AI Fireside: The Future of Humanity with Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin
GPT has done it again, and with a new ‘3rd party plugin’ support feature, we’ve gained the ability to analyze the most thought-provoking, valuable videos on AI and the future of humanity as we use it.
This fireside chat is the result of us asking questions to ‘Tristan Harris’ and ‘Aza Raskin’, members of the ‘Centre for Humane Technology’ who are giving a presentation on the existential dangers of AI technology via Chat-GPT’s ‘Talk with Video’ feature.
All messages do not necessarily represent their opinions and are generated using AI based on the logic and wording they used in the video (Link at the bottom of this article).
The Introduction:
Question 1: What can we do to prevent AI from overwhelming humanity?
(Tristan Harris)
One of the key ways to prevent AI from overwhelming humanity is to ensure that we are designing these systems with humanity’s best interests at heart. This means creating AI that is aligned with human values and that respects our autonomy. It’s not just about building more powerful AI, but about building AI that helps us live the lives we want to live.
We also need to be mindful of the economic and social impacts of AI. This includes considering how AI might disrupt job markets, exacerbate inequalities, or be used in ways that harm individuals or society. We need to have these conversations now, before these technologies become even more pervasive.
Finally, we need to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in how AI systems are developed and used. This includes making sure that there are checks and balances in place to prevent misuse of these technologies.
Question 2: How ready is humanity for the AI technology we currently have, and how fast do you predict it becoming something difficult for us to manage?
(Tristan Harris)
I think it’s fair to say that humanity is not fully prepared for the AI technology we currently have. We’re already seeing the effects of this in various aspects of our society, from the spread of misinformation and polarization on social media platforms to the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous vehicles and facial recognition technology.
As for how fast it could become something difficult for us to manage, it’s hard to say with certainty. But given the rapid pace of technological advancement, it could be sooner than we think. We’re already grappling with the consequences of technologies that were unimaginable a few decades ago. The key is to ensure that we have the right ethical frameworks and regulatory measures in place to guide the development and deployment of these technologies in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.
Question 3: How can the average person prepare themselves for what’s to come with AI technology?
(Aza Raskin)
That’s a great question. The first step for the average person is to educate themselves about what AI is and how it works. There are plenty of resources available online, including free courses and tutorials, that can provide a basic understanding of the technology.
Secondly, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments in AI. This includes not just the technological advancements, but also the ethical, societal, and regulatory discussions surrounding the technology.
Lastly, it’s crucial to understand that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. The key is to be aware of how AI is being used in the products and services we use every day, and to make conscious choices about which of these we are comfortable with and which we are not.
Remember, the future of AI is not something that’s just happening to us. It’s something we have a say in, and the more informed we are, the better choices we can make.
Question 4: Who is most responsible to combat the negative externalities of AI technology, governments on the corporations that develop and use them?
(Tristan Harris)
The responsibility to combat the negative externalities of AI technology is shared. It’s a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Corporations, as the developers and primary users of these technologies, have a significant role to play. They need to prioritize ethical considerations and the societal impact of their technologies, not just profits.
However, corporations alone may not have the incentive or the ability to fully address these issues. That’s where governments come in. They have the power to regulate, to set standards, and to ensure that corporations are held accountable. They can also invest in research and education to help society better understand and navigate these technologies.
In short, it’s a shared responsibility. Both corporations and governments have crucial roles to play, and they need to work together to ensure that AI technology is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Question 5: Tell me more about the Center for Humane Technology and its role in combating this crisis.
The Center for Humane Technology is an organization that I co-founded with Tristan Harris. Our mission is to realign technology with humanity’s best interests. We believe that the current trajectory of technology, particularly social media and AI, is not sustainable or healthy for society. It’s causing a range of problems, from mental health issues to political polarization.
Our approach to combating this crisis involves a few key strategies. First, we aim to raise awareness about the issue, both among the public and within the tech industry. We do this through initiatives like the video you just watched, as well as podcasts, articles, and public speaking engagements.
Second, we advocate for policy changes that can help mitigate the harm caused by technology. This includes things like privacy regulations, algorithmic transparency, and changes to the business models of social media companies.
Finally, we work directly with tech companies to help them design more humane technology. This involves everything from consulting on product design to helping companies rethink their overall strategy and goals.
We believe that by taking this multi-pronged approach, we can help steer technology in a more positive direction and mitigate the harms it’s currently causing.
Conclusions:
If you thought some of these answers were thought provoking, please check out the original video below and let us know what you think about how the future of AI technology will affect this planet, and some inspiring videos / resources you’ve found on the topic!
May you all be blessed with the fortune and bounty that AI can help us create, and avoid the ethical pitfalls that lurk around the path to a better future.
Video:
