The Illusion of Intelligence: Why AI is Not as Smart as You Think
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Intelligence
Our brains are not computers; they are far more advanced than any machine.
Artificial intelligence is significantly less capable than it appears. As you read this text, your brain—an extraordinary product of evolution—translates the light emitted by your device into meaningful information. Nestled just behind your eyes, a complex mass of tissue processes vast amounts of electrical signals flowing through 120 billion neurons. This remarkable organ not only governs your sensory perceptions—sight, sound, taste, and touch—but also regulates vital functions such as your heartbeat and breathing while enabling you to understand the words on this page.
From the emergence of the first single-celled organisms in the ancient oceans to the present day, life has battled against the void. These primitive beings competed fiercely for survival in an environment often hostile to life. Yet, here we are, over 3.5 billion years later, exemplifying one of life's greatest successes. Despite differing opinions, many would argue that modern humans, or Homo sapiens, represent the pinnacle of evolutionary achievement. Our existence is nothing short of miraculous.
Nevertheless, a small segment of society claims that our brains—central to consciousness and a significant factor in our evolutionary triumph—are mere "monkey brains" that need the support of a new digital intellect dubbed 'artificial intelligence'.
The Disappointment of AI
Similar to the fervent tech enthusiasts promoting new gadgets, AI is highly specialized and excels only in a narrow range of tasks. Headlines may celebrate ChatGPT's ability to ace exams from prestigious institutions, secure lucrative coding jobs, and perform well on medical licensing tests, but this hardly qualifies it as "intelligent."
The recent media hype suggesting that AI will soon replace human jobs based on passing standardized tests is, frankly, laughable.
AI: The 'Artificial' Aspect
A telling example of AI's limitations surfaced during the launch of Google’s AI chatbot, Bard. When posed with a straightforward question about discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope, Bard confidently misinformed its audience by stating that the telescope captured the first images of an exoplanet, when in fact this milestone was achieved by the Very Large Telescope in 2004.
As tech giants like Google and Microsoft rush to integrate AI into their services, we should brace ourselves for an influx of misinformation. The underlying issue is clear: artificial intelligence is not genuinely intelligent.
According to the Oxford dictionary, intelligence is defined as "the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills." This definition highlights my disdain for the term 'artificial intelligence'. ChatGPT and Bard do not question their reasoning or ponder fundamental inquiries such as "why?"—they simply lack the capacity for genuine thought. They function as advanced digital assistants, processing vast amounts of information and presenting it in a seemingly human-like manner, misleading many into believing they possess actual intelligence.
AI lacks emotions, intuition, and the lived experience of thought. It operates everywhere as a non-thinking entity, programmed to imitate human cognition without the nuances of human experience. Thus, it is a profound misstep to suggest that a machine could be universally superior to the human brain.
The Biological Brain vs. Machines
In contemporary discussions, there is a prevalent tendency to equate our brains with analog computers. However, our biological nature, infused with hormones and emotions, shapes every aspect of our existence in ways machines cannot replicate.
Reality is a complex concept that machines cannot fully grasp. For example, a cliff isn't merely a "rock formation"; it's a "place to fall." Similarly, boiling water isn't just "heated liquid"; it's a means to prepare a meal. Machines lack the evolutionary history that informs human decision-making, relying solely on programmed instructions and extensive training to perform tasks.
Consider the challenges engineers face when training AI systems for self-driving cars. Recognizing the difference between a deer, a human, and a log requires complex training, as AI does not inherently understand these distinctions. Unlike humans, who receive constant feedback from their environment, AI operates solely on its programming and training.
The Futility of Machine Consciousness
The tech narrative often suggests that computers could somehow encapsulate human consciousness. This misconception has been repeated throughout history, with each new technology shaping our understanding of the mind.
While AI can be helpful in certain contexts, it fundamentally falls short of the expectations we should hold for genuine intelligence. Ask yourself: should we trust a chatbot that confidently offers incorrect answers, similar to the misplaced confidence of a child, to guide us in our quest for knowledge?
The human brain is a remarkable outcome of spontaneous evolution—one of the most intricate biological phenomena in existence. While AI may prove beneficial, we must resist the illusion that it represents an upgrade to our inherent cognitive abilities.
Skepticism Towards Technology
Our relentless appetite for new technology poses significant risks. We often accept the narratives of tech leaders without question, potentially leading to detrimental consequences for our society.
I find it hard to place my trust in tech enthusiasts from Silicon Valley to navigate our species toward a brighter future. The rapid adoption of digital technology has already shown harmful effects, and I urge a more cautious approach towards new innovations. If we continue to uncritically embrace every technological advancement, neglecting to consider its impact on our lives, politics, self-esteem, and our understanding of humanity, we risk a perilous future.
Chapter 2: The Role of AI in Society
In the video titled "AI is NOT Artificial Intelligence, the real threat of AI is 'Automated Stupidity,'" the discussion revolves around the misconceptions surrounding AI's capabilities and its potential dangers.
The TED Talk "Why AI Is Incredibly Smart and Shockingly Stupid" by Yejin Choi explores the dual nature of AI, highlighting its impressive feats alongside its glaring limitations.