Core Insights - The article discusses the concept of unsupervised learning in the brain, highlighting its significance in understanding how organisms, including humans, learn without external rewards or guidance [1][2][4]. Summary by Sections Unsupervised Learning as Brain Preparation - Unsupervised learning is not unique to humans; for instance, mice can form spatial memories without rewards when exploring new environments [2][3]. - A study conducted by scientists at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute utilized a controlled virtual reality environment to observe the neural changes in mice during unsupervised and supervised learning [3][4]. Neural Plasticity and Learning Pathways - Results indicated that both task-trained and unsupervised learning groups exhibited similar neural plasticity changes in the visual cortex, suggesting that neural plasticity may not rely solely on task feedback [4][5]. - The study revealed that unsupervised learning allows the brain to categorize and encode visual information efficiently, akin to pre-studying before formal tasks [5][6]. Visual and Spatial Plasticity - The research explored whether neural responses were sensitive to spatial positions or visual features, concluding that visual features significantly influenced unsupervised learning behavior [7][8]. - Mice demonstrated a capacity to ignore spatial configurations of textures, indicating a preference for visual feature similarity over spatial positioning [8]. Collaboration of Learning Types - The study suggests a division of labor in the brain, where unsupervised learning extracts features while supervised learning assigns meaning to those features [9][12]. - This dual learning approach may be crucial for rapid adaptation in complex environments [12]. Implications for Neuroscience and AI - The findings bridge neuroscience and artificial intelligence, challenging the traditional view that learning requires reinforcement signals [14]. - The study's insights into the brain's feature extraction capabilities could inform the design of more efficient AI models, reducing reliance on labeled data [14][15]. Future Research Directions - Several unresolved questions remain regarding the molecular basis of neural plasticity and the universality of these findings across species and cognitive levels [16][17]. - The potential age-related limitations of unsupervised learning abilities and their implications for cognitive development warrant further investigation [18]. Broader Insights on Learning - The article emphasizes the evolutionary significance of unsupervised learning as a survival mechanism, suggesting that over-reliance on reward-driven learning may hinder natural exploratory abilities [19][20].

Group 1 - The emergence of superintelligence is predicted to occur by 2026, which could represent a pivotal moment in human history, potentially leading to a choice between submission to or rebellion against this new intelligence [2][3] - The author, Zhu Jiaming, posits that artificial intelligence is creating a "third existence" that fundamentally alters human civilization, distinct from physical and spiritual existence [2][3] - The development of AI is marked by three waves: machine learning, deep learning, and the current trend of generative AI models, which have significantly advanced AI capabilities [4][5][6] Group 2 - The introduction of AI into economic activities challenges traditional economic theories, particularly the assumption of "rational agents" and the concept of resource scarcity [8][9] - AI's efficiency surpasses human labor, leading to a potential redefinition of economic principles such as division of labor and employment goals [9][10] - The integration of AI into various sectors is expected to create new academic disciplines, such as AI economics and AI sociology, to explore the interactions between AI and societal structures [10] Group 3 - Concerns about AI's potential to surpass human control have sparked discussions about the need for humanity to undergo a transformation towards a new human identity [11][12] - The concept of transhumanism suggests that humans can transcend their natural limitations through technology, with advancements in bioengineering supporting this vision [12] - The relationship between human intelligence and AI is seen as one of mutual understanding, with AI playing a crucial role in future wealth creation [12]