New Enlightenment AI and the Wealth of Nations with James Whittaker
In this episode, we sit down with tech evangelist James Whittaker to discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. We explore the short-term impacts of AI, including the potential for AI to spread disinformation but equally the possibility for AI to debunk false information. In regards the long term, we discuss the potential loss of purpose and creativity in humans as AI takes over more tasks, a concern not dissimilar to those at the beginning of and through the First Industrial Revolution. The conversation explores the challenges of regulating AI, where geoeconomic considerations are in play. The EU’s push to regulate AI will not stop development elsewhere, namely in authoritarian states. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ownership of personal data and the possibility of compensating use of data with equity (shares) from the firms that use it.
Takeaways
- The development of AI requires three milestones: knowledge leaving the human mind, digitizing knowledge for machine readability, and access to massive storage and computing power.
- The short-term impacts of AI include the spread of disinformation, which can be combated by AI debunking false information.
- Humans may lose their sense of purpose and creativity as AI takes over more tasks.
- Now is the time to discuss how regulation may be necessary to address the ethical and societal implications of AI.
- AI is non-deterministic and learns like humans, making it capable of automating tasks beyond what software can do.
- The ownership of personal data should be recognised, and individuals should be compensated with equity for its use.
- The regulation of AI is challenging due to the lack of understanding among regulators and the influence of industry.
- The impact of AI on jobs and society requires a new approach and potential solutions like basic income.
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Adam Dixon:
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James Whittaker: