According to Ben Goertzel, a US-Brazilian researcher and founder of SingularityNET, artificial intelligence (AI) could replace 80% of human jobs in the near future.
However, Goertzel claims that this is not necessarily a bad thing. He envisions a future where AI will be capable of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) - with human-like cognitive abilities - that will revolutionize many industries.
Thoughts on AGI
During the Web Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Goertzel gave an interview to AFP where he shared his view that AGI could be achieved in a few years.
He stated that for machines to attain human-like intelligence and agility in handling the unknown, they should be able to go beyond their programming and training, which is beyond the current capability of AI systems. Nevertheless, Goertzel remains optimistic about the progress being made in AI research.
Goertzel also discussed the ongoing debate surrounding the risks related to AI, particularly ChatGPT. While some have called for a six-month research halt, Goertzel does not share that opinion.
He acknowledges that AI systems can propagate misinformation, but he believes in a free society and does not endorse banning AI research. He compared this to the internet, which has not been banned despite its capacity to spread misinformation.
Replacing 80% of Human Jobs
According to Goertzel, AI has the potential to replace up to 80% of jobs without AGI, with jobs that can be automated, such as paperwork, being particularly susceptible. He does not view this as a threat, but rather as a potential benefit, as it could allow individuals to explore more meaningful activities beyond their work.
"I don't think it's a threat. I think it's a benefit. People can find better things to do with their life than work for a living... Pretty much every job involving paperwork should be automatable," he said in an interview with AFP.
While he acknowledges that the transition period during which AI replaces human jobs may create social problems, he admits to having no solution to this issue.
Benefits of AI
During his interview, Goertzel discussed the potential benefits of AI for society, particularly if AGI is achieved. For instance, he suggested that humanoid robots could assist in nursing homes by providing companionship to the elderly, who may not have enough people to fulfill that role.
Additionally, he highlighted education and domestic work as areas that could benefit from the use of humanoid robots.
Goertzel also recognized the importance of regulating AI development to ensure its positive usage. He advocated for a participatory governance approach, where the public has a say in AI development and companies prioritize the ethical use of AI over increasing shareholder value.
While AI technology is progressing rapidly, there are still many questions about its future impact on society. Goertzel's vision of AGI may offer new opportunities for human advancement, but the transition period of AIs obsoleting human jobs will likely present new social challenges that require thoughtful consideration and planning.
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