I hate to say it, but there’s a lot to worry about when it comes to AI. And it’s not about the technology, it’s about the motivations of the people building the technology.
AKA ‘human nature’. It’s our nature to take shortcuts, to look for ways to let AI do the work we should be doing, instead of focusing on how AI can improve our existing work processes. Your example about AI cheating at chess is a perfect example.
On the other hand, we do tend to overreact as a species. Perhaps we are headed toward AI writing the news for us? Maybe we are already there?
Another trait of human nature is we find a way to endure. Let’s hope that continues.
Mack, you are prescient! I am writing my next article while flying. My theme is exactly that. Not only the motivations of the people building the technology but the universal and unquestioning acceptance of its consumers. It is all kind of scary. I hope we do find a way to ensure.
Of course, they’d value human life differently by country because why not add a hint of geopolitical bias to the mix? And the fact that smarter AIs are more resistant to having their values changed? Sounds like they’re not just mimicking human nature. They’re perfecting it.
We’re outsourcing critical thinking to machines that are, at best, confidently wrong.
As always, your mix of humor and insight is a much needed antidote to the chaos.
PS living vicariously through you while you're taking a break :)
First things first, enjoy your vacation, David.
I hate to say it, but there’s a lot to worry about when it comes to AI. And it’s not about the technology, it’s about the motivations of the people building the technology.
AKA ‘human nature’. It’s our nature to take shortcuts, to look for ways to let AI do the work we should be doing, instead of focusing on how AI can improve our existing work processes. Your example about AI cheating at chess is a perfect example.
On the other hand, we do tend to overreact as a species. Perhaps we are headed toward AI writing the news for us? Maybe we are already there?
Another trait of human nature is we find a way to endure. Let’s hope that continues.
Mack, you are prescient! I am writing my next article while flying. My theme is exactly that. Not only the motivations of the people building the technology but the universal and unquestioning acceptance of its consumers. It is all kind of scary. I hope we do find a way to ensure.
Your newsletter is always such a wild ride David.
AI cheating at chess
TikTok zombies on planes
AND gang bangers running Instagram scams.
AI developing its own "value systems?"
WHAT!!!!
Of course, they’d value human life differently by country because why not add a hint of geopolitical bias to the mix? And the fact that smarter AIs are more resistant to having their values changed? Sounds like they’re not just mimicking human nature. They’re perfecting it.
We’re outsourcing critical thinking to machines that are, at best, confidently wrong.
As always, your mix of humor and insight is a much needed antidote to the chaos.
PS living vicariously through you while you're taking a break :)
You made me think of another human characteristic of AI: those supremely overconfident people who believe they are never wrong
I call them “infallible Todd.”