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Even though we still do not have AGIs today, Ray Kurzweil, among other AI experts, predicts that AGIs will be developed by 2045, citing the Law of Accelerating Returns, which deduces that the rate of technological growth is exponential.
It is crucial to keep in mind that these projections are based on current trends and advancements in the field of AI and that developing AGI is a complex and ongoing process that might not occur in a specific order.
It is also worth noting that AGI does not necessarily imply replicating all human capabilities; rather, it could refer to systems that are advanced enough that humans perceive them as AGI, but the consequences of having such systems are unknown. It could be compared to opening a Pandora’s Box or attempting to construct a new Tower of Babel, with unknown and potentially negative consequences for humanity and the world.
I believe in the long run, the net effect will be negative, perhaps even catastrophic, for our earth, unless we do something to regulate them appropriately.
5. Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Humans have been attempting to increase the forms, types, places, and reach of communication, resulting in the emergence of many forms of communication, including written language, oral language, sign language, and more recently, digital communication. For example, through the use of books, letters, and other written documents, written language has made it possible for humans to communicate over great distances and long periods. The printing press facilitated written communication after the fifteenth century.
The telephone and telegraph enabled long-distance communication in the nineteenth century. The development of radio, television and the internet has significantly expanded the reach and extensibility of communication and information during the 20th century. Communication with anyone at any time is now possible thanks to the internet and mobile technology. Social networking and instant messaging are new forms of communication as well.
Most machines developed during the agrarian, industrial, and post-industrial eras have ended up deskilling and displacing humans from their traditional vocations, whether in crafts, blue-collar, or clerical work. However, they have also increased production and opened up new areas of labour for individuals who were displaced. As a result, there have been more employment increases than job losses overall.
Many of stakeholders believe that this will always be the case, even for artificial intelligence systems. However, Artificial Intelligence can replace not only monotonous administrative and physical tasks, but also virtually every other job, including those of artists, programmers, teachers, doctors, researchers, lawyers, accountants, and managers—indeed, everyone’s work. Managers have believed that having 1,000 employees will cause 1,000 headaches for them since the beginning of time. So, they will employ whatever machines or methods that allow them to eliminate numerous workers.
However, it is important to note that the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the workforce will likely be more complex than simply replacing jobs. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve human capabilities, produce more work, and create new jobs.
Additionally, the rate at which AI will impact different industries and job types will vary, and some jobs may be more resilient to automation than others. It is also important to consider the ethical and societal implications of AI and its impact on the workforce. For example, there may be concerns about income inequality and the displacement of certain groups of workers.
It is crucial for policymakers and industry leaders to carefully consider these issues and develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts while harnessing the potential benefits of AI. Moreover, there is a need to think about retraining programs, education and upskilling of the workforce, and to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably across society.
6. The Ethical Implications of Giving AGI a Human-Like Brain
Are we trying to give AGI a human-like brain and make it self-aware? This seems to be what we are doing, advertently or inadvertently.
The question of whether to give AGI self-awareness and consciousness is a contentious issue.
Some argue that replicating and understanding human intelligence is a crucial step for AGI to perform tasks such as creativity, empathy, and moral reasoning. Others argue that it is unnecessary and even dangerous, as the actions of a self-aware AGI are uncertain, and it could lead to unintended consequences.
It is important to consider the ethical and moral concerns that arise from the development of AGI with a human-like brain, including the entity’s rights and obligations, and society’s treatment of it. Isaac Asimov, a science fiction author and biochemist, was one of the first to explore these ethical issues in his famous “Three Laws of Robotics” in which he proposed guidelines for the safe and ethical use of robots and AI.
These laws include the prohibition on robots harming humans, the requirement for robots to obey human orders, and the obligation of robots to protect their existence as long as it does not contradict the first two laws.
Asimov’s laws provide a useful framework for considering the ethical implications of AGI, and his work continues to be relevant today as we grapple with the ethical challenges posed by the development of AGI.
It is important for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to carefully consider these ethical implications as AGI technology continues to advance and to ensure that AGI systems are developed with a clear understanding of their limitations and potential risks. Therefore, it is important for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to carefully consider these ethical implications as AGI technology continues to advance and to ensure that AGI systems are developed with a clear understanding of their limitations and potential risks.
7. The Ethical and Societal Implications of Global Human Consciousness
The concept of a global human consciousness, or a “world brain,” refers to the idea that advancements in technology, particularly AI and the internet, are allowing for the collective intelligence of humanity to be harnessed in a way that has never been possible before.
With the advent of technology like ChatGPT, which allows for easy access to information and the ability to ask questions, it is becoming increasingly possible for individuals to access and share knowledge on a global scale. The world is now aware of what GPT-3 is capable of doing! Imagine what happens when it’s upgraded to GPT-4 and then GPT-10.
We’ve been told that GPT-4, once completed, would be 500 times more competent than GPT-3. Today, students may use ChatGPT to produce essays, term papers, and even theses. Professors have started utilizing GPT to edit the chapters they have written and even to help with book chapter composition. Every organization can now use GPT to accomplish practically everything, potentially reducing the need for human personnel.
