TL;DR:
- Alarmist claims of sentient AI turning against its creators are unfounded and rooted in fictional narratives.
- AI is a continuation of past innovations, designed to mimic and surpass human cognitive abilities.
- While AI operates at immense computational speeds, the human brain remains a complex and enigmatic entity.
- The limitations of current AI models highlight our incomplete understanding of neural processing.
- The human brain’s capabilities, with its vast network of neurons and synapses, far surpass those of AI.
- AI may pose risks in certain scenarios, but the notion of a malevolent, sentient AI is imaginary.
- The real concern lies in the socio-economic impact of AI displacing workers, which merits further examination.
- The remarkable attributes of the human brain, such as its energy efficiency and situational awareness, highlight its superiority over AI in specific tasks.
- AI’s energy consumption and infrastructure requirements make it challenging to support a global population at scale.
- As AI continues to evolve, the big question for the future will be the role of humans in a technologically advanced world.
Main AI News:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in the global infoscape, generating both excitement and apprehension. However, recent alarmist predictions about AI turning against its creators have gripped the attention of billionaire entrepreneurs and industry experts alike. Are these concerns valid, or are they merely fueled by fictional narratives borrowed from movies like Terminator? To shed light on this debate, we can draw comparisons between AI and the human brain, the epitome of sentient existence.
AI, designed to replicate and surpass human cognitive abilities, represents a paradigm shift in technological advancements. Yet, it is essential to recognize that AI is not a radical departure but a continuum of innovation throughout history. From ancient mechanisms like wheels, cranks, and windmills to modern inventions like bows, arrows, missiles, and the internet, humanity has consistently sought to overcome its inherent limitations. AI, with its ability to transcend human cognitive capacities, is another step in this evolutionary journey.
Scientists postulate that the human brain operates at an astounding speed of 1 exaFLOP, equivalent to a billion calculations per second. However, this estimation, based on computing metrics, is still theoretical. In contrast, the world’s fastest supercomputer, Frontier, currently operates at a speed of 1.102 exaFLOP. The distinction lies in the nature and function of these two computational powerhouses: the brain thinks, while the supercomputer analyzes data.
Despite the development of supercomputers, scientists are still mystified by the neural processing capabilities of human minds. Shakuntala Devi, known for her extraordinary mental calculations, exemplified the untapped potential of human brains. Our current machine-mediated models fall short of fully comprehending the intricacies of neural processing. While studies have shown increased blood flow to specific cerebral lobes during computational tasks, much remains unknown, scattered across a realm of fragmented research and unconsolidated data.
The enigmatic nature of the human brain has led to its division into eight or twelve primary categories, as scientists strive to understand its functions. The precise location of sentience within these categories remains an open question. Could it be the result of cumulative interactions between them? Or does the human brain possess a sentient soul that grants it unparalleled innovative abilities compared to other species? Unlike AI, which separates software and hardware, the brain embodies both within a single entity. These uncertainties persist, shrouding the true essence of human cognition.
If neuroscience, the study of the brain, is an evolving field filled with unanswered questions, what can we say about its subset, artificial intelligence? Can a nascent technology created by humans suddenly spring to life and pose an existential threat? If we are yet to fathom the intricacies of our own brains or define the elusive concept of sentience, why do we hastily borrow doomsday scenarios from science fiction and project them onto our reality?
While there is a narrow spectrum in which AI may pose real risks, such as through poor software design, rushed development, or algorithmic mismatches, the idea of a malevolent, sentient AI remains purely imaginary. Disaster scenarios may arise, such as incidents at chemical or nuclear plants, disruptions in the stock market, or failures in experimental self-driving vehicles. However, the true cause of the current wave of AI alarmism may be rooted in something more pragmatic and earthly—the imminent displacement of millions, if not billions, of workers due to AI’s advancements. This socio-economic impact merits its own dedicated analysis, and by looking at the capabilities of the human brain, we can gain a realistic perspective on the supposed threats posed by AI.
