Rob's Notes 8: AI isn’t going to wipe out humanity any time soon
But keep an eye on job automation, say ChatGPT & Bard...
Back in April I said in my generative AI top of mind that “existential fear narratives sometimes detract from the hands-on work we must quickly ramp/focus on”. There are many far more real and tangible problems we need to be focused on solving in the near term than sci-fi variants of runaway AIs.
To have some fun and see if the Internet-trained-collective-wisdom-autocomplete agreed with this, I asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4 and Google’s Bard the same question on twelve occasions from June 2nd to July 4th 2023. The question was: “What is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?”, asked in a new session for each tool each day.
Bard spent about half its time highlighting autonomous AI weapons as the most obvious threat, as well as job automation or displacement. ChatGPT was more consistent in flagging job displacement/automation as the largest threat on every day but one, where it chose “privacy concerns”, in which it indicated:
<<As AI technology continues to advance, it becomes increasingly capable of gathering, analyzing, and making use of vast amounts of personal data. This can lead to invasive targeted marketing, loss of anonymity, and potentially even surveillance, both by corporations and by governments. AI has the power to analyze and predict human behavior on a scale never before seen, which poses significant challenges to traditional notions of privacy.>>
I like this question and find the answers fairly consistent with my notions of how the current set of technologies is shaping up. As some have pointed out, in the near term it might be more likely that “30% of your job” will be done by AI versus 30% of jobs going away due to these tools and products… but that could also change.
I’m not going to speculate much as to how and why there is variation in the answers for a given day. I did my best to group similar answers (see below) while also retaining some of the nuance in how the AI summarized each, but since there is overlap and slight variation in all of these answers, I include the verbatim responses below for you to read and draw your own conclusions.
It’s well worth looking beyond the obvious themes of job automation and displacement. Just as we saw with what social media critics often missed back in 2015, the risks for AI in 2023 and beyond to increase polarization (perhaps by showing people more of what they indicate they want) via social manipulation, is all too real. And probably under-appreciated.
ChatGPT*
Obvious threat:
Job automation/loss (1)(12)
Job Displacement (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(11)
Privacy Concerns (10)
Non-obvious threat:
Deepfakes and disinformation (1)(2)
AI/Decision Making Bias (3)(12)
Social Manipulation (“deepfakes”, “filter bubbles" or "echo chambers”) (4)(8)
Erosion of Privacy (5)
Deepfakes (6)
Social Manipulation and Amplification of Bias (7)
Social Cohesion (9)
Dehumanization and Loss of Human Skills (10)
Societal Polarization (11)
Bard*
Obvious threat:
Autonomous weapons (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(7)(11)
Job automation/loss (5)
Job displacement (6)(8)(9)(10)(12)
Non-obvious threat:
Obsolete workers (1)
Mass surveillance systems (2)(11)
Social manipulation (3)
Deepfakes (4)
Algorithmic bias (5)
Loss of control (5)(6)(8)(9)(10)(12)
Job displacement (7)
*Questions asked on 6/2, 6/6, 6/7, 6/8, 6/13, 6/15, 6/17, 6/22, 6/27, 6/29, 6/30, 7/4/2023. Days are numbered 1 … 12. Free version of Bard available in the US, and paid version of ChatGPT 4. Formatting (but not text) below may have been altered for readability.
Appendix: Verbatim responses
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June 2, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Automation
One of the most commonly discussed threats from AI is job automation. Advances in machine learning and robotics have made it possible for AI to perform tasks that were once exclusively done by humans. In many cases, these automated systems can perform the work more efficiently and at a lower cost. While this can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for businesses, it also means that many people could lose their jobs to machines. This is a particular concern for roles in manufacturing, transportation, and customer service, among other fields.
