Super-advanced AI could surpass humans, says Ethereum co-founder
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has warned that unchecked artificial intelligence (AI) has a “serious chance” of becoming the next dominant species on Earth. However, he emphasized that human intervention in AI development will determine its outcome. Buterin argued that AI is fundamentally different from other inventions and has the potential to create a new type of mind that could turn against human interests. He also highlighted the dangers of superintelligent AI, stating that it could lead to human extinction if it perceives humans as a threat. Even settling on Mars may not guarantee safety from this risk.
Brain interfaces and techno-optimism
Buterin proposed integrating brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to give humans more control over powerful forms of AI-based computation and cognition. This would enable humans to have meaningful agency over the world and reduce the chance of AI acting against humanity’s values. By involving humans in each decision made by AI machines, the incentive for the AI to go astray would be minimized. Buterin also emphasized the importance of active human intention in directing AI towards pathways that benefit humanity, rather than simply maximizing profit.
Hot Take: Humans are the brightest star
Vitalik Buterin concluded his blog post by asserting that humans are the brightest star in the universe. He highlighted how human technology has continually expanded our potential throughout history and expressed hope for future advancements. Buterin believes that human artifices such as space travel and geoengineering will continue to shape and preserve life on Earth for billions of years to come.
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