We went crazy. Everyone. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking hold, and panic is spreading in the pages of newspapers and in the media. And it ends in terrified and aggressive comments towards any analysis, even balanced, on the phenomenon. What is behind this climate of catastrophism?
Catastrophism: like an epidemic
In the beginning it was the tabloids, known for their sensational and often unfounded stories. Today, even more "serious" newspapers such as the New York Times have begun to ride the wave of catastrophism, further fueling discussion on the topic.
Some leading figures in the AI world itself, we have made them known to you, have contributed to spreading these apocalyptic scenarios, leveraging fear to gain visibility and attention.
Between these, Sam altman, CEO of OpenAI, is a case in point. His statements they painted a dark and disturbing future, in which AI could become a mortal danger to humanity. He was then echoed by the statements of Eliezer Yudkowski, another super expert, who fears his daughter will not become an adult: before then, in fact, according to him the AI it could kill us all.
Leverage Luddism to promote technology
The question arises: why are these people and organizations fueling panic about AI? Is it authentic "philanthropy" (on the part of those who have developed and already earn from AI, moreover)?
The answer is simple: terror sells. Creating a climate of fear around OpenAI's products, for example, is an integral part of the company's marketing strategy. Making people believe that their products are “the most important and frightening in the history of mankind” attracts the attention of the public, investors and potential employees.
With a similar game, in 2019, social media guaranteed itself a little more oxygen. The ongoing warning about misinformation that blamed Cambridge Analytica for Brexit and Trump's 2016 election actually underpinned Facebook's sales message: “What could be more attractive to an advertiser than a car? able to persuade anyone of everything?"
Who among you has grasped this pattern? Be honest.
Business catastrophism
It is convenient for everyone: for AI companies and also for the formidable "champions of freedom". On the one hand, figures like Sam Altman use apocalyptic marketing to promote real products. On the other hand, more and more “conservative heroes” are making AI catastrophism their main product, their career and their source of income.
An example? The Standard Bearers of the "Effective altruism“. They claim to be the chosen few capable of saving us from a hypothetical AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) apocalypse. But they make money from it. And they sell. Products, Services, Books, events. They get millions of clicks on their posts. In the mantras that then fall on the laziest, the same pappardelle. The same key words: “Ah! Transhumanism!”. “Ah! The Overton Window”. Few but confused ideas, which end up preventing a real and healthy debate on the real risks of AI, and also on the real opportunities.
Out of control. It's out of place.
Hysterical catastrophism about AI has become yet another mainstream product. And the many self-styled "awake" people do not understand that they are actually part of what in their way is another flock. It is important to recognize these mechanisms and not be overwhelmed by collective hysteria.
Artificial Intelligence certainly presents challenges and concerns, but it is essential to address them with a rational and evidence-based approach, rather than panicking.
From catastrophism to civilization in 5 moves
To combat collective hysteria and panic about AI, it is important to:
- Educate the public: Disseminating accurate and accessible information about AI and its applications can help people better understand the risks and opportunities offered by these technologies. We're trying.
- Promote dialogue between experts and the public: Creating opportunities for scientists, engineers and industry experts to interact with the public and share their knowledge of AI can foster greater understanding of the topic and reduce unwarranted catastrophism.
- Incentivize responsible media coverage: The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion on AI. Incentivizing more balanced, fact-based media coverage can help reduce collective hysteria and promote more rational debate on AI-related issues.
- Foster international cooperation: The "smart" keyboarders who think the attitude is purely alarmist should know that panic over AI can fuel an arms race, not disarmament. Instead, promoting international cooperation in AI can help ensure that these technologies are developed and regulated responsibly, with benefits shared globally.
- Develop a clear and fair regulatory framework: A robust and well-defined regulatory framework can help prevent the abuse of AI and ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly. Of course, it is important that these rules are not dictated by catastrophism and hysteria, as in the Italian case on ChatGPT (it is no coincidence that no one has followed our country beyond the chatter, but is taking the right time to evaluate). Rather, we need choices based on a deep and rational understanding of the risks and opportunities of AI. The rest is material for marketers who, lo and behold, want to make money by organizing AI events. When it comes down to it.
The appendix is dedicated to the real victims
I want to dedicate the last part of this long article to those who are really suffering the situation. A little due to mental laziness, a little due to attitude, a lot due to faults that are not their own. The people who, faced with this news, embrace catastrophism and transform it into a source of pride, almost into a battle for freedom.
On social channels you recognize them because they read a title, are activated by reading a keyword (in this case "artificial intelligence") and start with Pavlovian reactions and the mantras I was telling you about. Maybe peppered with insults and threats.
I address you
Don't be prophets of catastrophe, friends. Don't preach fear, please. Above all, don't presumptuously place yourself on the level of "saviors from the evil of artificial intelligence" (and transhumanism. I know, it has nothing to do with it, but they put it on everything like parsley).
You risk manipulation. Yes sir. Exactly like those you mock or accuse, those who from your point of view "buy everything the mainstream says".
The mainstream also manipulates with fear, you should know that. Instead, why don't we all try together to really delve into the topic, trying to balance the risks and benefits of this technology?
Abandoning catastrophism is the best, and perhaps the only, way to avoid a possible catastrophe. Oh, I told you.
