I’ve read so many posts highlighting the dangers of AGI that I often feel terribly anxious about it. I’m pretty young, and the idea that there’s a possible utopia waiting for us that seems to be slipping through our fingers kills me. But even more than that, I worry that I won’t have the chance to enjoy much of my life. That the work I’ve put in now won’t amount to much, and that the relationships I’ve cultivated will never really get the chance to grow for the decades that should be every human’s right.
Even just earlier today, I was reading an article when my cat came up to me and started rolling around next to my leg, purring and playing with me. She’s pretty old- certainly not young enough for any chance at biological immortality. I was struck by the sense that I should put down my laptop and play with her, because the finite life she has here deserves to be filled with joy and love. That even if there’s no chance for her to live forever, that what she has should and has been made better by me. A long, full life of satisfaction is enough for her.
I don’t necessarily mind on missing out on utopia. I’d obviously like it to happen, but its inconceivable to me. So if a billion years of technologically-enhanced superhumanity isn’t in the cards for me? I’ll be okay.
But there’s no one there to make sure that I get the full allotment of life that I’ve got left. I feel overwhelmed by the sense that in a few decades from now, if this problem isn’t solved, the flame of my life will be snuffed out by a system I don’t understand and could never defeat. I’ll never have that long-term marriage, that professional career, or the chance to finally achieve the expert level in my hobbies. I’ll just be gone, along with everything else that could possibly matter to me.
If I can’t have immortality, I at least want a long, peaceful life. But the threat of AGI robs me of even that possibility, if its as certain a disaster as I’ve come to believe.
Thank you for posting this. Are there any opportunities for students about to graduate to apply themselves, particularly without a C.S background? My undergraduate experience was focused on Business and IR (Cold War history, Sino-U.S relations) before I pivoted my long term focus to AI safety policy, and it’s been difficult to find good entry points for EA work in this field as a new grad.
I’ve been monitoring 80,000 hours and applying to research fellowships where I can so far, but I’m always looking for new positions. If you or anyone else knows an org looking to onboard some fresh talent, I’d be happy to help.
Edit: Application submitted.