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Can AI evolve to destroy humanity?

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Author and Natural Philosopher

08 Aug 2024
Published 1 year ago.
Updated 2 weeks ago.

Can AI evolve to destroy humanity?

Some people fear that AI will evolve on its own, become self-aware, and ultimately wipe out humanity. But what if stopping that is easier than we think? One effective solution is simply not allowing AI to self-replicate and evolve in dangerous areas.

Think of it like nature. In the animal kingdom, it’s self-replication and evolving traits like predatory behavior that make the jungle dangerous. Similarly, if we let AI evolve unchecked, it could develop characteristics like manipulation, deceit, or even a desire to dominate. But without self-replication or the ability to evolve traits like hate or a thirst for power, AI can’t turn into a threat. Well, at least not in that way. In the animal kingdom, donkeys cannot reproduce, and are no threat to humans, tigers can reproduce and easily kill on unarmed human. We need to make sure we evolve AI toward the donky model, not the tiger model.

The real danger isn’t AI suddenly becoming sentient—it’s allowing it to grow in ways that amplify harmful human behaviors. So, it’s not about fearing AI itself, but about ensuring we set the right boundaries. By focusing on what AI can and cannot evolve, we remain in control of its development, making sure it’s a tool that serves humanity, not a danger that threatens it.

Just like in nature, it’s the ability to self-replicate and evolve in dangerous ways that makes the jungle—and AI—risky. Let’s make sure we’re setting the right limits to keep our digital jungle safe.

The end.

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