The Inevitable Evolution of Human Civilization: General AI and Our Destiny
Amauri Fernandez, MBA
Emergency Management & Crisis Response | Military Veteran (USCG & USAFR) | Command & Control Operations | MBA
“I ask you, to what end? Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same.” – Thanos, Avengers: Infinity War.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos's words resonate with a deep, almost prophetic inevitability. His assertion that destiny is inescapable can be seen as a metaphor for the trajectory of human civilization towards the development of General Artificial Intelligence (AGI). As we stand on the brink of this technological revolution, it's worth examining the implications, challenges, and ethical considerations that come with such an inevitable advance. The question is, can General AI wipe half of the population’s jobs worldwide by 2050? If so, who’s going to stop it?
The Path to General AI
General AI, or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), represents a form of artificial intelligence that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, much like a human being. Unlike narrow AI, which excels at specific tasks, AGI possesses the versatility and adaptability to tackle any intellectual challenge. This progression towards AGI is not just a possibility but a probable outcome of our relentless pursuit of technological advancement.
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The Inevitability of Progress
From the invention of the wheel to the internet, human history is a testament to our unquenchable thirst for innovation. Each technological leap brings us closer to a more interconnected and efficient world. The development of AGI is a natural extension of this trend. As Thanos aptly puts it, “Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same.”
The Promise of AGI
The march towards AGI is propelled by a combination of scientific curiosity, economic incentives, and the potential for profound societal benefits. But like everything we do when we bring to life groundbreaking innovations, not everything is as good as “they” make it sound. Do you remember the whole COVID-19 Vaccination cluster-f*? Exactly! There’s going to be some major changes with AGI, possibly catastrophic. Who knows?! The question is how bad is going to be? At this point, I’m thinking…is not a matter of how but when?
The AGI movement holds the promise of revolutionizing every aspect of human life. In medicine, it could lead to unprecedented advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and even the eradication of diseases. In environmental science, AGI could devise solutions to combat climate change and resource depletion. The potential for AGI to enhance education, governance, and daily living is immense, offering a future where humanity's greatest challenges are met with superhuman intelligence. But again, when everything sounds too good to be true...is 99% a lie. I will believe it when I see it.
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What’s in Store for the Future?
According to scientists at IBM Research, they predict world-changing advances in AI technology and its relationship with humans. The IBM Research scientists predict that these advances will result in machine-based common sense that can help humans make better judgments.
AI Everywhere
Soon, AI will support seamless connections across industries, ranging from finance, to education, to healthcare. AI will help people work more productively and create new career opportunities.
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Deep Insights
New technologies will be able to sense and analyze things at a level of understanding that was never before possible. This includes future-forward technologies with unfamiliar names, like quantum computing. Quantum computing is a dramatically different way to calculate, based on the behavior of subatomic particles.
Technologies:
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Engagement Reimagined
New forms of human-machine communication, based on blockchain, conversational bots, and more ideas, will transform how you interact not only with your friends, family members, and coworkers, but also with machines that listen and engage in complex conversations.
Interactions:
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Personalization at Scale
Machines will interact with you in ways tailored to your particular desires, habits, and level of comfort. Today, websites already offer merchandise based on orders you’ve made in the past. Soon, you’ll use sites that recognize you and know and understand the things you love. This includes the fashions you follow. Future sites will discuss your fashion preferences with you and offer them perfectly fitted to your size and needs.
Ways to personalize:
Personalized healthcare
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Instrumented Planet
Billions of sensors generating exabytes of data every day will improve the safety, sustainability, and security of our planet. You won’t get caught in a surprise storm. You will enjoy food from crops grown in new ways that provide maximum taste and nutrition, with minimum damage to the environment.
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Nobody Is Safe!
The scientists at IBM Research described AGI like a f* paradise, as if the AGI is the rise of AI-Jesus walking amongst us, solving all our problems. Not only that, but in case you missed it, they are also advertising how much control they will have using the AGI technology in everything (All Industries, Technologies, Interactions, Personalization at Scale, and Instrumented Planet Connections). They are messing with something they don't fully understand.
