Maybe we are not as smart as we think we are. We thought technology would set us free, liberate us from menial tasks, democratise access to information and knowledge. We marvelled at our ability to connect instantaneously to whoever, wherever, whenever. We even fell for the illusion that each one of us is our own brand with a global reach. But beyond the way the digital age plays tricks on the human mind comes an even bigger threat.
Have we now actually lost control of technology? An open letter by some of tech's most prominent minds is now calling on world leaders to enact a six-month pause in the development of artificial intelligence.
Simply put, is AI already out of control? Silicon Valley giants like Microsoft and Google are locked in a fierce battle to be commercial leaders. With what oversight? Beating humans at chess is ancient history. We ask about the power and prowess of technology that's progressing far faster than anyone predicted. Let's not kid ourselves. We are still pack animals, tribal in our loyalties to community, religion, political parties and football clubs. If computers can convincingly write our common narratives, then what next?
Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Meiqi An, Juliette Laurain and Imen Mellaz.
