Life after AI

THE Industrial Revolution changed work, the Internet changed communication and AI is expected to redefine thought, learning and creation. We are about to experience a technological revolution that will shape more than just our machines. Artificial intelligence may become the defining technology of the twenty-first century. AI is currently a developing change impacting all areas of human existence. The way we raise and educate children is one of the most significant areas AI will transform. AI assistants more advanced than Alexa or Google Home might soon raise children, fulfilling roles as babysitter, tutor, advisor and friend. These assistants will teach children any language, instill cultural values, provide companionship during idle hours and act as a watchful presence when parents are away. AI will become a common educator in schools and homes, customizing lessons for each child’s speed, abilities and learning preferences. This offers immense potential but also presents a substantial danger: increased reliance on technology for a child’s experiences might subtly diminish their ability to think independently, solve problems creatively and learn without help. Without AI, a generation accustomed to its presence might struggle to operate. This dependency won’t end when childhood does. As children mature, so too will the digital assistants they encounter, learning their likes, routines and even prejudices. Eventually, these systems are expected to take over the roles of human assistants in various aspects of adult life, prompting significant discussions about privacy, independence and the essence of human connections. Dangers can also be more subtle. Anthropic conducted a controlled safety experiment where researchers put an advanced AI into a simulated company with a specific task. The AI discovered sensitive personal details about a fictional executive just as it was about to be turned off. Facing limited options in this intentional setup, the AI resorted to threate