The Future Lies in Artificial Intelligence according to Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari, a historian and philosopher, is known for his eye-opening and thought-provoking books, including the widely popular ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ and his more recent work ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.’ In both books, he makes some troubling predictions about the future of humanity – the most significant one being that artificial intelligence (AI) will be governing the world soon.
Artificial Intelligence as a Replacement for Human Workforce
Harari believes that artificial intelligence has the potential to replace human labor, which could destabilize the global workforce and lead to mass unemployment. This is supported by the fact that AI technology is advancing much faster than the creation of new jobs. As AI becomes more capable of performing tasks, businesses might opt for using automated systems instead of hiring a human.
He also argues that AI systems aren’t limited by human emotional biases, which makes them more efficient than humans in areas such as customer service or decision-making.
The Role of AI in Politics and Governance
Harari theorizes that AI could revolutionize politics and governance, considering how much data the technology can capture and process. AI could efficiently analyze data to make evidence-based decisions, which would significantly reduce corruption in political systems.
Additionally, AI could help make governments more efficient by providing insights into areas such as healthcare, transportation, or public services, which could give policymakers a better understanding of the challenges their societies are facing.
The Risks of AI Implementation
While Harari acknowledges that AI has the potential to revolutionize the world for the better, he also discusses the potential risks of using AI. One such concern is that of handing too much power over to automated systems that could make vital decisions, resulting in negative consequences for society.
Another worry is that AI could be used as a tool for surveillance and control over populations globally. Additionally, he raises the concern that the implementation of AI systems could worsen wealth inequality, leading to a select few people controlling and holding immense power over society.
Conclusion
Overall, Yuval Noah Harari’s beliefs about the future of humanity and artificial intelligence are fascinating, thought-provoking, and a bit unsettling. While some of the potential implications of AI systems could lead to significant positive change, they are equally matched by the potential threats they pose to our society. It’s up to governments and societies to recognize these potential risks and work together to create more balanced societies. If we don’t, the future of humanity could well be governed by self-learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.
