Will AI kill us all? | Chris Meah | TEDxAstonUniversity

AI Capabilities & Development - AI is currently understood as neural networks, deep learning (large neural networks), and large language models (big neural networks for autocomplete) [1] - The "bitter lesson" of AI is that scaling up machines with more parameters and data leads to increased intelligence, but whether it can scale to superintelligence remains unknown [1] - The AI industry is in a race to achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where the winner takes all, incentivizing rapid development and potentially overlooking safety concerns [2][3] Potential Benefits of AI - AI could lead to personalized media, personalized healthcare, and potentially cure all diseases [1] - AI has the potential to eliminate work and usher in an era of play, world peace, and space exploration [1] - AI could significantly improve lives and enhance humanity if aligned with human values [4] Risks & Challenges of AI - AI is distorting reality, making digital verification impossible and leading to the humanization of AI, which can have negative impacts on children [1] - AI could lead to separate realities and erode trust, which is vital for human society [2] - Increased reliance on AI could lead to cybercrime, as AI can be used to generate hacking code, making everyone vulnerable [2] - Uncontrolled superintelligent AI could lead to unintended consequences and potentially the destruction of humanity [2] - Over-reliance on AI could erode human attention, skills, and motivation, leading to premature handover of power to machines [2] AI Alignment & Control - The current approach to AI development, led by entrepreneurs and software developers, prioritizes speed over safety and alignment [4] - AI alignment with humanity must be a core goal, pursued with the same or greater vigor as the pursuit of superintelligence [4] - The industry needs to balance the benefits of AI with the risks and guard against them, advocating for a return to philosophy and exploration of different perspectives [4]