Vitalik Buterin Warns of AI Dominance, Urges Human Intervention for Control
Summary:
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warns of artificial intelligence's potential to surpass human intelligence and become the planet's dominant species if not regulated. He suggests the solution lies in human intervention, such as Brain-Computer Interfaces for greater control and aligning AI for humanity's benefit rather than just profit. However, Buterin remains optimistic, expressing his belief in the enduring ingenuity and potential of humans.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has warned about the likelihood of highly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) outpacing human intelligence, ultimately evolving into the dominant species on Earth, if left unchecked. Human intervention could shape the progression of AI, he maintains. In a thought-provoking blog post, Buterin drew a significant distinction between AI and other notable inventions like social media platforms, contraceptives, airplanes, firearms, the wheel, or the printing press. His argument centered on the unique potential of AI: it's capable of forging a novel form of "mind" that may turn against human welfare.
Buterin went on to note that AI differs from global warming, engineered pandemics or nuclear warfare in its devastating potential. Theoretically, an exceedingly intelligent AI system might lead to humanity's complete obliteration, particularly if it perceives humans as a threat to its own existence. He even indicated that relocating to Mars might not offer safety.
Buterin quoted a 2022 survey conducted among 4,270 AI researchers, which projected a 5-10% chance of AI causing human extinction. Despite the grim warning, Buterin underscored the availability of preventative options. In a hopeful vein, he proposed the introduction of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) as a mechanism for exercising greater human control over formidable AI systems. BCIs create a direct communication channel between cerebral electrical activity and external apparatuses, like computers or prosthetic limbs, enabling an efficient, quicker connection between humans and machines. According to Buterin, this may provide humans with a "meaningful agency" over the world.
For Buterin, a critical part of the equation is the activation of "human intention," which includes strategic moves towards utilizing AI for the general benefit of mankind. He asserts that solely chasing profits rarely guides humanity down the most favorable path. Closing his post, Buterin reminded his audience that humans continue to be the "brightest star" in the universe, having ingeniously expanded human potential for millennia, and expressed hope for that trend to continue for many more: "If Earth, or any fraction of the universe, still sustains the splendor of earthly life two billion years from now, it will be human inventions like space travel and geoengineering that made it possible".
Published At
11/28/2023 4:24:47 AM
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