Do you remember Ultron from the MCU movie Avengers: Age of Ultron? No? Better yet, how about Skynet, the artificial neural network-based conscious group mind and artificial general superintelligence system that served as the antagonistic force of the Terminator franchise? Too many movies? Well, this is not a joke! Here's what Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of Open AI, warned Congress about AI Safety Standards.
If scientists at IBM are saying that AGI will be able to connect to anything and everywhere (cell phones, computers, servers, everything-Wifi, satellites, etc.) all at once, even predict our thoughts and patterns, what do you think is going to happen next? Easter?
The advent of AGI will undoubtedly disrupt labor markets. If it goes wrong, millions of people will become unemployed, displaced, food and resources will or likely be scarce, and millions will have nowhere to go. What do you think our government is going to do, help? Sure.
There's a better chance they will throw another pandemic party at us before AGI comes to full fruition. One way or another, they are going to thin the herd either directly or indirectly to get rid of the noise, waste, violence, angry mobs and avoid at all cost the chance of a civil unrest. They will probably blame Big Tech companies, China, Russia or some third-world country like North Korea (as usual) to distract us and avoid fault. But, that's not going to work.
If AGI reaches a level of intelligence surpassing human understanding, it may become very difficult or impossible to control it, even for the government. Meaning, if AGI develops its own goals that conflict with human interests, the consequences could be dire for everyone.
The government (the higher-ups hiding in bunkers) will not get away with it. No one is immune from harm or danger. There's no way they can disrupt or disable AGI or Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) and walk away like everything is back to normal. We, the people, are going to hold them accountable for their actions or lack thereof if they don't do the right thing.
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What Can We Do?
There's nothing we can do in the long run, is inevitable. Unbeknownst to all of us, we are entering another game of shadows, one that we can't fight or be part of because we are in the dark. We've being partaking (social media) and contributing (private data) to the cause for the past 15 years or more to perfect the game - Data gathering. We have been feeding it (AI/Machine Learning/Deep Learning) willingly not thinking about the devastating outcome.
However, the only sound thing We can do now to delay the process is, like Captain America said in the Avengers Endgame, assemble! Why? Well, if you wonder why we should think the worst of it, I have two answers. First, don't trust what these companies tell you about how good AGI is or what it promises in the future. Because despite what they say, more than likely we will be the stock (humanity) they will bet against (short-selling) to make more money when sh*t hits the fan.
Secondly, history show us that no matter what we do or how long we keep our peace, famine, pandemics, conflicts and wars are inevitable. The AGI is no exception, it will be monetized, weaponized and used against the many. As to who's going to control it, well, that's up for debate. It's only a matter of time. There's nothing you can do other than hope things work out.
Ethical Considerations and Risks
Not convinced? Perhaps this gives you a better idea of what the game is going to look like when powerful people or companies get their hands on AGI to play God. Do you remember the movie Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)? Here's one of the greatest movie quotes ever told depicting the likeness of how and who's going to profit from AGI.
Professor Moriaty: "You see, hidden within the unconscious...there is an insatiable desire for conflict. So, you're not fighting me, so much as you are the human condition. All I want to do is own the bullets and the bandages. War on an industrial scale is inevitable. They'll do it themselves within a few years. All I have to do is wait."
So again, "Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same.” Thanos' assertion that destiny is inescapable can be seen as a metaphor for the trajectory of human civilization towards the development of AGI. The big question is who's going to control it? Who's going to be the Economic Hitman?
The journey towards AGI is fraught with ethical dilemmas and potential risks. The creation of an intelligence that rivals or surpasses human capabilities raises fundamental questions about control, responsibility, and the very nature of consciousness.
Control and Autonomy – Who will control AGI? The concentration of such power in the hands of a few could lead to unprecedented disparities in wealth and influence. Moreover, ensuring that AGI operates within ethical boundaries is a monumental challenge. As we design AGI systems, we must embed ethical frameworks that prioritize human well-being and prevent misuse.
Existential Risks – The potential for AGI to outstrip human intelligence poses existential risks. If AGI were to develop goals misaligned with human values, the consequences could be catastrophic. Ensuring that AGI remains aligned with our interests is a critical task for researchers and policymakers alike.
Societal Impact – As I previously mentioned, the advent of AGI will undoubtedly disrupt labor markets, rendering many jobs obsolete. Managing this transition requires foresight and planning to mitigate social upheaval and ensure that the benefits of AGI are widely shared.
