"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis cover image

Agency over AI? Allan Dafoe on Technological Determinism & DeepMind's Safety Plans, from 80000 Hours

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

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The Inertia of Technology Shapes Our Future

The design of recommendation algorithms profoundly influences public discourse and perception of conversation. This concept aligns with technological determinism, particularly the notion of technological momentum, where established systems gain inertia due to sunk costs, making transitions challenging. Urban infrastructure's reliance on cars exemplifies this inertia, as spreading cities complicate the development of pedestrian-friendly areas. Additionally, the potential of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like wind and solar power illustrates how alternative paths could have been viable with different investments. However, claims that all technological paths are equally determined may be overstated; in reality, some technologies naturally possess greater viability than others.

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