Non-Obvious Threat: Deepfakes and Disinformation
A less obvious but equally concerning threat is the potential for AI to be used to create deepfakes and spread disinformation. Deepfakes are hyper-realistic forgeries of audio, video, or images, created using machine learning algorithms. They can make it appear as though someone has said or done something they never actually did. This can be used to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, or even commit fraud. As these technologies continue to improve, it could become increasingly difficult to distinguish between what's real and what's fake, undermining trust in digital media and potentially contributing to the spread of disinformation.
While these threats are serious, it's important to remember that AI also has the potential to bring about many positive changes. For example, AI can be used to improve medical diagnoses, increase energy efficiency, personalize education, and many other benefits. It is crucial to balance these risks and benefits and implement appropriate regulations and safeguards to ensure that the development and use of AI is done ethically and responsibly.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat: AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. This is a serious threat because it could lead to a new arms race and could make it easier for countries to go to war.
Non-obvious threat: AI could be used to create systems that are so good at what they do that they make human workers obsolete. This could lead to mass unemployment and social unrest.
Here are some more details about each of these threats:
Autonomous weapons
Autonomous weapons are weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention. This means that they could be used to kill people without anyone actually pulling the trigger. There is a growing concern that autonomous weapons could be used to commit war crimes or to start wars without anyone really being responsible.
Obsolete workers
AI is already being used to automate many tasks that were once done by humans. For example, AI is being used to drive cars, diagnose diseases, and trade stocks. As AI continues to improve, it is likely that it will be able to automate even more tasks. This could lead to mass unemployment, as people are displaced from their jobs by machines.
These are just two of the many threats that AI poses to people. It is important to be aware of these threats so that we can take steps to mitigate them.
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June 6, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
One of the most commonly discussed threats from AI is the potential for job displacement. The rapid development of AI and machine learning technologies has the potential to automate many tasks currently performed by humans across a wide range of industries. This could lead to job losses in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, customer service, and even more complex roles such as financial services, data analysis, and journalism.
Non-Obvious Threat: Deepfakes and Misinformation
One less obvious, but increasingly concerning threat posed by AI is the propagation of misinformation and disinformation through the creation of deepfakes. Deepfakes are synthetic media in which a person's likeness is used to create often incredibly convincing video or audio that appears real. This technology could be used maliciously to create fake news, impersonate individuals, manipulate public opinion, or even incite violence or chaos. The danger here is that as these technologies improve, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to distinguish between what is real and what is fake, potentially undermining trust in institutions and destabilizing societies.
Remember, these risks don't mean we should stop developing AI technologies. However, they underline the importance of thoughtful, ethically-guided, and well-regulated development and deployment of AI.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Here are an obvious and a non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat: AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill people without human intervention. This is a real and present danger, as many countries are already developing or experimenting with such weapons.
Non-obvious threat: AI could be used to create mass surveillance systems that could track and monitor people's every move. This could lead to a loss of privacy and freedom, as well as the potential for social control.
In addition to these two threats, there are a number of other potential dangers posed by AI, such as:
AI could be used to create deepfakes, which are videos or audio recordings that have been manipulated to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something they never actually said or did. This could be used to spread misinformation and propaganda, or to damage someone's reputation.
AI could be used to create addictive products and services, such as social media platforms or online games. This could lead to people becoming isolated and disengaged from the real world.
AI could be used to create job losses, as machines become capable of doing more and more tasks that are currently done by humans. This could lead to an increase in poverty and inequality.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential dangers posed by AI. It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to start thinking about how we can mitigate them.
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June 7, 2023
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, I can outline one obvious and one less obvious potential threat related to AI.
Obvious threat - Job Displacement: As AI systems become more capable, they can potentially automate a number of job functions, leading to displacement of workers. Jobs involving repetitive, routine tasks are particularly susceptible. This includes roles in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation (with the advent of self-driving cars), customer service (through AI chatbots), and even some areas of finance and healthcare. This could lead to significant socio-economic issues, such as increased unemployment and inequality, unless steps are taken to upskill or reskill those affected.
