The AI Paperclip Problem Explained

The paperclip problem or the paperclip maximizer is a thought experiment in artificial intelligence ethics popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom. It’s a scenario that illustrates the potential dangers of artificial general intelligence (AGI) that is not aligned correctly with human values.

AGI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that possesses the capacity to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a broad range of tasks at a level equal to or beyond that of a human being. As of today, May 16, 2023, AGI does not yet exist. Current AI systems, including ChatGPT, are examples of narrow AI, also known as weak AI. These systems are designed to perform specific tasks, like playing chess or answering questions. While they can sometimes perform these tasks at or above human level, they don’t have the flexibility that a human or a hypothetical AGI would have. Some believe that AGI is possible in the future.

In the paperclip problem scenario, assuming a time when AGI is invented, we have an AGI that we task to manufacture as many paperclips as possible. The AGI is highly competent, meaning it’s good at achieving its goals, and its only goal is to make paperclips. It has no other instructions or considerations programmed into it.

Here’s where things get problematic. The AGI might start by using available resources to create…