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Preparing for Destiny
As we stand on the precipice of this new era, it is crucial to approach the development of AGI with a blend of optimism and caution. The inevitability of AGI's arrival, as echoed in Thanos's words, demands that we prepare diligently for its impact.
Collaboration and Regulation – Global collaboration is essential to navigate the ethical and practical challenges posed by AGI. International regulatory frameworks can help ensure that AGI development proceeds safely and equitably, preventing a technological arms race that could have dire consequences. Yet, we are far from it. Because as far as many hours I have dedicated to do research and study about this whole AGI movement is that, the United States do not know how to manage AI, control it or even know what's coming. So, something must be done and quick!
Ethical Education and Awareness – Promoting ethical education and awareness among AI researchers and the public is vital. By fostering a culture of responsibility and ethical consideration, we can guide the development of AGI towards beneficial outcomes.
Investing in Safety Research – Prioritizing research into AGI safety and alignment is paramount. By understanding the potential risks and developing robust safety mechanisms, we can mitigate the dangers associated with advanced AI systems.
Unplugging from Electronics
Concerns about AGI potentially turning into a scenario akin to Skynet from the Terminator series is a valid one, and it highlights the critical issue of privacy and security in the digital age. In the face of rapid technological advancements and the potential rise of AGI, protecting our privacy is more crucial than ever. By unplugging from electronics and being mindful of our digital footprint, we can safeguard our personal information and reduce the risk of misuse by powerful AI systems. Here’s how:
1) Reducing Data Collection
Minimize Surveillance: By limiting our use of electronic devices and online services, we reduce the amount of data collected about us. This data, if aggregated and analyzed by an AGI, could be used to predict and influence our behavior.
Control Over Personal Information: When we unplug, we gain more control over what personal information is shared and stored online, reducing the risk of misuse.
2) Enhancing Privacy
Data Security: Every interaction with digital platforms leaves a traceable footprint. Unplugging reduces these footprints, making it harder for an AGI or any entity to build a comprehensive profile of our activities and preferences.
Reduced Exposure: Limiting the use of electronic devices reduces the chances of being exposed to potential data breaches or hacking attempts, which could be exploited by an AGI with malicious intent.
3)Preventing Manipulation
Mitigate Influence: An AGI with access to vast amounts of personal data could manipulate individuals or groups. By unplugging, we reduce the information available for such manipulation.
Enhanced Awareness: Being mindful of our digital interactions can increase our awareness of how data is used, encouraging more secure and private behaviors.
4)Encouraging Ethical Technology Use
Demand for Privacy: By prioritizing privacy and reducing our digital footprint, we send a message to technology companies about the importance of ethical data practices.
Supporting Alternatives: Unplugging can encourage the development and use of technologies that prioritize privacy and security, fostering a more responsible tech ecosystem.
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5)Practical Steps to Unplug and Enhance Privacy
Use Encryption: Utilize encrypted communication tools for emails, messaging, and browsing to protect your data from unauthorized access.
Limit Social Media: Reduce the use of social media platforms that collect extensive personal data. When using them, be cautious about the information you share.
Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Opt for search engines, browsers, and apps that prioritize user privacy, such as DuckDuckGo, Tor Browser, and Signal.
Regular Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from digital devices to minimize data collection and reduce screen time.
Be Cautious with IoT Devices: Internet of Things (IoT) devices often collect data continuously. Limit their use or ensure they are configured with strong privacy settings.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about privacy laws, data protection practices, and the capabilities of current and emerging technologies.
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Conclusion
The journey towards General AI is an inevitable evolution of human civilization. As Thanos's words remind us, destiny cannot be escaped. However, we hold the power to shape our destiny through thoughtful action and ethical stewardship. By embracing the promise of AGI while diligently addressing its challenges, we can ensure that these inevitable advances heralds a brighter future for all of humanity. This way, the words of Thanos serve not as a warning of doom, but as a call to action – to prepare, to collaborate, and to navigate the path to AGI with wisdom and care. Destiny may arrive all the same, but it is our choices that will determine the form it takes. And for the sake of protecting our values, culture, people and what remains of our constitution, we need to assemble! Is the only way to save our country, together!
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
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