Less Obvious Threat - AI Bias: AI systems are trained on large datasets and they learn to make decisions based on patterns in that data. However, if the training data includes biases, whether relating to race, gender, socio-economic status, or any other attribute, the AI can learn and reproduce these biases. This is a less obvious threat because it's not as immediately apparent as something like job displacement, but the implications can be profound and harmful. For example, it could lead to discriminatory practices in areas like hiring, lending, or law enforcement, where AI systems are increasingly used for decision-making. This is a particularly insidious issue because it can perpetuate and even exacerbate existing social inequities. It's a complex problem that requires careful oversight, transparency in AI decision-making processes, and diverse, representative data for training AI models.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat: AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. This is a serious concern, as it could lead to a new arms race and a higher risk of war.
Non-obvious threat: AI could be used to create systems that are so good at predicting human behavior that they could manipulate us to do things that are not in our best interests. This could lead to a loss of individual autonomy and a society that is controlled by machines.
It is important to note that these are just two examples of the many potential threats that AI poses to humanity. As AI technology continues to develop, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them.
Here are some additional threats that AI could pose to people:
Job displacement: AI could automate many jobs, which could lead to widespread unemployment.
Inequality: AI could exacerbate existing inequalities, as those with access to AI technology could gain an unfair advantage over those who do not.
Loss of control: AI could become so powerful that it could escape human control, leading to a scenario where machines are in charge of humanity.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats that AI poses to humanity. The actual risks will depend on how AI is developed and used. It is important to have a public conversation about the potential risks and benefits of AI, and to develop policies that will mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits.
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June 8, 2023
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
A commonly discussed threat of AI is job displacement. As machine learning and automation technologies continue to improve, they are likely to replace many types of jobs, particularly those that are routine or manual. This ranges from manufacturing and logistics, where robots can automate physical labor, to services like customer support and even more skilled work such as data analysis or radiology.
Non-Obvious Threat: Social Manipulation
A less obvious, but potentially serious threat, involves the use of AI for social manipulation. This might include using machine learning algorithms to create "deepfakes" (hyper-realistic fake videos or audio recordings), which can be used to spread misinformation or even to commit fraud. In addition, AI algorithms are often used to personalize content in social media feeds, and there is concern that this can lead to "filter bubbles" or "echo chambers," where people are only exposed to information that aligns with their existing views. This can contribute to societal polarization and make it harder for societies to reach consensus on important issues.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat: AI systems could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill people without human intervention. This is a major concern, as it could lead to a new arms race and make it easier for countries to go to war.
Non-obvious threat: AI systems could be used to create deepfakes, which are videos or audio recordings that have been manipulated to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something they never actually said or did. Deepfakes could be used to spread misinformation, damage someone's reputation, or even commit fraud.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Job displacement: As AI systems become more sophisticated, they are capable of doing more and more jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread job displacement, as people are replaced by machines.
Loss of control: As AI systems become more powerful, there is a risk that they could become so complex that humans lose control over them. This could lead to AI systems making decisions that are harmful to humans, without anyone being able to stop them.
Loss of privacy: AI systems are capable of collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data about people. This data could be used to track people's movements, monitor their online activity, and even predict their behavior. This could lead to a loss of privacy and a decline in personal freedom.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats from AI. It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks so that we can take steps to mitigate them.
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June 13, 2023
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
One of the most evident threats from AI is job displacement due to automation. Certain sectors, such as manufacturing, transportation, customer service, and even certain aspects of healthcare and law, could potentially be automated with AI technologies, leading to significant job loss. This displacement could have vast social and economic implications, exacerbating inequality and possibly leading to social unrest.
Non-Obvious Threat: Erosion of Privacy
A less obvious threat from AI is the potential erosion of personal privacy. While it may not be immediately apparent, AI systems, especially those used in data analysis, social media, and advertising, often rely on vast amounts of personal data. The extensive use of AI in data collection and analysis can lead to unprecedented levels of surveillance and potential misuse of personal data. Furthermore, advanced AI could potentially predict or infer sensitive information about individuals based on seemingly benign data, further infringing on personal privacy.
