The AI Dilemma: A Summary Sandwich of Consequences

In the summer of 2023, Guardian technology writer, Steve Ross interviewed five
researchers at the top of their fields to give us insight on the possible catastrophic consequences ofArtificial Intelligence (AI), transforming a once fictional threat into a pressing reality. Max Tegmark, from MIT, said that if humans become the less intelligent species, extinction is
imminent. Just as we have driven other species to extinction for our gain, AI will not hesitate to
end our reign. In addition, AI is already causing problems by targeting the poor and marginalized
groups, and falsely accusing the innocent, as asserted by Brittany Smith from the University of
Cambridge. We cannot allow AI to mediate our interpersonal relationships, especially in public
service, without intervention and resolution of these problems. Eliezer Yudkowsky, of Machine
Intelligence Research Institute continues that as AI surpasses human intelligence, it can and will get whatever it wants even if humans end up dead as a byproduct. AI has already proven that it can lie to humans so if it is in its own best interests, human life will not be considered.
Furthermore, Ajeya Cotra, senior research analyst on AI alignment, fears that slowly humans
will fall into a dependent relationship with AI as it takes on more jobs. If we allow it to have too
much control over our lives, we will become obsolete, left onto the will of AI like a child to their
parent. Finally, even less advanced AI are dangerous, as without autonomy they could easily fall
into the wrong hands, Yoshua Bengio, the University of Montreal, implies. Once given an

objective, AI will achieve its goal at any cost, imagine if that directive is given by someone with
malicious intentions. With these fears looming, we might rest a bit easier knowing that more careful consideration is being given to AI development. This is evident from the letter in March 2023, which called for a pause in AI advancements and sparked significant discussion on the issue, highlighting not only the risks but also the opportunities AI presents for innovation and societal progress (Rose).
 

Work Cited
Rose, Steve. “Five Ways Ai Might Destroy the World: ‘Everyone on Earth Could Fall Over
Dead in the Same Second.'" Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 7 July 2023,
www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/07/five-ways-ai-might-destroy-the-world-
everyone-on-earth-could-fall-over-dead-in-the-same-second?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1.
Accessed October 16, 2024.