Imagine Artificial Super-intelligence (ASI) is achieved, and after the technology causes widespread socioeconomic turmoil, humanity decides that ASI will be free to all, but with some guardrails, regulations, and a reasonable token limit.
Imagine that, in that not-so-distant future society, you are one of the few who still have foundational knowledge of technology, programming, and software engineering.
Now, imagine yourself up against someone who is not good with computers or technology in general. Say that person's name is John.
In that scenario:
- Who will be able to create better and more reliable (to a human) software using ASI? John, or you?
- Who will have a better chance of saving humanity if ASI goes rogue? John, or you?
Some say that people who are trying to avoid facing the inevitable reality of highly capable AI are in denial. I agree. We were all there to some extent not so long ago.
On the other hand, people who are overhyping the use of AI in serious software development, without restrictions or proper human vetting, are being dangerously irresponsible.
Foundational human knowledge is essential for a better future. And that is especially true for the survival of our species against all sorts of future dangers.
Hence, we must strive to create a safe environment where learning and using foundational knowledge is highly valued. This will ensure that we retain our current knowledge and skills, and that future generations have enough incentive to do the same.
"Oh, look what I can produce with my little AI token count!" is not cute anymore.
We need to put government regulations in place to make sure AI-generated software is properly verified by humans through an actual, verifiable review process before it can be used in critical sectors such as government institutions, hospitals, banks, and schools. A skim-through session in the name of review is not enough.
Private and personal use can't be restricted anyway, but AI use in software development for the public sector must be regulated and monitored, with proper accountability attached to the review and release process.
That's essential to ensure that, one fine morning, we won't find ourselves in an unforeseeable AI apocalypse.
The solution to such a probable apocalypse is not more AI development; rather, the solution is in our responsible actions and in our very own foundational knowledge.