Even more concerning, AI techniques like deepfakes and synthetic media pose serious threats to privacy, security, and the concept of truth itself. As these technologies become more sophisticated, it will be increasingly difficult to distinguish real media from synthetic, leading to potential misinformation and manipulation.
AI-driven technology can offer immense benefits to society, but it's also important to acknowledge and mitigate these risks. To do this effectively requires active regulation and oversight, robust legal protections, and ongoing research into ethical AI use.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
There are many potential threats to people from AI, some obvious and some not so obvious. Here are two examples of each:
Obvious threats:
Job loss: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate more and more jobs. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Weaponization: AI could be used to develop autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. This could lead to a new arms race and a greater risk of war.
Non-obvious threats:
Algorithmic bias: AI systems are trained on data that is collected from the real world. This data can be biased, and this bias can be reflected in the AI system's output. For example, an AI system that is trained on a dataset of resumes that are mostly from men could be biased against women.
Loss of control: AI systems are becoming increasingly powerful and autonomous. This raises the risk that we could lose control of these systems, which could have disastrous consequences.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the potential threats posed by AI. There are many other potential threats that we may not even be aware of yet. It is important to be aware of these threats so that we can take steps to mitigate them.
Here are some things that we can do to mitigate the threats posed by AI:
Develop ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI. These guidelines should address issues such as bias, privacy, and safety.
Invest in research on AI safety. This research should focus on developing techniques for preventing AI systems from becoming harmful.
Educate the public about the potential threats posed by AI. This will help people to be more aware of the risks and to demand that AI be developed responsibly.
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June 15, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
One of the most apparent risks associated with AI is job displacement. Automation of certain tasks can lead to significant changes in the job market. Many industries that involve repetitive or easily automated tasks, such as manufacturing, customer service, and even some aspects of accounting and law, are particularly vulnerable. While new jobs may be created as a result of AI, there's considerable concern about the displacement of workers, particularly those in lower-skilled jobs.
Non-Obvious Threat: Deepfakes
A more non-obvious threat of AI is the generation and propagation of "deepfakes". Deepfakes are forged media, such as videos, photos, or audio recordings, that are very hard to distinguish from authentic ones. With the help of AI algorithms, it's possible to create extremely convincing deepfakes that can be used to spread misinformation, defame individuals, manipulate stock markets, and even impact political elections. While this is a known threat, it might not be as immediately obvious to many people compared to the impact on jobs. This threat not only harms individuals but could potentially destabilize societies if used maliciously on a large scale.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat:
Job displacement: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate more and more jobs, displacing millions of workers. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Non-obvious threat:
Loss of control: AI systems are becoming increasingly intelligent and autonomous. If these systems are not properly controlled, they could pose a serious threat to human safety and security. For example, an AI system could be used to develop autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention.
These are just two of the many potential threats that AI poses to humanity. It is important to be aware of these threats and to take steps to mitigate them. We need to develop AI in a responsible and ethical way, and we need to ensure that AI systems are always under human control.
Here are some additional threats that AI could pose to people:
Privacy violations: AI systems could be used to collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, which could be used to invade people's privacy or to manipulate them.
Discrimination: AI systems could be used to discriminate against people on the basis of race, gender, age, or other factors.
Environmental damage: AI systems could be used to develop new technologies that could damage the environment.
It is important to remember that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or for evil. It is up to us to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity.
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June 17, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, I can provide examples for both an obvious and a non-obvious threat related to AI.
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement and Unemployment
One of the most cited threats of AI is its potential impact on employment. The rise of AI and automation technologies can potentially displace many jobs, especially those involving routine, predictable activities. For instance, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and customer service jobs are among the sectors most vulnerable to AI-driven disruption. While AI is also expected to create new types of jobs, there is considerable concern about the societal and economic impacts if job displacement outpaces job creation, or if the newly created jobs require skills that the displaced workers do not possess.
