There are a lot of ways to go ‘too far’ with artificial intelligence.
How many people realize that the concept of artificial intelligence was first conceptualized around seven to eight decades ago? It’s fair to think that a lot of folks wouldn’t believe it, especially since back in the 1940s and 50s the idea of technology was still woefully archaic compared to what exists now. But when one thinks about it, anything that was considered to be ‘technologically advanced’ was just as frightening to the people of that era as the concept of AI is to many people today. It does beg the question, how far is too far with AI, especially given that with every new development, people are wondering what will come next.
There are silly ways to develop AI and there are ways that make people nervous. Hell, at the moment it sounds as though Elon Musk is trying to make an anti-woke AI, which sounds insane enough on its own. How an AI can be woke or anti-woke is tough to think about, but it does indicate that there is something awkward and shady afoot since like it or not, humans are still responsible for AI in a big way since human hands are what create AI in the first place. The idea of a woke AI, in other words, an AI that can think irrationally and learn at a rate that outstrips its creators.
Maybe that’s a little paranoid, but it’s a thought that has been brought up more than once over the years. The depth of the AI discussion that’s been experienced worldwide has a lot of different moving parts that are discussed in a variety of ways. From the comedic to the absolutely serious and paranoid, the discussion concerning AI is one that scares and amuses a lot of people. It can also frustrate, terrify, and even inspire others as well. But seriously, how far is too far?
There are the obvious fears
People don’t want to give up the type of control that has historically been imposed upon the world by humanity. Call it ego or something else, but people don’t like giving up their freedoms and sense of control that makes them feel as though they have the world at their beck and call. If Hollywood has taught us anything, AI is not always a great idea since the combination of innovation and avarice has ended up being seen as something increasingly negative since humanity can’t always be trusted with their creativity. That sounds silly, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, history has made it clear that such a thing is not beyond the realm of believability.
Some ways just appear to promote laziness
AI is being used for more than a few things at this point and a lot of people don’t even realize it. Everything from gaming to healthcare to education and even commerce use some form of AI at this time. But it’s the use of AI in other matters that a lot of people are getting nervous about. Of course, some people don’t appear to care since it does make life easier. But driving a car, knowing when to restock the fridge, and even running your house, are tasks that people used to take care of on their own. These days, many people still do, but using AI of any type to make life this much easier feels like an issue that folks don’t want to address. How lazy do people have to become to realize that life needs to be a little tough at times? Has anyone watched WALL-E?
AI does feel dangerous thanks to the human imagination
This is where paranoia comes into the mix since movies and TV make it clear that if we can imagine it, a lot of people believe that it’s possible. Granted, a lot of what’s seen in movies and TV shows isn’t bound to happen since the human imagination can make a mountain out of a divot in the dirt. But there’s still the idea that one day we might see the technological horrors that have been created in the cinema emerge into the real world. That’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it?
Woke and Anti-Woke doesn’t sound like something that should apply to AI, but okay
Woke and anti-woke is something that didn’t even get a great deal of attention back in the day, but now it’s being attached to AI for some reason. In other words, people are seeking to give even more attributes to artificial intelligence than ever before, which sounds like a great idea, right? Okay, maybe not. It sounds like a great deal of hubris that would allow humanity to think of such a thing, but then again, this type of behavior has been apparent for quite some time, as many stories and legends that humans come up with have used animals and even inanimate objects in the same manner. So, why not a creation of humanity as well? To think of a woke or anti-woke AI evolving and learning how to optimize such behavior is kind of strange and a little disquieting.
Maybe AI should remain limited, to a degree
Honestly, AI is an invention that has turned a lot of heads over the years and become something that one can’t help but be impressed by. But thanks to human imagination and innovation that has pushed technology to one horizon after another, it’s disquieting to think of how far it might really go. There are a lot of great things that AI can be used for, but at the same time, it’s fair to think that if things go too far, humanity won’t get the chance to pull the plug before the movies become reality.
People control AI as far as we know, but at this time one can’t help but wonder what would happen if just one AI program went awry. It’s a terrifying thought to have, even if it sounds a little paranoid. At the same time though, why play around with the possibility of one’s own demise?
WTR? (Why’s That Radass?)
Is it all paranoia? Is there really a reason to worry about AI? It’s tough to tell since between the news media and their less-than-accurate reporting (sometimes) and the general public’s response to anything new and unknown, it’s fair to think that AI is going to be embraced or held at arm’s length. As of now though, it’s a subject of interest, and that’s Radass enough for us.
