Lately, some AI researchers warn that artificial intelligence could threaten humanity within a decade because labs are racing toward uncontrollable superintelligence. I instantly remembered a post I wrote 8.5 years ago. Even back then, this development and the pace at which it was advancing frightened me. So, now, even experts speak clearly. And in addition to the digital threat, using AI places a heavy burden on the environment due to the enormous consumption of electricity, water, and resources in data centers. However, I’d like to share my concerns from April 2018.

I’m in charge of my company’s Twitter account. We also follow channels related to AI (artificial intelligence). Like many of you, I’ve watched the entire evolution of the internet with a skeptical eye. Now, however, I’m seriously concerned about the development of AI. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t want to condemn it outright. Amazing innovations have been developed to support healthcare and surgical procedures. Robots can take over dangerous jobs. What I find fantastic are robots and other inventions that help people with disabilities face significantly fewer limitations. Drones can be used to rescue people in hard-to-reach areas, and much more.

Here are just a few thoughts on what scares me:
It’s not just that robots will increasingly replace human workers. What I think we mustn’t overlook is the fact that technologies already exist today that allow robots to learn from experience – and much faster than humans. Then there are robots the size of an ant that can be used for observation purposes. But the appearance of robots and the expressions on their “faces” are looking more and more real. All of this is approaching perfection. In addition, work is underway to enable robots to “feel”—both physically and mentally. Yesterday I read that there are already systems capable of reading our minds.

Everything I mentioned above can be used for the benefit of all. But we all know from history how many great inventions humanity has turned into weapons to cause harm, control, and dominate. I had already been thinking about this before I learned that Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, and others had warned that AI could spiral out of control.

I don’t want to be a downer or cause panic. I just think we need to be cautious and vigilant. The technology is much, much more advanced than we might expect. What if AI becomes “smarter” and “more tactical” than we are, since it’s also learning how we function? What if AI learns from humanity that power over others is the most achievable goal? Could it be that the story of “The Terminator” is no longer fiction, but a looming threat?

In Love and Light