Big Think Yuval Noah Harari: How to safeguard your mind in the age of junk information
18 snips
Aug 27, 2025 
Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author, dives into the troubling intersection of humanity and AI. He argues that organic beings struggle to adapt to the relentless pace of artificial information cycles. Harari highlights the risks of an AI-dominated world and emphasizes the importance of creating robust institutions to uphold healthy discourse. His key takeaway? Adopt an 'information diet' to safeguard mental well-being and foster clearer communication amidst the chaos of misinformation.
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AI As Alien Intelligence
- Yuval Noah Harari argues AI is an emergent, unpredictable intelligence distinct from mere automation.
- He calls AI closer to an "alien intelligence" because it learns and produces unanticipated decisions.
Organic Networks Match Human Rhythms
- Harari explains all pre-21st-century information networks were organic and matched human rhythms.
- These organic networks ran in cycles with built-in rest and privacy that limited constant surveillance.
Inorganic Systems Remove Rest
- Harari warns inorganic AI networks operate 24/7 and can force humans into always-on cycles.
- He says forcing organic beings to be always on is destructive and leads to collapse.
