On the technological frontier, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spur extraordinary innovations. Yet, it simultaneously unfolds a narrative infused with apprehensions about the extinction of humanity. AI visionaries such as Sam Altman, the spearhead of OpenAI, and Geoffrey Hinton, universally recognized as the “godfather” of AI, have explicitly articulated this fear.
Unveiling the potential catastrophe, an open letter from the Center for AI Safety, endorsed by over 300 esteemed signatories, has brought to light the existential threat that AI presents. However, how this human-made wonder could become humanity’s undoing remains somewhat enigmatic.
AI Poses Risk of Human Extinction
Artificial intelligence could carve out a multitude of avenues to society-scale risks, according to Dan Hendrycks, the director of the Center for AI Safety. The misuse of AI by malign entities presents one such scenario.
“There’s a very common misconception, even in the AI community, that there only are a handful of doomers. But, in fact, many people privately would express concerns about these things,” said Hendrycks.
Imagine malevolent forces harnessing AI to construct bioweapons with lethality surpassing natural pandemics. Another example is launching rogue AI with intentions of widespread harm.
If an AI system is endowed with sufficient intelligence or capability, it could wreak havoc across society.
“Malicious actors could intentionally release rogue AI that actively attempts to harm humanity,” added Hendrycks.
Still, this is not only a short-term threat that concerns experts. As AI permeates various aspects of the economy, relinquishing control to technology could potentially lead to long-term issues.
This dependency on AI could render “shutting them down” disruptive and conceivably unattainable. Consequently, risking humanity’s hold over its future.
Misuse and Its Far-Reaching Implications
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Author: Bary Rahma