'Godfather Of AI' Is Right: If Humans Don't Get On Top Of Technology, It Will Destroy Us

The godfather of artificial intelligence has left Google, and the impact of the technology he helped create is alarming everyone.

If we don't listen, we can lose our ability to use our free will in ways that are difficult to understand.

Imagine robots controlling everything from the money we spend to the food we eat to where we go or worship.

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According to comments we heard from Geoffrey Hinton, he said, "We have to consider the existential risk of being beyond us about these things."

"At present," he once said, "they are not so wise as I can tell, but I think they will be soon."

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AI, chatbots will soon think like humans. Where are the limits?

It is not hard to imagine the reality that computers control us more than we control them.

Hinton argues that digital systems can learn independently but transfer their knowledge instantaneously. Imagine, 10,000 people sit down to read and as soon as one understands something, the others learn something.

Currently, chatbots cannot think like humans. But given the speed at which technology is advancing, it won't be long before this gap closes.

"We expect them to improve quickly and this is something we have to worry about," he said.

Can we really trust AI? ChatGPT accused me of sexually harassing my students.

Will artificial intelligence replace your doctor? As a doctor, I fear that new technologies will affect patient care.

Where are the limits and what are the controls?

Before you put a ban on all computer learning and AI development, imagine what would happen if China or Russia surpassed America in technological prowess.

It will shift the global balance of power and create a security risk that could cause economic and infrastructural chaos for ordinary Americans.

As we know for generations, inflation and quality of life can destroy the country.

What if artificial intelligence prevents us from using our free will?

If we can't put out this fire, how can we stop it from burning our world?

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Science fiction come to life? AI presents both promise and danger for future generations.

It's easy to imagine dystopian sci-fi settings from franchises like The Terminator.

But there are many artificial intelligence mechanisms that prevent ordinary people from exercising their free will.

Every aspect of our lives includes a digital footprint, including banking and shopping.

Imagine if bots decided to help weak-willed people by self-discipline: What would prevent bot systems from blocking transactions for smoking, drinking alcohol, or other vices?

What happens if the bot detects that the user is overweight and does not allow me to buy a snack or fast food?

What if AI sees humans as a threat?

You may think that it is not so bad and sign up for such a service. What would happen if computers perceived human activity as a threat?

The world's population has grown exponentially, putting pressure on resources.

Will computers stop hospitals from performing life-saving surgery? Or could electricity or connections to nursing homes be cut to save resources?

And the journey? Could computers figure out which greenhouse gases and other emissions associated with transportation or leisure travel are harmful to the environment and eliminate them all?

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Why should we think that AI systems cannot exist if human activity destroys the land on which it thrives, and that robots will take modern comfort and convenience into account when making rational decisions?

What would happen if computers learned that religion is irrational and does more harm than good?

What will digital networks do to prevent churches or other places of worship from banking or broadcasting their messages on TV or social media?

Ignore Geoffrey Hinton's warning

There are countless ways in which the untested digital learning environment can change our lives.

And Hinton's admonition is to urge tech companies and government ethos to outdo each other before AI is suppressed.

Imagine a world without free will.

From what we've heard, it's more than likely.

Contact Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @SayingMoore.

This article originally appeared in the Arizona Republic: “Godfather of AI” is right; If people don't approach technology, it will destroy us.

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