Steven Byrnes

Dr. Steven Byrnes, an AI safety researcher at the Astera Institute and a former physics postdoc at Harvard, shares his cutting-edge insights on AI alignment. He discusses his 90% probability of AI doom while arguing that true threats stem from future brain-like AGI rather than current LLMs. Byrnes explores the brain's dual subsystems and their influences on decision-making, emphasizing the necessity of integrating neuroscience into AI safety research. He critiques existing alignment approaches, warning of the risks posed by misaligned AI and the complexities surrounding human-AI interaction.

Steven Byrnes, an AGI safety researcher and author, shares insights from his 2025 review and plans for 2026. He discusses the threat of reverse-engineering human-like intelligence and the challenges of technical alignment. Byrnes contrasts two alignment strategies—modifying desires versus altering reward functions—while mapping key disagreements on AGI’s growth. He explores social instincts and compassion's role in AGI alignment, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design. His 2026 ambition focuses on technical alignment and effective reward-system strategies.

Steven Byrnes, author of a thought-provoking LessWrong post, dives into the intersection of traditional economics and Artificial General Intelligence. He discusses two foundational principles: the resilience of human labor value amidst population growth and the implications of demand on product pricing. Byrnes presents a captivating trilemma, exploring how AGI might challenge these longstanding economic views. With insights on the evolving landscape of labor and manufacturing, he sparks a fascinating debate on AGI's impact on the economy.