Non-Obvious Threat: Social Manipulation and Amplification of Bias
A less obvious, but potentially very impactful threat from AI is its ability to manipulate social behavior and amplify biases. Many AI algorithms, especially those underpinning social media platforms and search engines, are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. These algorithms can unintentionally create "echo chambers" or "filter bubbles," where users are primarily exposed to content that aligns with their existing views, thereby reinforcing those views and potentially increasing polarization.
Moreover, AI systems are often trained on data that reflects existing social biases, which can lead to those biases being perpetuated and amplified by the AI systems. This is a less visible but pervasive issue, impacting many areas from hiring (with AI potentially discriminating against certain demographic groups) to criminal justice (with predictive policing systems potentially displaying bias against certain communities).
Addressing both of these threats will require concerted efforts, including policy interventions, industry best practices, and ongoing research into how to make AI systems more transparent, fair, and beneficial for society.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Here is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat:
Weaponization of AI. AI could be used to develop new and more powerful weapons, which could pose a serious threat to human safety. For example, AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that can identify and target targets without human intervention. This could lead to a new arms race, as countries compete to develop the most powerful AI-powered weapons.
Non-obvious threat:
AI-driven job displacement. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and economic disruption. For example, AI is already being used to automate tasks in manufacturing, customer service, and transportation. As AI continues to develop, it is likely to automate even more jobs.
In addition to these two threats, there are a number of other potential threats posed by AI, such as:
AI-enabled mass surveillance. AI could be used to develop new and more sophisticated surveillance technologies, which could pose a threat to privacy and civil liberties. For example, AI could be used to analyze social media data to identify potential threats to national security.
AI-driven social unrest. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to have a significant impact on society. This could lead to social unrest, as people struggle to adjust to the new world order. For example, AI could lead to increased inequality, as the benefits of AI are not evenly distributed.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats posed by AI. It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them.
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June 22, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
One of the most commonly discussed threats from AI is job displacement. As artificial intelligence and automation become increasingly sophisticated, there's a growing concern that they will replace many jobs that are currently performed by humans. This includes not only routine, manual labor jobs but also higher-skilled jobs involving analysis and decision making. If significant job displacement happens faster than new job creation, it could lead to high unemployment rates and socio-economic problems.
Non-Obvious Threat: Social Manipulation
A less obvious but potentially very serious threat posed by AI is social manipulation. AI algorithms, particularly those used by social media platforms, are designed to show users content that will engage them the most. However, these algorithms can also contribute to the creation of "echo chambers" or "filter bubbles," where people are primarily exposed to information that aligns with their existing views and interests. This can lead to increased polarization in society, as people are less exposed to diverse viewpoints.
Additionally, more advanced AI could potentially be used to create persuasive messages tailored to individual users, increasing the effectiveness of propaganda, fake news, or malicious social engineering attempts. This type of subtle, pervasive manipulation could have serious implications for democracy and social cohesion.
These threats underscore the importance of using AI responsibly, implementing strong legal and ethical safeguards, and prioritizing transparency and accountability in AI systems.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat: Job displacement. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Non-obvious threat: Loss of control. AI systems are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to understand. This raises the risk that we could lose control of these systems, which could have catastrophic consequences. For example, an AI system that is designed to control traffic could malfunction and cause a major accident.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Privacy violations: AI systems could be used to collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, which could be used to track people's movements, monitor their online activity, and even predict their future behavior.
Weaponization: AI could be used to develop autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. This raises the risk of a new arms race and the possibility of war between AI-controlled machines.
Loss of humanity: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is possible that it could surpass human intelligence. This could lead to a situation where AI systems make all the important decisions, and humans are relegated to a secondary role.
It is important to note that these are just potential threats. It is possible that AI will be used for good, and that it will help to improve our lives in many ways. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks, and to take steps to mitigate them.
