Happiness is the next AI KPI if Oxford boffins have their way
Researchers say public subsidies for AI should be repaid in wellbeing, not just economic growth
A dystopian outlook on artificial intelligence envisions mass unemployment, environmental collapse, and human extinction within a decade. Oxford University researchers advocate for a "happiness dividend" for EU policyholders funding AI development. Their paper, published in the Royal Society Open Science, argues that taxpayers should receive tangible benefits in return for their financial support.
While the public supports AI advancements through subsidies, tax incentives, and data access, citizens have no control over how the technology impacts their well-being. Researchers propose happiness as a secondary objective, alongside economic growth and risk management, for AI giants. Factors that could detract from happiness include eroding human connection, stifling skills, and environmental degradation from data centers.
Companies receiving public support must predict and deliver happiness-enhancing benefits, according to the researchers. The EU has invested €20 billion in AI infrastructure, while Horizon research projects receive €700 million for generative AI and supercomputing. The public already subsidizes AI development but has limited input on its societal impact.
As energy costs rise and water becomes scarce, finding ways to improve people's well-being is crucial for AI's future.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
