The world, the universe and us

The real threat of AI - ethics, exploitation and the erosion of truth

30 snips
May 30, 2025
Join science writer Alex Wilkins as he dives into the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. He discusses the pressing concern of AI's impact on education, where students increasingly rely on chatbots for homework. The conversation also touches on the daunting prospects of artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, raising questions about human exploitation in AI development. Wilkins emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations amidst skyrocketing energy demands and the potential erosion of truth.
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ANECDOTE

AI's Impact on Education

  • Students and teachers are uncertain how to handle AI's role in education, with students using it widely.
  • A World Bank study showed AI assistance can massively improve English scores in Nigerian students.
ANECDOTE

AI Speech Writing and Authenticity

  • People use AI to write deeply personal speeches, raising questions about authenticity.
  • Writing for oneself is critical for self-understanding and developing critical thinking skills.
INSIGHT

LLMs Lack Truth Understanding

  • Large language models (LLMs) generate text based on probability rather than understanding truth or falsehood.
  • Their "hallucinations" are inherent because they have no real concept of truth, only plausible text generation.
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