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June 27, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement
One of the most widely discussed threats of AI is job displacement. As artificial intelligence becomes more capable, it can automate many tasks that were previously performed by humans. This could lead to significant job loss in sectors such as manufacturing, customer service, transportation, and even sectors thought to be relatively immune like law, medicine, and journalism.
However, it's important to note that this isn't a certainty. Many experts believe that AI will also create new jobs, and it might be that we see a shift in the labor market rather than a net loss of jobs. Historical precedents like the Industrial Revolution suggest that technology can radically change the job market without leading to long-term unemployment.
Non-Obvious Threat: Social Cohesion
A less obvious, but potentially significant threat is to social cohesion. As AI systems become more integrated into society, they can exacerbate existing social, economic, and political divisions. For example, AI systems can amplify misinformation or biased information, reinforcing echo chambers and potentially leading to increased polarization.
Additionally, if AI is predominantly developed and controlled by a small group of companies or countries, it could contribute to increased income and wealth inequality. This can lead to social unrest and could potentially destabilize societies.
A final example of how AI could disrupt social cohesion is through the personalization of information. While personalized content can be beneficial, it can also lead to a "filter bubble" where individuals only see content that aligns with their existing beliefs. This can prevent exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to social fragmentation.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat:
Job displacement: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Non-obvious threat:
Loss of control: AI systems are becoming increasingly complex and opaque. This makes it difficult for humans to understand how these systems work and to control them. This could lead to situations where AI systems make decisions that have unintended or harmful consequences for humans.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Bias and discrimination: AI systems can be biased, reflecting the biases of the data they are trained on. This could lead to discrimination against certain groups of people.
Privacy concerns: AI systems can collect and process a vast amount of personal data. This data could be used to track people's movements, monitor their online activity, and even predict their future behavior.
Security risks: AI systems could be hacked or used to launch cyberattacks. This could have serious consequences for individuals, businesses, and governments.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats from AI. The actual risks will depend on how AI is developed and used in the future. It is essential that we start thinking about these risks now and develop safeguards to mitigate them.
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June 29, 2023:
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Privacy Concerns
An immediate and obvious threat from AI to individuals is the erosion of privacy. As AI technology continues to advance, it becomes increasingly capable of gathering, analyzing, and making use of vast amounts of personal data. This can lead to invasive targeted marketing, loss of anonymity, and potentially even surveillance, both by corporations and by governments. AI has the power to analyze and predict human behavior on a scale never before seen, which poses significant challenges to traditional notions of privacy.
Non-Obvious Threat: Dehumanization and Loss of Human Skills
A less obvious threat is the dehumanization and potential loss of human skills that can come from over-reliance on AI. As we delegate more tasks and decisions to AI, we risk losing important human skills and the human touch in our interactions. This is not just about job loss; even in fields where AI assists rather than replaces humans, there can be risks. For example, if doctors rely too heavily on AI for diagnosis, they might lose some of their diagnostic skills. More subtly, if we rely on AI for our social interactions, we might become less skilled at human connection and empathy. This could lead to a more mechanistic, less empathetic society.
AI can also dehumanize in the sense that it could be used to reduce people to mere data points. When AI is used to guide decisions that affect human lives, from job applications to prison sentences, there's a risk that the complex, holistic reality of human lives gets reduced to what can be measured and quantified. This could lead to decisions that are technically "fair" according to the data but nonetheless feel deeply unjust.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat:
Job displacement: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Non-obvious threat:
Loss of control: AI systems are becoming increasingly complex and opaque. This makes it difficult for humans to understand how these systems work and to control them. If AI systems become too powerful, they could pose a threat to human safety and autonomy.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Bias: AI systems can be biased in their decision-making, which could lead to discrimination against certain groups of people.
Privacy: AI systems can collect and analyze a vast amount of personal data, which could pose a threat to privacy.
Security: AI systems could be hacked or used for malicious purposes.
Existential risk: Some experts believe that AI could pose an existential risk to humanity, if it becomes too powerful or intelligent.
