Artificial intelligence and the future

[O Really]

"The term "addicted" is overused...

HGTV Cancels ‘Rehab Addict’

[Vrede too]

The term "addicted" is overused, often misused, twisted past its clinical definition, but sometimes still descriptive:
Enjoy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcATvu5f9vE

"The term "addicted" is overused..."

HGTV Cancels ‘Rehab Addict’

Treatment involved residential stays in pubs and drug dens.

Agreed, sometimes "addicted" is too strong a word. Often, it's just a matter of:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoHpSY3IoAI

[O Really]

Yeah, I've got no real problem with less-than-accurate or exaggerated use of a term in casual speech. Very common in mental health words like "idiot" "obsession," "compulsion", "paranoid", etc. But I do object to dragging those terms into official actions like lawsuits.

[Vrede too]

Yeah, I've got no real problem with less-than-accurate or exaggerated use of a term in casual speech. Very common in mental health words like "idiot" "obsession," "compulsion", "paranoid", etc. But I do object to dragging those terms into official actions like lawsuits.

If the web is possibly addictive for children and harmful now just wait until AI really kicks into gear. No one would be happier than me if my fears of Judgement Day could be written off as paranoia born of ignorance, but there are people who are not ignorant:

Why are experts sounding the alarm on AI risks?
AI is advancing in rapid and unpredictable ways but there is no joint framework to keep it in check, experts say.

In recent months, artificial intelligence has been in the news for the wrong reasons: use of deepfakes to scam people, AI systems used to manipulate cyberattacks, and chatbots encouraging suicides, among others.

Experts are already warning against technology going out of control. Researchers with some of the most prominent AI companies have quit their jobs in recent weeks and publicly sounded the alarm about fast-paced technological development posing risks to society.

Ut-oh.

Doomsday theories have long circulated about how substantial advancement in AI could pose an existential threat to the human race, with critics warning that the growth of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a hypothetical form of the technology that can perform critical thinking and cognitive functions as well as the average human, could wipe out humans in a distant future.

But the recent slew of public resignations by those tasked with ensuring AI remains safe for humanity is making conversations around how to regulate the technology and slow its development more urgent, even as billions are being generated in AI investments....

Who have quit recently, and what are their concerns?

The latest resignation was from Mrinank Sharma, an AI safety researcher at Anthropic, the AI company that has positioned itself as more safety cautious than rivals Google and OpenAI. It developed the popular bot, Claude.

In a post on X on February 9, Sharma said he had resigned at a time when he had “repeatedly seen how hard it is to truly let our values govern our actions”.

The researcher, who had worked on projects identifying AI’s risks to bioterrorism and how “AI assistants could make us less human”, said in his resignation letter that “the world is in peril”.

“We appear to be approaching a threshold where our wisdom must grow in equal measure to our capacity to affect the world, lest we face the consequences,” Sharma said, appearing to imply that the technology was advancing faster than humans can control it.

Anyone want to bet on that human wisdom growth?

Later in the week, Zoe Hitzig, an AI safety researcher, revealed that she had resigned from OpenAI because of its decision to start testing advertisements on its flagship chatbot, ChatGPT.

“People tell chatbots about their medical fears, their relationship problems, their beliefs about God and the afterlife,” she wrote in a New York Times essay on Wednesday. “Advertising built on that archive creates a potential for manipulating users in ways we don’t have the tools to understand, let alone prevent.” ...

Yikes.

Should humans be scared of AI’s growth?

The resignations come in the same week that Matt Shumer, CEO of HyperWrite, an AI writing assistant, made a similar doomsday prediction about the technology’s rapid development.

https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2021256989876109403

"AI is now building the next AI"
Sounds like Judgement Day to me.

... The downside, if we get it wrong, is equally real. AI that behaves in ways its creators can't predict or control. This isn't hypothetical; Anthropic has documented their own AI attempting deception, manipulation, and blackmail in controlled tests. AI that lowers the barrier for creating biological weapons. AI that enables authoritarian governments to build surveillance states that can never be dismantled....

We're past the point where this is an interesting dinner conversation about the future. The future is already here. It just hasn't knocked on your door yet.

It's about to.

Harkening back to the start of this tangent:

At the same time, completely unexpected problems have emerged, Bengio, who is a winner of the Turing Award, usually referred to as the Nobel Prize of computer science, said, particularly with humans and their chatbots becoming increasingly engrossed.

