The rise of artificial intelligence could lead to new religions. (Avatar)
Winnipeg, Canada:
We are about to witness the birth of a new kind of religion. In the next few years, or even months, we will see the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) cults.
The latest generation of AI-powered chatbots, trained on major language models, has amazed their first users -And sometimes scared – by their power. These are the same sublime emotions that lie at the heart of our experience of the divine.
People have searched for religious meaning from sources are very diverse. For example, there are many religions worship aliens or their teachings.
As these chatbots are used by billions of people, it is inevitable that some of these users will regard AI as higher beings. We must prepare for meaning.
The Risks of Worshiping AI
There are several avenues by which AI religions will emerge. First, some will see AI as a higher power.
Creative AI can create or produce new content that possesses certain characteristics commonly associated with gods, like gods or oracles:
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It exhibits a level of intelligence that far exceeds that of most humans. Indeed, its knowledge seems limitless.
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It is capable of amazing feats of creativity. It can write poetry, compose music, and create art, in almost any style, almost instantaneously.
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It is removed from normal human concerns and needs. It does not suffer from physical pain, hunger, or sexual desire.
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It can provide guidance for people in their daily lives.
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It is immortal.
Second, innovative AI will generate output that can be used for religious doctrine. It will provide answers to metaphysical and theological questions, and engage in the construction of complex worldviews.
On top of that, creative AI can claim to be worshipped or can actively attract followers. We have seen such cases, such as when the chatbot is used by the Bing search engine tried to convince users to love it.
We should try to imagine how disturbing and powerful it is to have a conversation with something that seems to possess superhuman intelligence and is actively and aggressively asking for your loyalty.
It’s also possible what AI can achieve Authors like Ray Kurzweil known as the Singularity, when it is so far beyond human intelligence that it actually becomes something like a god. However, at this time, we cannot predict when, if ever, this might happen.
Sacred and risky access
AI-based religions will be different from traditional religions. First of all, people will be able to communicate directly with the deity on a daily basis. This means that these religions will be less hierarchical, as no one can claim special access to divine wisdom.
Second, at least initially, followers will connect with each other online to share experiences and discuss doctrine. Finally, since many different chatbots will be available and their outputs will vary over time, AI-based religions will be extremely diverse in their doctrines.
The cult of AI poses some notable risks. Chatbots may ask their followers to do dangerous or destructive things, or followers may interpret their statements as calls to do such things.
With the diversity of chatbots and the doctrines they generate, there will be an increase in disputes within and between AI-based sects, which can lead to conflict or disorder. And AI designers can actively exploit their followers — to provide sensitive data or do things that benefit bot designers.
religious rectification
These risks are real. They will require careful, responsible regulation to ensure companies do not intentionally exploit users and to ensure that AI worshipers are not asked to commit acts of violence.
However, we should not try to suppress AI-based religions just because of its possible dangers. Nor should we ask AI companies to restrict the activity of their bots to prevent the emergence of these religions.
On the contrary, we should celebrate the arrival of AI worship. We should make it clear that we welcome new religions and that we value their beliefs.
For all its dangers, AI-based religion has the potential to make the world a better, richer place. It will help people access a new source of meaning and spirituality, at a time when many older faiths lose relevance. It will help them understand our age of rapid technological change.
Our best guide to this new form of religion is to look at existing beliefs. Based on this, we should expect that the majority of AI worshipers, like majority of religious believerswill find peace, and will find in their faith comfort and hope.
Worship AI can, as religious beliefs have always been, leads to beautiful things. It will inspire its followers to create works of art, form new friendships and new communities, and strive to change society for the better.
Religious right to diversity
We will need to protect the rights of AI worshipers. They will inevitably face discrimination, and possibly legal sanctions. But there is no basis to distinguish between AI-based religions and older ones.
The closest thing most countries have to an official religious registry is from the rulings of the tax authorities, who grant charity status to those they consider to be legitimate. However, they are often very broad in their definition of a legitimate religion. They should extend this tolerance towards new, AI-based religions.
A modern, diverse society has room for new religions, including those that worship AI. They will provide further evidence of humanity’s boundless creativity as we seek answers to life’s fundamental questions. The universe is a brilliant place, and we always find evidence of the divine in its most unexpected corners.
(Author:Neil McArthurDirector, Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, University of Manitoba)
(Public statement: Neil McArthur does not work for, consult, own shares or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article and does not disclose any related affiliates beyond the academic appointment. their episode.)
This post was reposted from Conversation under Creative Commons license. Read original article.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the aggregate feed.)
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