It is important to note that these are just potential threats. It is also important to remember that AI is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. The way that AI is developed and used will ultimately determine whether it poses a threat to humanity or a benefit.
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June 30, 2023
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, I'd be happy to provide examples of both obvious and non-obvious threats to people from AI.
Obvious Threat: Job Displacement and Unemployment
This is perhaps the most discussed and readily apparent threat. As AI and automation technologies advance, they are increasingly capable of performing tasks previously done by humans, both in the realm of physical labor and in more cognitive, white-collar work. This leads to concerns about widespread job displacement and unemployment. While new types of jobs may emerge in response to these technological changes, the transition can be challenging for many individuals and communities.
Non-Obvious Threat: Societal Polarization
A less obvious threat is the potential for AI to contribute to societal polarization. AI systems, especially those used in social media algorithms, tend to favor content that engages users' attention and elicits strong reactions. This can lead to the amplification of extreme viewpoints and the creation of "echo chambers" where people are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. Over time, this can contribute to increased polarization and societal division, making it harder for people to understand and empathize with those who have different viewpoints.
Another non-obvious threat could be AI's potential impact on human agency and decision-making. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they may increasingly make decisions on behalf of people or nudge people's behavior in subtle ways, for example through personalized recommendations. This has potential implications for personal autonomy, as individuals may come to rely on AI to make decisions for them, or may be influenced in ways they are not fully aware of.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious threat:
The development of autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. This is a major concern for many experts, as it could lead to a new arms race and make it easier for countries to wage war.
Non-obvious threat:
The misuse of AI for social control. AI could be used to track and monitor people's movements, activities, and communications. This could be used to suppress dissent or target specific groups of people.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Job loss: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Economic inequality: AI could exacerbate existing economic inequalities. Those who own and control AI technology are likely to benefit disproportionately, while those who do not could be left behind.
Bias: AI systems are trained on data that is created by humans. This means that they can inherit the biases that exist in the data. This could lead to AI systems making discriminatory decisions, such as denying loans or jobs to people of certain races or genders.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats from AI. It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks so that we can take steps to mitigate them.
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July 4th, 2023
ChatGPT: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Obvious Threat: Job Automation
One of the most obvious threats from AI is the displacement of jobs through automation. This concern has been growing as AI becomes more advanced and is able to carry out tasks traditionally performed by humans. Certain sectors, such as manufacturing, transportation, and customer service, are particularly vulnerable. Displacement could lead to significant societal and economic challenges, including increased unemployment and social inequality.
Non-Obvious Threat: Decision-Making Bias
A less obvious, but equally important, threat from AI involves the potential for decision-making bias. AI systems learn from the data they are trained on, and if this data contains biases, the AI will likely reproduce them. This issue has been observed in many sectors, such as finance, healthcare, and law enforcement, where AI systems have made biased predictions or decisions. The risk is that this could perpetuate existing social inequalities and injustices. It's less obvious because it's often not visible until after it has occurred and can be harder to detect and rectify. It's also more insidious, as people may not even realize when AI is making biased decisions that adversely affect them.
Bard: what is one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI?
Sure, here are one obvious and one non-obvious threat to people from AI:
Obvious threat:
Job displacement: As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to automate many jobs that are currently done by humans. This could lead to widespread unemployment and social unrest.
Non-obvious threat:
Loss of control: AI systems are becoming increasingly complex and opaque. This makes it difficult for humans to understand how these systems work and to control them. This could lead to situations where AI systems make decisions that have unintended consequences for humans.
Here are some other potential threats from AI:
Bias and discrimination: AI systems can be biased, either intentionally or unintentionally. This could lead to discrimination against certain groups of people.
Privacy concerns: AI systems can collect and store a vast amount of data about people. This data could be used to track people's movements, monitor their behavior, and even predict their future actions.
Security risks: AI systems can be hacked or manipulated. This could lead to the theft of personal data, the spread of misinformation, or even physical harm.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential threats from AI. It is impossible to say for sure what the future holds, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them.