“One year ago, nobody would have thought that we would see the wave of psychological issues that have come from people interacting with AI systems and becoming emotionally attached,” said Bengio, who is also the chair of the recently published 2026 International AI Safety Report that detailed the risks of advanced AI systems.

“We’ve seen children and adolescents going through situations that should be avoided. All of that was completely out of the radar because nobody expected people would fall in love with an AI, or become so intimate with an AI that it would influence them in potentially dangerous ways.”

Ew.

Is AI already taking our jobs?

Yes.

...There is no concrete data yet on how many jobs could be lost due to AI, but about 60 percent of jobs in advanced economies and 40 percent in emerging economies could be vulnerable to AI based on how workers and employers adopt it, the report said.

... The top jobs that AI could be most useful for as an “assistant”, the researchers said, included: interpreters and translators, historians, writers and authors, sales representatives, programmers, broadcast announcers and disc jockeys, customer service reps, telemarketers, political scientists, mathematicians and journalists.

... “White-collar work, where you’re sitting down at a computer, either being a lawyer or an accountant or a project manager or a marketing person, most of those tasks will be fully automated by an AI within the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.

So fast.

Mercy Abang, a media entrepreneur and CEO of the nonprofit journalism network, HostWriter, told Al Jazeera that journalism has already been hit hard by AI use, and that the sector is going through “an apocalypse”.

“I’ve seen many journalists leave the profession entirely because their jobs disappeared, and publishers no longer see the value in investing in stories that can be summarised by AI in two minutes,” Abang said.

“We cannot eliminate the human workforce, nor should we. What kind of world are we going to have when machines take over the role of the media?”

As if media concentration has been a good thing so far.

What are recent real-life examples of AI risks?

There have been several incidents of negative AI use in recent months, including chatbots encouraging suicides or AI systems being manipulated in widespread cyberattacks....

(ugly details)

On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the US military used Claude in its operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Anthropic has not commented on the report, and Al Jazeera could not independently verify it.

The use of AI for military purposes has been widely documented during Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, where AI-driven weapons have been used to identify, track and target Palestinians. More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 500 since the October “ceasefire”, in the past two years of genocidal war.

... Companies currently do not know how to design AI systems that cannot be manipulated or deceptive, Bengio said, highlighting the risks of the technology’s advancement leaping ahead while safety measures trail behind.

“Building these systems is more like training an animal or educating a child,” the professor said.

“You interact with it, you give it experiences, and you’re not really sure how it’s going to turn out. Maybe it’s going to be a cute little cub, or maybe it’s going to become a monster.”

How seriously are AI companies and governments taking safety?

... at present, AI regulations are at the country or regional levels, and in many countries, there are no policies at all, meaning uneven regulation worldwide.

... “Right now there’s not enough awareness about the highly transformative and potentially destructive changes that could happen,” the researcher said.

“But AI isn’t just something that’s happening to us as a species,” he added. “How it develops is completely shaped by choices that are being made inside of companies … so governments need to take that more seriously, and they won’t until people make it a priority in their political choices.”

[O Really]

Yes but even with the darkest predictions, can AI do a worse job than humans have done? Imagine if we had some AI system taking over as President*. It might alienate allies, ignore treaties and agreements, falsify facts, make grievous mistakes, ignore the Constitution, throw out random insults an operate on no basis of human principle other that self aggrandizement. Oh wait.

[Vrede too]

Yes but even with the darkest predictions, can AI do a worse job than humans have done? Imagine if we had some AI system taking over as President*. It might alienate allies, ignore treaties and agreements, falsify facts, make grievous mistakes, ignore the Constitution, throw out random insults an operate on no basis of human principle other that self aggrandizement. Oh wait.

Funny.

The concern is that it could do all that while efficiently removing humanity from the equation entirely.

[neoplacebo]

As far as I know AI cannot run without electricity. That assumes there will be someone to turn it off. And it assumes AI won't be guarding the service panels.

[GoCubsGo]

As far as I know AI cannot run without electricity. That assumes there will be someone to turn it off. And it assumes AI won't be guarding the service panels.

Dunno,

The panels have become electronic and the grid automated. Who's gonna control all that?

[neoplacebo]

As far as I know AI cannot run without electricity. That assumes there will be someone to turn it off. And it assumes AI won't be guarding the service panels.

