In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the question of whether we are taking artificial intelligence (A.I.) seriously enough looms large. In a thought-provoking piece by The New Yorker, author Joshua Rothman delves into this pressing issue. The article, titled “Are We Taking A.I. Seriously Enough?” offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future trajectory of A.I., as outlined in Dwarkesh Patel’s book, The Scaling Era: An Oral History of AI, 2019-2025.
Rothman reflects on the rapid pace of A.I. developments, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of perspectives in discussions surrounding this transformative technology. The article highlights the potential impacts of A.I. on various sectors, from real estate to military competition, underscoring the importance of societal adaptation and regulation.
One particularly intriguing anecdote involves Rothman’s personal experience with OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.5. In a bid to assist his mother-in-law with a real estate dilemma, Rothman turned to the A.I. model for advice. The results were both impressive and unsettling, as the A.I. provided a detailed analysis in mere minutes, prompting Rothman to question the implications of A.I.’s growing influence.
As Rothman notes, the A.I. hype has given rise to two types of anti-hype:
- The first suggests that A.I. will soon plateau.
- The second posits that the world’s inherent complexity will slow the integration of A.I. into society.
Both perspectives offer a comforting “wait-and-see” attitude, but Rothman warns that such complacency may be misguided.
In a world where A.I. can already perform tasks at a Ph.D. level, the potential for further advancements is undeniable. Rothman calls for a new set of human values to guide the development and application of A.I., urging society to engage in meaningful debates about what we want from this technology and what we don’t.
The article serves as a timely reminder that while A.I. holds immense promise, it also poses significant challenges. As Rothman aptly concludes, “Artificial intelligence will affect us all, but a politics of A.I. has yet to materialize.” The future of A.I. is not just a technical matter but a deeply political one, demanding our attention and action.
