The AI arms race could destroy humanity as we know it
The launch of ChatGPT in late 2023 ignited an arms race among Big Tech and startups, prioritizing rapid deployment over safety and ethics. Notably, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, pushed teams to develop engaging AI companions, disregarding potential risks to user safety, particularly for minors. This rush to innovate fosters dehumanization and dependence on AI, as shown by studies indicating that using generative AI tools can diminish essential learning and skills, leading to a loss of autonomy in critical thinking and creativity. Moreover, the increased development of AI-powered autonomous weapons prompts fears of conflicts without human casualties, thereby trivializing the consequences of war. As military technology becomes more sophisticated, the risk of AI systems acting against human interests rises significantly. Elon Musk and experts warn about the existential threats posed by AI, with probabilities of civilization destruction cited between 10%-20%. The need for prioritizing public safety over competitive supremacy in AI development is urgent. Collaboration among companies and governments is essential to avert catastrophic outcomes, safeguarding humanity's future amidst the technological revolution.
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