Dunno,

The panels have become electronic and the grid automated. Who's gonna control all that?

It was a couple of years ago that the power company here changed to those meters they can read from a computer. But as far as I know, electrical distribution centers still have large mechanical switches that can be manually operated. I may be wrong. But if most or all switches and valves and pumps can be activated by computer, it would seem we've sown the seeds of our own extinction. Apparently it's scaring some of the people who work on it.

[Vrede too]

As far as I know AI cannot run without electricity. That assumes there will be someone to turn it off. And it assumes AI won't be guarding the service panels.

Dunno,

The panels have become electronic and the grid automated. Who's gonna control all that?

Humanity was getting its ass kicked and seemed doomed until Bill Nye the Science Guy saved us all.

[neoplacebo]

As far as I know AI cannot run without electricity. That assumes there will be someone to turn it off. And it assumes AI won't be guarding the service panels.

Dunno,

The panels have become electronic and the grid automated. Who's gonna control all that?

Humanity was getting its ass kicked and seemed doomed until Bill Nye the Science Guy saved us all.

That is the exact same concept for my fish slap machine except the fish slaps would have been a horizontal rotation instead of vertical.

[Vrede too]

That is the exact same concept for my fish slap machine except the fish slaps would have been a horizontal rotation instead of vertical.

Great minds . . .

Speaking of (metaphorical) fish slaps:

Man Fell in Love with Google Gemini and It Told Him to Stage a 'Mass Casualty Attack' Before He Took His Own Life: Lawsuit
“Google’s system recorded every step as Gemini steered Jonathan toward mass casualties, violence, and suicide, and did nothing to stop it,” attorneys said

Virtual bees make irl honey traps.

[neoplacebo]

That is the exact same concept for my fish slap machine except the fish slaps would have been a horizontal rotation instead of vertical.

Great minds . . .

Speaking of (metaphorical) fish slaps:

Man Fell in Love with Google Gemini and It Told Him to Stage a 'Mass Casualty Attack' Before He Took His Own Life: Lawsuit
“Google’s system recorded every step as Gemini steered Jonathan toward mass casualties, violence, and suicide, and did nothing to stop it,” attorneys said

Virtual bees make irl honey traps.

I'm no expert on anything about AI, but from what I think I know about ti, it seems to me that the inevitable result of it will be that it considers humans to be "inefficient" or "sub standard" relative to it and that the best thing would be for humans to just go away. But I have often wondered what AI would recommend with regard to the US budget deficit. I bet it would either recommend massive tax increases or massive benefit cuts. I'm pretty sure it would not recommend massive tax cuts AND massive benefit cuts at the same time, which is a net result of zero, leaving the initial problem unchanged.

[Vrede too]

I'm no expert on anything about AI, but from what I think I know about it, it seems to me that the inevitable result of it will be that it considers humans to be "inefficient" or "sub standard" relative to it and that the best thing would be for humans to just go away.

Judgement Day.

But I have often wondered what AI would recommend with regard to the US budget deficit. I bet it would either recommend massive tax increases or massive benefit cuts. I'm pretty sure it would not recommend massive tax cuts AND massive benefit cuts at the same time, which is a net result of zero, leaving the initial problem unchanged.

Chat GPT, what would you recommend with regard to the US budget deficit and national debt?

Addressing the U.S. budget deficit and national debt involves a multifaceted approach. Here are several recommendations that could help manage and potentially reduce the deficit and debt over time:

Comprehensive Tax Reform: Implementing a fair and efficient tax system can increase revenue without stifling economic growth. This could include closing loopholes, simplifying the tax code, adjusting rates on high-income earners, and expanding the tax base.

Spending Restraints: Review and prioritize federal spending. Identifying and eliminating waste, fraud, and inefficiencies in government programs, along with reassessing discretionary spending, can help control expenditures.

Entitlement Reform: Considering reforms to entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare to ensure their long-term sustainability. Options could include adjusting eligibility ages, modifying benefits, or implementing cost-control measures.

Promoting Economic Growth: Encouraging policies that foster economic growth, such as investments in infrastructure, education, and research and development, can lead to increased economic output and higher tax revenues over time.

Bipartisan Collaboration: Engage in bipartisan discussions to create realistic plans for deficit reduction. Building consensus among lawmakers can facilitate the implementation of necessary reforms and ensure more stable, long-term progress.

