The Gray Area with Sean Illing A brief history of extinction panics
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Feb 26, 2024 Tyler Austin Harper, an assistant professor of environmental studies and New York Times contributor, dives into the frenzy surrounding AI and its ties to extinction panics. He discusses the history of such fears, linking them to today's anxieties about technology and climate change. The conversation tackles the ethical implications of long-termism versus short-term suffering, critiques elite narratives about extinction, and highlights the real risks of AI misuse. Harper ultimately urges a balance of humility and optimism as we face modern existential threats.
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Long-Termism's Influence
- Silicon Valley's AI discourse is heavily influenced by the long-termism movement.
- Long-termists prioritize securing a utopian future, often funded by tech figures.
Extreme AI Perspectives
- Some in Silicon Valley forgo 401ks, believing in either digital paradise or imminent extinction.
- This extreme perspective reflects the all-or-nothing nature of AI discourse.
Nature of Extinction Panics
- Extinction panics arise from rapid developments, creating a sense of societal vertigo.
- These panics, like moral panics, often exaggerate a kernel of truth, like current AI fears.
