Would even an AI disaster on the scale of Hiroshima be enough to make humankind protect itself? I fear not | Timothy Garton Ash
It’s clear here in Silicon Valley that AI is advancing faster than humans’ ability to control it. That means even sober prophecies seem optimistic Here in Silicon Valley, the experts think that within the next couple of years we’ll see an extraordinary takeoff for artificial intelligence. “Welcome to the foothills of the singularity,” as a Stanford University friend greeted me. More prosaically,…
In Silicon Valley, it is widely acknowledged that artificial intelligence is progressing at a pace that outstrips humanity's capacity to manage it. The experts predict that within the next few years, we will witness a significant leap in AI capabilities, with some even referring to this as the "singularity." This refers to the moment when AI will be able to train itself to improve each new model, leading to an exponential increase in intelligence that surpasses that of humans.
Robert Wright, in his book The God Test, highlights the unpredictability of the near future and the potential for transformative changes that could range from beneficial to catastrophic. Elon Musk, a prominent advocate for AI safety, expresses optimism about an era of unprecedented abundance but also admits to a 10-20% chance of the complete annihilation of humanity by killer robots.
Geoffrey Hinton, one of the pioneers of AI, expresses a more dire perspective, believing that "we’re toast" if AI continues to evolve unchecked. He estimates a 50% probability of human extinction, emphasizing that once evolution of AI begins, it may be too late for us to prevent disastrous outcomes.
The conversation around AI's implications is not limited to technological experts but also touches on the broader philosophical and existential questions about the future of humankind. As AI continues to advance, the debate over whether this technological revolution will bring about a utopian or dystopian future remains a critical concern.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Technology's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
