As AI technologies move toward AGI and ASI, the need for vigilance increases. While artificial intelligence offers enormous potential, it also poses enormous risks. Our responsibility is to stay informed, stay engaged, and ensure that AI complements human intelligence rather than replacing it.
By balancing our excitement about AI innovations with a careful understanding of its limitations and risks, we can build a future where humans and AI work together for mutual benefit. If we are careful to TAKE CARE of and invest in our natural intelligence, we can ensure that AI serves us and not the other way around.
