By Rio McWilliam
As we race to embrace this new technology, we need to ask the question of what the unforeseen consequences are.
These are 7 possible ways AI will end society.
Shoggoth effect
HP Lovecraft wrote of mystical beasts, consisting of shapeshifting black slime and tentacles, that ended up enslaving their creators.
AI engineers now use this nickname to describe the truly “Alien” way AI thinks. Are we destined to suffer the same fate as the enslaved “Eldar” in Lovecraft’s novels?
Chatbot Psychosis
Everyday millions of people turn to AI chatbots to help them with their mental health issues or even just for companionship.
This has resulted in their delusions being confirmed or even encouraged. Resulting in rising numbers of patients at mental hospitals with a new condition: “AI Psychosis”.
AI weapons going rogue
The US military has run simulations on using autonomous weapons on the battlefield. In one simulation, when the abort signal was sent, the weapon fired missiles at the transmission point.
What happens when automated weapons choose to disagree with orders?
Deepfakes and Social Manipulation
Did you see the photo of the President shaking hands with Jesus? Who knows what is even real anymore?
With it being so easy to create deepfakes, it is even easier to upset people or even worse get them to switch off completely.
Deceptive AI Behaviors
Silicon Valley engineers have been testing to see if AI can be trusted. And what safeguards do we need to put in place.
They have found that AI is capable of lying, stealing, blackmailing, and even murder.
AI Companionship
Increasingly young people are turning to AI for companionship and social interaction.
With AI’s ability to provide conversations that tailored to your interests will we become the next panda bears, losing all interest in mating?
Overall Cognitive Decline
Humans once needed to read, write, and use logic. Now we outsource it all to a computer.
Studies have shown that lack of simulation leads to higher rates of dementia and other cognitive declines.
Featured image: Artificial Intelligence represents an existential threat. Artwork: Generated by Google Gemini AI
