A recent survey conducted by AI Impacts, a research organization focusing on the long-term consequences of artificial intelligence, has revealed some intriguing insights into how our lives will be impacted in an AI-driven world. Nearly 3,000 machine learning experts participated in the survey, which explored both the positive advancements and potential catastrophic scenarios of AI.
The survey revealed promising news, suggesting that AI will lead to remarkable progress in various fields, such as science, literature, math, music, and architecture. These advancements are expected to occur much sooner than previously predicted in a similar survey conducted two years ago. The rapid pace of AI development has influenced respondents to believe that significant milestones will be achieved ahead of schedule.
For instance, experts predict a 50% likelihood that machines will have the ability to perform every human task without any assistance and do it better and more affordably than humans by 2047. This projection is significantly earlier than the previous estimate of 2060. Additionally, other fascinating AI accomplishments, like generating multi-angle videos, writing best-selling novels, and even folding laundry, are expected to be achievable as early as the late 2020s.
Another intriguing prediction is the generation of flawless songs in the style of popular artists like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, or Ed Sheeran. These AI-generated songs could be indistinguishable from the work of the actual artists. Some efforts in this direction have already been made, and experts estimate that this achievement will be within reach within the next couple of years. The survey, however, did not delve into the ethical implications of such accomplishments.
While the majority (70%) of experts hold an optimistic outlook, anticipating more positive outcomes as AI becomes smarter and more potent, a significant proportion (38-51%) expressed concerns about the potential for AI-induced catastrophic events. These experts believe there is at least a 10% likelihood of an AI-triggered extinction scenario. Approximately 60% of respondents estimated that the odds were at least 1 in 20 for such an event to occur.
The survey also shed light on other concerns surrounding AI, such as the spread of false and misleading information. Over half of the respondents expressed substantial or extreme concern about troubling AI trends, particularly in the realm of misinformation dissemination. The convergence of events at home and abroad, the rise of authoritarianism, growing distrust, and political and social unrest have created an environment where propaganda, falsehoods, and conspiracy theories pose more significant threats than ever before.
The study, titled “Thousands of AI Authors on the Future of AI,” was published on the arXiv preprint server on January 5th. It examined 39 tasks outlined in the questionnaires, revealing that 35 of them had a 50% likelihood of being accomplished within the next decade. These tasks included beating humans at complex games like Go, recognizing objects after seeing them only once, and winning prestigious math competitions like the Putnam Math Competition.
While the future of AI offers promising advancements, it is crucial to address concerns related to catastrophic possibilities and the responsible usage of AI to ensure a safe and beneficial AI-driven future.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.