The Rise of Techno-Pessimism: Are We Paying Attention to the Tech Sceptics?
An exploration of the growing band of techno-pessimists and their concerns about the future of technology.
The Academic Warning of an AI Uprising
Eliezer Yudkowsky, lead researcher at the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, warns of a future in which self-aware machines bring about the end of humanity. He believes that our remaining timeline is closer to five years than 50 years, and that we are unprepared for the advanced super-intelligence that AIs could become.
Yudkowsky has called for drastic action, including shutting down AI computer farms and using airstrikes or even nuclear exchange to prevent the rise of these powerful machines.
The Luddites of the AI Era
A growing movement of neo-luddites, doomsayers, and techno-pessimists are expressing concerns about the impact of technology on society. They worry about the loss of jobs, the exploitation of workers, and the concentration of power in the hands of those in control of technology.
These modern luddites reject aspects of technology that they believe are meant to disempower and impoverish people. They call for a critical examination of technological advancements and a focus on the interests of the general population rather than the powerful elite.
Ground-Level Concerns: Labor Rights and Employment
Neo-luddites are particularly focused on the impact of AI and technology on employment and labor rights. Workers in various industries, such as lorry drivers and desk workers, are experiencing increased surveillance and control through AI-powered systems.
The historical core of the luddite movement is rooted in the protection of labor rights, and modern luddites are concerned about the erosion of these rights in the face of technological advancements.
Finding Solutions: Legislation and Societal Shifts
While some techno-pessimists advocate for drastic measures like sabotaging AI infrastructure, others propose more practical solutions. This includes legislation to protect against AI abuses, such as the unauthorized use of copyrighted work or the exploitation of workers.
The goal of the new luddite movement is to ensure that technology works for the benefit of all, rather than perpetuating inequality and serving the interests of the powerful. They advocate for a critical examination of technology and a shift in societal attitudes towards its development and use.
