People I (Mostly) Admire 52. Max Tegmark on Why Superhuman Artificial Intelligence Won’t be Our Slave (Part 2)
Nov 20, 2021
Max Tegmark, an MIT cosmologist and co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, dives deep into the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI can either empower democracy or exacerbate polarization. Tegmark emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in news consumption, advocating for tools like improvethenews.org to combat media bias. He also explores ethical questions surrounding superhuman AI, urging a balance between technological advancements and human values while fostering a culture of optimism and ambition for the future.
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AI's Threat to Democracy
- AI algorithms, designed for profit maximization, exploit engagement by provoking outrage.
- This polarization, fueled by AI-driven news selection, poses a significant threat to democracy.
Improving News Consumption
- Develop free, unbiased tools that analyze news providers, not just consumers.
- Empower users to control their news consumption by selecting desired perspectives, like choosing a balanced diet.
Exploring News Bias
- Steve Levitt experimented with Improve the News, exploring different perspectives.
- He found the establishment filter particularly insightful, revealing subtle biases.