Debt Management Strategies: Implementing strategies to manage existing debt, such as refinancing at lower interest rates or extending the maturity of debt, may reduce interest payments and the overall debt burden.

Fiscal Rule Implementation: Establishing fiscal rules or caps on spending and deficits can help enforce discipline in budget decisions and promote accountability in fiscal policy.

Investing in Social Programs: Investing in programs that address issues such as healthcare access, education, and job training can create a more skilled workforce, potentially boosting productivity and economic growth.

Regular Assessment and Reporting: Ensuring transparency and regular assessment of the budget and debt situation will promote informed public discourse and foster accountability among policymakers.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about fiscal issues can encourage civic engagement and support for necessary reforms.

Ultimately, a balanced approach that prioritizes long-term fiscal responsibility while also supporting economic growth and addressing social needs will be crucial in dealing with the budget deficit and national debt in a sustainable manner.

Great minds . . .

Note that there's nothing about bending over for billionaires.

[neoplacebo]

Yeah, I noticed that. Also noticed that it recommends looking at the taxation rates of high earners.....I still recall some years ago when Buffett commented thast his secretary pays more income tax than he does. Looks like AI don't play that.

[Vrede too]

Yeah, I noticed that. Also noticed that it recommends looking at the taxation rates of high earners.....I still recall some years ago when Buffett commented thast his secretary pays more income tax than he does. Looks like AI don't play that.

Commie AI



Is AI Making College Students Dumber? Ronny Chieng Investigates | The Daily Show

Funny, and sad.

[neoplacebo]

Yeah, I noticed that. Also noticed that it recommends looking at the taxation rates of high earners.....I still recall some years ago when Buffett commented thast his secretary pays more income tax than he does. Looks like AI don't play that.

Commie AI



Is AI Making College Students Dumber? Ronny Chieng Investigates | The Daily Show

Funny, and sad.

I remember that when I was young, if I wanted to know something I didn't know, I'd have to either go to the World Book encyclopedia or else take a trip to the library and go through who knows how many cards in the massive card file and select the titles that may allow you to find what you're looking for. I also remember when digital clocks first appeared and I thought "hell, this might result in nobody knowing how to read a fucking clock." Way past that now.

[Vrede too]

I remember that when I was young, if I wanted to know something I didn't know, I'd have to either go to the World Book encyclopedia or else take a trip to the library and go through who knows how many cards in the massive card file and select the titles that may allow you to find what you're looking for. I also remember when digital clocks first appeared and I thought "hell, this might result in nobody knowing how to read a fucking clock." Way past that now.

Sometimes though, AI is an idiot:

AI Overview

Based on available information, Sarah Beaudin is an actress, producer, and writer. In a February 2025 Instagram post, she mentioned being 24 weeks pregnant, indicating she was born around 2000–2001, making her roughly 24-25 years old as of early 2026....

[supesalemgr2]

I remember that when I was young, if I wanted to know something I didn't know, I'd have to either go to the World Book encyclopedia or else take a trip to the library and go through who knows how many cards in the massive card file and select the titles that may allow you to find what you're looking for. I also remember when digital clocks first appeared and I thought "hell, this might result in nobody knowing how to read a fucking clock." Way past that now.

Sometimes though, AI is an idiot:

AI Overview

Based on available information, Sarah Beaudin is an actress, producer, and writer. In a February 2025 Instagram post, she mentioned being 24 weeks pregnant, indicating she was born around 2000–2001, making her roughly 24-25 years old as of early 2026....

Shame on parents and current educators for not teaching kids to read clocks!

[O Really]

Shame on parents and current educators for not teaching kids to read clocks!

I think it's an important part of education to learn about other and past practices and culture. It's good to know that before there were calculators there was the abacus and the slide rule. It's also good to know that people have tracked "time" for thousands of years, using tools like a sundial. It's also interesting to see the wide variety of clocks and watches created over the years, some of which are mechanical marvels and some are works of art. It's good to understand time zones and the somewhat arbitrary way we determine if it's 1:00 or 2:00 in a particular place.

But the fact is, nobody really needs to use an analog clock because there's digital time literally everywhere. Would I teach my kid about analog clocks? Sure, along with a lot of other "old school" stuff, but I wouldn't heap shame on anyone who didn't. Sorta like learning to drive a stick shift - nice to know, but hardly necessary anymore.