Senator Bernie Sanders has shared his concerns for the future of humanity as artificial intelligence continues to creep its way into every aspect of our daily lives.
There's no denying that AI is an incredible tool, whether it's being used to help people communicate across language barriers or even just helping you plan your next vacation.
Sanders is among those who have acknowledged its benefits as he spoke about the technology and where it could take us, though he noted that while AI isn't necessarily 'bad', it isn't solely 'good' either.
In an interview with Gizmodo, the 83-year-old expressed belief that the nature of AI 'depends on how it is used', as well as 'who benefits from it'.
Advert
Sanders argued that, similar to existing structures of wealth and power, the benefits of AI are 'going to accrue to the people on top at the expense of working people' unless there is active change to political dynamics.
He explained: "That to me is the most important issue. I want workers to benefit from this new technology, not just the people on top."
Having gone much of his life without the use of AI, Sanders said he has spoken with tech CEOs and 'one of the leading experts in the world on artificial intelligence' on the matter, and found there are 'differences of opinion'.
Advert
However, he acknowledged there is a 'doomsday'-style outcome that's not out of the realm of possibility.
Sanders explained: "Number one: What impact will AI have on the economy? Some people say there will be massive job losses. I tend to agree with them.
"Other people say not so much, new jobs will be created. It will be like every other technological revolution. Jobs lost, jobs created, not such a big deal. So people disagree. I happen to believe this is not like the Industrial Revolution. I think this could be a lot more severe.
"Second point: This is not science fiction. There are very, very knowledgeable people - and I just talked to one today - who worry very much that human beings will not be able to control the technology, and that artificial intelligence will in fact dominate our society. We will not be able to control it."
Advert
In this scenario where we are 'not able to control' AI, Sanders pointed out that instead, 'it may be able to control us'.
He continued: "That’s kind of the doomsday scenario - and there is some concern about that among very knowledgeable people in the industry."
For now, Sanders is keen to make sure that AI continues to benefit humans both 'economically as well as emotionally'.
Advert
"We’re developing all kinds of technology: you’re going to be able to do this, you’re going to be able to do that," he said, adding: "Unfortunately, human beings are going to get lost in that development. And they will become more and more unhappy, more and more mentally unstable, more and more lonely.
"So, we want to make sure the technology benefits human beings [...] That has got to be the driving force."
Topics: Bernie Sanders, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Politics
Emily Brown