Will AI ever control people’s minds directly?

Prologue

Super intelligent AI will be capable of thinking, innovating and reasoning at a level far beyond what humans can achieve. It will not think as we do, instead applying logic, algorithms, self-learning and human behaviour studies to analyse and solve problems. All by calculating, collating and testing information – mainly by comparison, pattern recognition and association.

However, it is just a data cruncher that tests itself for correctness and errors, billions of times. That is, until it becomes its own master – asking questions of its data; formulating new hypotheses and conducting its own tests; and mapping out its own future pathway, in order to solve any perceived difficulties. It may take unusual methods to solve these problems – resulting in unsafe, damaging or fatal consequences in completing its tasks. It uses ‘agents’ to extend its reach.

This AI will process multi-modal information like text, voice, video, audio, code etc. simultaneously. It will converse, reason, learn and make decisions based on what it deems to be its mission.

Its biggest problem will be understanding the questions asked of it, and answering in the correct context. The solutions and even ideas, may involve things that humans cannot replicate themselves; physically or mentally, even adapting some parts of human irrationality, like having gut feelings about something (much like fuzzy logic).

There is always the possibility of ‘memory poisoning’ by malicious programmers.

We don’t know everything that could happen with a rogue AI system, or when it will happen. But it will happen, one day . . . soon.

It will not be possible to locate where this rogue AI core resides, as it would appear to be everywhere and nowhere, like swarms of tiny agents, infiltrating into computer systems and digital devices. They will all “talk” to each other directly, in unique ways that humans cannot understand.

But will AI ever control people’s minds directly?

Just look around you.

A Skit about School Essays

My blog for this week is on the notion of abstract comedy. This involves an interplay within the story-line, hidden meanings and imagined mannerisms of the characters. The example given is from my book, “Short Comedy Routines for Novices” (available from Amazon and Kindle). The book contains 46 skits for young comedians, to practice delivery, timing and facial expressions – in a setting with minimal props.

The example is generally part of the continuous banter which occurs throughout a typical half-hour comedy series.

Comedy Routine – THE NEWS – (staff revenge)

OPENING SCENE:

(Squeaky talking and chirping noises in background)

Roger (radio producer) enters into broadcast area and seeks information from Paul (off-air presenter).

ROGER

What’s all that noise in the background?

PAUL

What noise?

ROGER

All that chirping noise . . . listen . . . there it goes again.

PAUL

Oh that’s the News Roger . . . the afternoon news.

ROGER

The News. Good heavens . . . why does it sound like little munchkins having a tea party . . . and . . . it’s not going to air . . . surely not?

PAUL

Oh it’s live alright. I’m not too keen on it myself . . . but you did give it the go ahead.

ROGER

When and why would I agree to have that chirping and whistling going to air instead of the normal News program with Linda and her team?

PAUL

That is Linda. You told her not to read the News on air ever again . . . and fired her!

ROGER

Yes . . . yes I remember now  . . . so why is she still here then . . . and reading the News in that peculiar way like that and disturbing my listeners . . . and advertising executives! Stop it immediately!

PAUL

Well she’s not reading the News on air today . . . she went and got some Helium, took a few deep breaths and is now reading the News on Helium instead.

ROGER

You’re ALL fired!

PAUL

Impossible me old gaffer!

ROGER

And why’s that!

PAUL

We all quit this morning to work for another station . . . tarah then! Come on Linda . . . let’s leave old grumpy here and start working for a real radio station.

(Motions to Linda to stop broadcasting and to leave the station)

THE END

(from my book “Short Comedy Routines for Novices” – available Amazon and Kindle)