When I look at a new technology that has been invented in our attempts to build an AGI, like ChatGPT, I believe it appears we want to build a “world brain”, which can be used for both good and ill. ChatGPT has an excellent level of human-to-human communication.
It can be as plain as many people usually are in conversations, yet it can also get as technical as others might want. Any question you ask will have an intelligent response, so feel free to ask anything. It can be your research assistant, write essays for you, draw pictures, and write poems for you, and so on. Individuals can now utilize it for free via the internet. It could replace search engines in applications like Google and Facebook and provide all the answers to questions in applications like Quora.
Building a “world brain” is a goal shared by many organizations besides OpenAI. Numerous other research facilities are working to create a world brain, both in the West and in other nations like China and Japan.
They are all doing so, perhaps unwittingly or unconsciously, working to develop systems with narrow domains such as chatbots, language synthesis systems, language generation systems, and deep learning systems. Some of them have the explicit goal of developing AGI. However, the development of a global human consciousness raises important questions about the nature of human identity, agency, and autonomy.
Moreover, there is a societal implication that, if not properly addressed, could lead to a widening of the digital divide and further marginalization of certain groups. Access to and control over information, technology, and resources will be crucial to ensure a fair distribution of benefits and opportunities in the world
8. Africa, AI, and Other Exponential Techs
In all of the above, where is Africa? Why is there a deafening silence on all of the promethean-level technologies in Africa? Why does Africa continue to adopt a “follow-follow” mentality? Why does Africa think that the world is only meant for some others to recreate without its input? Whatever eventually becomes the world, unfortunately, Africa will also be immersed in it.
Africa is so busy with its day-to-day existential issues, along the lines of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to the point that the business of rethinking the world and our existence is left to others, particularly the conceptual West, to do on behalf of humanity. My concern is that it is only a few in the West, such as the AI intelligentsia, who are trying to recreate the world and human existence.
They seem to have an unspoken agenda, an atheistic agenda, an anti-God agenda, an agenda that wants to build a new Tower of Babel, and, an agenda that wants to create a new version of humanity. Does Africa agree with their agendas?
It is important for Africa to also be a part of these conversations and developments in technology, as it will ultimately affect the continent just as much as any other region. Africa should not be left behind in the shaping of the future, and should actively participate in the rethinking of the world and our existence. It is also important to consider the potential consequences and ethical implications of these technologies and to have a diverse range of perspectives and voices involved in the decision-making process. Furthermore, Africa should also take into account its values and beliefs, and ensure that they are not being overlooked or disregarded in the pursuit of technological advancement.
9. Control and Regulation of AI
The control and regulation of AI refers to the various measures put in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence technology. This can include guidelines for the development and deployment of AI systems, as well as laws and regulations that govern the use of AI in specific industries or applications.
Some of the key concerns that are addressed through Artificial Intelligence regulation include issues related to privacy, security, and the potential for AI to impact jobs and the economy.
Additionally, there are also ethical concerns related to AI, such as the potential for AI to perpetuate bias or make decisions that negatively impact certain groups of people.
Several guidelines have been proposed for the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence systems, including explainability and transparency, fairness and non-discrimination, human oversight, safety and robustness, privacy and security, continuous monitoring and improvement, accountability, human rights, societal and environmental well-being, and human-centred values.
These guidelines aim to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI, but there is no one regulatory body overseeing their implementation.
There are currently a limited number of laws and regulations specifically governing the use of AI, but as the technology continues to advance and its impact on society becomes more significant, more laws and regulations are likely to be developed.
Some examples of existing laws and regulations that govern the use of AI in specific industries or applications include:
- Health Care: The US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulates the use of AI in healthcare by protecting the privacy and security of patient data.
- Finance: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union regulates the use of AI in finance by protecting the privacy and personal data of individuals.
- Autonomous vehicles: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has issued guidance on the safe testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, which includes requirements for data recording and sharing, cybersecurity, and human oversight.
- Employment: Many countries have laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace, which can apply to AI systems used in the hiring process or the management of employees.
These are just a few examples, regulations may vary from country to country, and it is important to keep in mind that laws and regulations are always changing as technology advances and society’s understanding of it evolves.
10. Conclusion
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is expected to have a significant impact on how we live and work. Many people look at the development of AI with a positive outlook, I share that sentiment but also with concerns. I believe that it is like opening a box of unknown consequences that humanity will regret. I am worried that there are no worldwide regulations and control systems in place to govern the design, development, and application of AI. Without these, we can’t ensure that AI will be safe for humanity. Moreover, I do not see any significant efforts being put into implementing Asimov’s laws of robotics, which could be used to ensure safety features are built into AI systems.
The ethical implications of AI must be taken into account by society, and its creation and application must be consistent with human values. This may involve creating regulations and guidelines for the use of AI, as well as investing in retraining programs to assist individuals whose jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI.
Overall, the integration of Artificial Intelligence is a complex issue that requires a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and risks of this technology. It is essential for society to have open and honest conversations about the implications of AI and to collaborate to ensure that its development and use align with human values and promote the well-being of all individuals.
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Evan Woherem, a highly respected industry professional and alumnus of Harvard Business School, wrote in from Abuja, Nigeria
