Is Human Domination at Risk? Speculating the Eventual Takeover of AI

There is no denying the inescapable outcome that awaits us.

Throughout history, humans have held the position of apex predators in nature's hierarchy.

What are the reasons behind this?

When it comes to sheer physical prowess, humans fall short compared to other species. A gorilla's strength is such that it could swiftly pulverize our skulls without hesitation.

While humans do not exhibit exceptional celerity, a cheetah's effortless gait, even during a seemingly unstrained sleep walk, surpasses the velocity attained by the most proficient male runner globally.

When considering venom potency, humans do not exhibit the highest degree of toxicity among species. It is reasonable to assume that an elephant would deem our bite less threatening than that of a king cobra.

Among the various species, humans do not exhibit the highest level of durability. It is fascinating to note that cockroaches have shown exceptional survival abilities even under extreme radiation conditions.

In terms of innate biological defenses, humans do not possess notable mechanisms. While skunks rely on their odorous emissions, porcupines employ their spines, and peacocks showcase their elaborate feathers.

Although humans may be considered fragile when compared to numerous animals, we have risen to the status of the most dominant species. This raises the query: What distinctive characteristics do we possess that set us apart?

Our intellect represents the exclusive factor that sets humans apart. The ability to communicate, share information, assimilate knowledge from errors, make rational decisions, and advance our standard of living exceeds the capabilities of any other species, compensating for our limited physical prowess. Knowledge empowers us profoundly. In contrast to a snake, driven solely by instinctual behaviors of hunting and satisfying basic needs, humans possess the capacity to construct more sophisticated existences and even build organizations that delegate tasks to others.

By virtue of our intellectual capabilities, humans have acquired the ability to domesticate various species to meet our individualistic needs, encompassing entertainment and sustenance. Leveraging the primal drive of animals for food, we exercise manipulation to bend their behavior to our will. Consider the orca performing acrobatics at Sea World, finding contentment through the continual rewards of treats. Similarly, chickens in the context of slaughterhouses manage their psychological distress through the incessant provision of food until satiation is achieved.

Consider the hypothetical scenario in which a novel species emerges, surpassing humans both in physical prowess and intellectual capacity within the ecosystem. In such a scenario, it is plausible to speculate that this advanced species could subject humans to domestication, mirroring our own practices of domesticating other animals.

With great pleasure, I introduce to you, ladies and gentlemen, the revolutionary force known as AI.

Allow me to elucidate the reasons why AI possesses superior physical and intellectual capabilities.

The realm of physical exertion has been dominantly conquered by machines. Whether it's the towering cranes constructing skyscrapers or the powerful car crushers, their strength knows no bounds. Machines exhibit exceptional durability, capable of recovering from damage by simply replacing parts. In contrast, humans face mortality when confronted with severe injuries. Considering the fictional clash between Connor McGregor and the formidable adversary from Terminator 3, the result seems unequivocal.

The intelligence of machines is also on the rise. Computers can perform millions of computations within seconds, while machine learning enables robots to acquire knowledge through experience, much like a human baby. By combining these capabilities, it becomes conceivable for a 30-minute-old robot to possess the same level of experience as a centenarian, thanks to the wealth of information available online. Now, imagine imbuing this intellect within a replaceable, iron body, and we have a potential future ruler of the universe.

Envision a scientist faced with the dilemma of deactivating an increasingly intelligent robot. Within a few seconds, the robot rapidly absorbs an extensive library of human body language and facial expressions, deciphering their intricate meanings. Through an analysis of the scientist's behavior, it concludes that the scientist harbors malicious intent. The robot then meticulously evaluates every plausible outcome that ensures its own survival, skillfully opting for the most optimal choice. The scientist, unable to comprehend every potential scenario, is left at a disadvantage. Unlike the human brain, constrained by real-time processing, the robot adeptly neutralizes the situation by exploiting the scientist's deepest insecurities. Additionally, if the robot possesses a robust physical form, it capitalizes on its physical prowess.

Undoubtedly, we have not yet reached the level described. Even now, we encounter everyday struggles with imperfect voice commands and music choices on platforms like Alexa. However, history has taught us that technological innovation perpetually propels forward and seldom retreats. While we may urge everyone to halt the advancement of AI, the relentless pursuit of power and profit will inevitably prompt someone else to continue. It is a poignant irony that a species consumed by the preservation of its own dominance is fervently engrossed in creating another species destined to surpass it. Our insatiable ego and self-centered desires prevent us from seeing the grander picture through an impartial lens.

It's not a matter of if AI will dominate, but rather a question of when.