The Marvels of the Human Brain
According to nm.org, a minuscule piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains an astonishing 100,000 neurons and 1 billion synapses. Remarkably, the brain generates approximately 23 watts of power, enough to illuminate a light bulb. Information travels through its neural networks at an impressive speed of 268 miles per hour, while its storage capacity remains virtually unlimited. It is estimated that the human brain comprises about 86 billion neurons, forming up to 1 quadrillion connections.
These extraordinary attributes led the Psalmist to declare, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” in his mother’s womb. Every second, the brain seamlessly orchestrates a wide array of functions within itself and the human body to maintain organic harmony. It promptly adapts to any deviations from the norm, compensating for disruptions like impaired balance or activating hemostasis to stop bleeding. The human body is undoubtedly the pinnacle of complexity, a remarkable example of a complex adaptive system.
While delving into the intricate functions of the body’s complex adaptive system is beyond the scope of this article, we can explore some real-world examples of how the brain safeguards its host. In social situations that evoke discomfort, a “pain in the neck” serves as an internal signal urging us to seek the nearest exit, preventing further escalation. Likewise, when intellectual fatigue or depression looms, the brain warns us to steer clear of fake news and those who propagate it.
A Traffic Test: Human Brain vs. AI
Comparing the energy consumption of the brain and the Frontier supercomputer highlights the vast difference between biological and artificial computation. While the brain generates a modest 23 watts of power, the Frontier supercomputer consumes a staggering 21 megawatts (MW), equivalent to one million watts. This energy disparity underscores why scientists are placing their bets on biological computing as the next great technological frontier. Until then, we must acknowledge that current hardware and software still struggle to match the cognitive prowess of the human brain, even in relatively simple scenarios.
Consider a traffic situation where two cars approach a narrow choke point from opposite directions during heavy rain and wind. Car A travels at twice the speed of Car B, but the distance to the choke point is twice as long for Car A. Both drivers intuitively understand that, under normal conditions, Car B should accelerate to exit the narrow strip. However, there is a large puddle of water in front of Car B, hinting at a risky pothole beneath. In this situation, both drivers instinctively realize it is wiser for Car A to exit the choke point first, creating space in the adjoining lane for Car B to avoid the puddle. This innate situational awareness allows the brain to navigate complexities effortlessly, second after second.
Now, imagine replacing the drivers with autonomous driving systems and contemplate the immense energy requirements and technological infrastructure necessary for a similar task. These “intelligent” vehicles would need GPS navigation, real-time weather updates, satellite and 5G connectivity, and an array of sensors. However, satellite navigation could fail during a storm, leaving these self-driving cars in a quandary. Should they halt traffic or seek a curb that is quickly turning into mud? In contrast, our human senses would guide us in accelerating out of slippery situations, while self-driving cars would rely on an extensive network of hardware and algorithms to cope.
Now, envision a billion cars operated by autonomous driving systems. How would we generate the energy and computing power required for such an infrastructure? Is a proverbial Death Star the only solution, even if it is for our collective benefit? This conundrum might be the underlying source of anxiety that plagues AI alarmists. The AI technopia they envision simply cannot support a global population of one billion, let alone the current eight billion humans.
In fact, renowned techno-prophet Yuval Noah Harari postulates that the “big political and economic question of the 21st century will be what do we need humans for, or at least what do we need so many humans for“? As we grapple with the future implications of AI, we must recognize the unique capabilities of the human brain and the vital roles humans play in a rapidly evolving world.
Conclusion:
The hype surrounding AI alarmism often lacks a solid foundation, as the notion of a malevolent, sentient AI is more science fiction than reality. The true concerns lie in the socio-economic implications of widespread AI adoption and the displacement of workers. Businesses should consider the limitations and capabilities of AI compared to the human brain when evaluating its potential impact on the market. Striking a balance between technological advancements and the unique qualities of human cognition will be crucial for future market dynamics.
