“ChinAI #266: An Ordinary Beijinger’s Thoughts on AI” by Jeffrey Ding
May 20, 2024
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A retired woman in Beijing shares her encounters with AI and the implications of superintelligence. The podcast discusses AI safety in China, propaganda through AI news anchors, and challenges faced by aging tech workers. It also covers policy issues, the Curse of 35 phenomenon, and details on the author and subscription model.
AI-generated writing lacks human touch and vitality, posing questions about its suitability in elderly care.
Societal implications of AI include ethical concerns of superintelligence surpassing human control and cautious utilization for human survival.
Deep dives
Exploring AI Writing Abilities Through an Ordinary Beijing Resident
Yuanban Urji, a 50-year-old Beijing resident, shares her insights on interacting with AI by testing writing models like chat GPT and asking them to write essays and reviews. She found that AI-generated writing lacked the human touch and vitality found in authentic human writing. Despite AI's competency in certain tasks like reviewing Japanese dramas, Urji questions its application in elderly care scenarios, hinting at potential roles for AI in assisting with daily tasks.
Contemplating the Role of AI in Society
Urji delves into deeper societal implications of AI, pondering the possibilities of robot caregivers for the elderly based on points earned through virtuous acts. She humorously envisions an AI assistant for euthanasia, highlighting ethical concerns around superintelligence surpassing human control. Expressing worries of a Hollywood-esque machine rebellion, she advocates for cautious utilization of AI in a controlled manner to ensure human survival and ethical use.
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An Ordinary Beijing Resident's Reflections on AI and Its Implications
These are Jeff Ding's (sometimes) weekly translations of Chinese-language musings on AI and related topics. Jeff is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at George Washington University.
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