AI’s Advancement Threatens National Security and Forces Human-Tech Merger
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant threat to national security, according to leading futurists and experts in the field. AI has the potential to surpass human capabilities, both intellectually and creatively, leading to concerns about the control and use of superintelligent systems by different nations.
Renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts that by 2045, AI will reach a point of self-awareness, a development he refers to as the Singularity. This event could prompt the need for humans to merge with technology in order to keep pace with AI or risk being left behind. Kurzweil’s track record of accurate predictions lends weight to his projections, with an 86 percent accuracy rate in his predictions since the 1990s.
The blurring of boundaries between humans and technology has been underway for years, evidenced by the integration of advanced technology in everyday life. Our cars have become supercomputers on wheels, and AI chatbots are already a reality. However, experts now suggest that the Singularity could occur even sooner than previously anticipated, with discussions about the emergence of sentient AI and the rise of models like ChatGPT.
Melanie Subin, a futurist and Managing Director of Future Today Institute, highlights the significance of achieving artificial superintelligence, which surpasses human capabilities intellectually and creatively. She emphasizes the need to redefine how humans contribute to economic value creation, particularly if machines become more efficient. This shift will impact wealth distribution, as access to advanced technology will determine economic value and influence.
A critical concern expressed by Subin and her colleagues revolves around the creation and control of superintelligent systems by nations. Proprietary development of AI models within specific countries, especially for military intelligence applications, could pose threats to national security, including safeguarding essential infrastructure like electric grids and ensuring food security. Unscrupulous corporations engaged in a competitive race to develop leading AI models further exacerbate these concerns, with larger companies having a substantial advantage due to their resources.
However, not all experts view the advancement of AI as solely a threat. Michael Housan, a technologist and data scientist, highlights the benefits of merging humans and technology. He argues that machines can mitigate the biases inherent in human decision-making processes, leading to improved performance when humans and machines collaborate. Housan cautions against relying too heavily on either humans or machines, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance and recognizing when to defer to human intuition or machine analysis.
Addressed is the risk of AI displacing human employment opportunities, a concern that has arisen throughout history during periods of technological transformation. Housan draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, where fears of machines eradicating all human jobs proved unfounded. Instead, new jobs were created in building, maintaining, and monitoring these machines, surpassing the scope of previous employment. While AI may eliminate the need for human input in certain technologies, it will also stimulate the creation of new industries that leverage AI capabilities.
As the AI revolution progresses, it becomes increasingly apparent that humanity stands at a crossroads. The advancement of AI has the potential to reshape society in ways previously unimagined. Striking a balance between harnessing AI’s power for innovation and addressing concerns surrounding national security and employment is vital. The coming decades will witness the convergence of human and technological capabilities, requiring a thoughtful approach to navigate this transformative era in a way that benefits society as a whole.
