Stargate AG-I

Jan 28, 2025

Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard dive into the revolutionary Stargate AI initiative, addressing the urgent need for AI regulation amid rapid technological advancements. They explore the potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment and unpack the societal implications of corporate power in AI development. The concept of 'enshitification' highlights the pitfalls of prioritizing profit over user experience. The hosts stress the importance of civic engagement and responsible innovation, ultimately seeking a balanced approach to ensure technology serves humanity's best interests.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Navigating the Stargate: AI's Future

02:03 • 20min

Exploring the Intersection of mRNA Vaccines and Cancer Treatment

21:51 • 3min

Navigating the Complexities of AI Development

25:02 • 24min

Civic Engagement and the Future of Innovation

49:16 • 1min

Exploring AI Safety and Energy Demands in Modern Drug Development

50:38 • 2min

Navigating Energy and Ethics in AI Development

52:28 • 12min

In this conversation, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard discuss the rapid developments in AI technology, particularly focusing on the newly announced Stargate AI initiative. They explore the implications of the inauguration week, the political landscape surrounding AI regulation, and the potential economic impacts of this massive investment in AI infrastructure. The discussion also touches on historical parallels, public perception, and the ambitious claims made during the press conference announcing the initiative. Andrew and Sean also explore the transformative potential of AI and mRNA vaccines in medicine, the ethical implications of tech companies' responsibilities, and the societal risks associated with unchecked technological advancement. They discuss the concept of 'enshitification,' where companies prioritize profit over user experience, and emphasize the need for responsible development and regulation in the tech industry. In this conversation, the hosts explore the implications of corporate power in the context of AI development, the merging of corporate and governmental roles, and the potential dystopian futures that may arise. They discuss the responsibilities of society in shaping AI's trajectory, the energy demands of AI infrastructure, and the gamble of sacrificing current quality of life for future benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of quality control in innovation and ends on a note of optimism, urging individuals to engage in discussions about the future of AI and its impact on human flourishing.

Links:

-----

Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura

Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

-----