According to Yuval Hahari, it may not be in the immediate future, but it may be in ten years, as can be seen in the video below. So, we asked the two most popular AI engines, Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT, if it would be possible, and here are the answers:
Gemini:
While AI’s capabilities are constantly expanding, a takeover by AI is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Here’s why:
- Goal Misalignment: AI typically works towards goals set by humans. Even the most advanced AI lacks the independent desires or motivations needed for a power grab.
- Limited Scope: Current AI excels at specific tasks but often struggles with broader contexts or situations outside its training data. Taking over a complex system like a government would be far beyond their capabilities.
- Human Control: AI systems are ultimately created and controlled by humans. We can choose to develop AI with safety and human oversight in mind.
However, there are potential risks to consider:
- Unintended Consequences: AI systems can produce unexpected outcomes if not carefully designed and monitored. It’s important to anticipate potential risks and have safeguards in place.
- Job Displacement: Automation through AI could significantly impact the workforce. We need to find ways to manage this transition and ensure everyone benefits from technological advancements.
- Ethical Considerations: As AI becomes more sophisticated, ethical considerations like bias and fairness become paramount. We need to develop AI responsibly and ensure it aligns with human values.
The future of AI is likely to be one of collaboration, where AI augments human capabilities rather than replaces them. By focusing on responsible development and open communication, we can ensure AI is a tool for good.
ChatGPT:
The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking power from humans is a topic often explored in science fiction, but in reality, it’s a complex and highly speculative scenario. As of now, AI lacks consciousness, emotions, and moral agency, which are crucial aspects of human decision-making and governance. However, AI could potentially influence decision-making processes and governance structures in significant ways. Here are some considerations:
- Automation of Decision-Making: AI can be used to automate certain decision-making processes in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and transportation. While this can improve efficiency and accuracy, it’s usually within the framework set by human operators and policymakers.
- Advisory Roles: AI systems can provide valuable insights and recommendations to human decision-makers based on data analysis and predictive modeling. However, the final decisions typically remain in human hands.
- Bias and Ethics: AI systems are only as unbiased and ethical as the data and algorithms they’re built upon. Without careful oversight and regulation, there’s a risk of AI reinforcing existing biases or making unethical decisions.
- Dependence on Humans: AI systems rely on human developers, trainers, and maintainers for their operation and improvement. They don’t have inherent motivations or desires to seize power from humans.
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks: Societies establish legal and ethical frameworks to govern the development and use of AI technologies. These frameworks are designed to ensure that AI serves human interests and values.
- Public Perception and Trust: Trust in AI systems is essential for their acceptance and adoption. If people perceive AI as a threat to their autonomy or well-being, they’re likely to resist its influence.
Overall, while AI can certainly impact decision-making processes and governance structures, the idea of AI autonomously seizing power from humans remains speculative and subject to various ethical, legal, and societal constraints. It’s crucial for policymakers, technologists, and society as a whole to carefully consider the implications of AI advancement and ensure that it serves the best interests of humanity.
Here is the video on the subject mentioned above:
Watch Yuval Noah Harari’s conversation with author and @GZEROMedia founder @ianbremmer – in front of a live audience at New York’s 92nd Street Y. Their discussion covers Harari’s new children’s book, ‘Unstoppable Us, Vol. 2: Why the World Isn’t Fair’, the power of stories, disruptive AI, the war in Gaza, and questions from the audience. Filmed on 3 March 2024.
Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and the bestselling author of ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ (2014), ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow’ (2016), ’21 Lessons for the 21st Century’ (2018), the graphic novel series ‘Sapiens: A Graphic History’ (launched in 2020, co-authored with David Vandermeulen and Daniel Casanave), the children’s series ‘Unstoppable Us’ (launched 2022), and the forthcoming ‘NEXUS: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI’ (2024).
Further Reading and Videos: