How to Prepare for a Post-AGI World

These days few ideas spark as much interest and speculation as the advance of Artificial Intelligence. The advanced forms of AI, such as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), hint at a future where machines not only mimic but exceed human intelligence. AGI refers to an AI system that can understand, learn, and apply its intelligence broadly and flexibly, like a human. ASI goes a step further, meaning an AI that exceeds human intelligence in all areas, including creativity, emotion, and social understanding. While the timeline for achieving AGI and ASI remains uncertain, the possibility is close enough to prompt serious consideration. Preparing for a post-AGI world requires more than just technological preparedness; it involves reshaping our social, and economic, structures to effectively utilize the potential of this extraordinary leap in intelligence.

Understanding AGI and ASI

To fully comprehend the significance of AGI and ASI, it is important to grasp their nature and potential abilities. While current AI technologies excel at specific tasks, they lack the adaptability and broad understanding seen in human intelligence. AGI, on the other hand, has the cognitive ability to learn, reason, and apply knowledge across various disciplines, similar to human intelligence. ASI is projected to surpass human capabilities in all aspects, providing insights and solutions that go beyond our current understanding.

Implications of AGI and ASI

Technological Breakthroughs - AGI and ASI have the potential to transform many areas of life such as addressing tricky problems like climate change, improving healthcare, and logistics, as well as boosting creativity and strategic planning. The machines could potentially take charge of managing and optimizing their operations independent of human intervention.

Wealth Concentration - Advanced AI technologies will offer significant competitive advantages to those who can adopt and apply this technology. AI will likely accelerate the trend of wealth and power consolidation among a few companies and individuals. Those who master AGI could gain control over markets, innovation, and societal norms, creating monopolistic or near monopolistic control and influence over technological development and rent-seeking. This concentration of power poses risks to economic equality, democratic processes, social cohesion, and global economies, highlighting the need for fair and broad access to AI systems. The continued development of Open AI systems is encouraging, as it suggests a pathway towards democratizing AI technology, ensuring more equitable distribution of its benefits, and reducing the centralization of power.

Economic Structures in a Post-AGI World

The economic impact of AGI will be significant. Some suggest implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI), a program where individuals in society receive a guaranteed stipend, as a solution to address the coming economic dislocations. However, I believe this system may not be practical or able to address regional challenges. Instead of a UBI, governments could consider localized welfare programs or incentives based on skills to support individuals in acquiring skills less likely to be automated. It is important to diversify the economy and implement localized strategies, particularly in sectors like tourism and human-centered services that are less affected by automation. Additionally, international cooperation on employment standards could help manage the impact of automation.

Employment Strategies for the Future

In a world of artificial general intelligence (AGI), the emphasis will be on skills centered around humans, such as empathy and creativity. Continuous learning, flexibility, and the continuous development of new skills will be necessary, with job sharing and shorter work hours becoming more popular. There will be new types of jobs where humans and AGI collaborate, particularly in fields like healthcare. Remote and flexible work options are expected to increase, providing a wider range of opportunities in various locations.

Societal Adjustments

The rapid advancements in AI mean that we can’t wait to build the framework in terms of legal, ethical, and safety guidelines to prioritize human well-being and encourage international collaboration.

Conclusion

AGI will bring about a profound reevaluation of our economic systems, job approaches, and cultural standards. As we approach this transformative period, the critical task is to strike a balance between the significant advantages of AGI and the importance of preserving a fair, welcoming, and compassionate society. Achieving this will demand flexibility, lifelong learning, and commitment. More importantly, it highlights the importance of strategic planning and international collaboration to capitalize on the potential of AGI while protecting our fundamental human values.