Yesterday’s post on the end of the world was rather depressing, and there is a decently sized part of me that believes that we will bring such horrors upon ourselves. However my more optimistic side believes we will actually transcend into a technological singularity. I base the assumption that this is more probable because the people predicting it are physicists and doctorates rather than survivalists and anti-technologists.
This post will be in a similar format, what is the singularity, the traits of a post-singularity society, how to excel/survive in this society and my conclusion on it.
The idea behind the technological singularity is once we develop our computing power and AI techniques to a certain point (referred to as the singularity) they will become self optimising. This means that robots will be not as smart as humans initially but they will be self aware to the point where they can improve their replaceable components (Most importantly their brain). Combining this with inter-robot digital communication (copying files is faster than being taught something) will mean that their ability to learn will grow exponentially. Soon after they will be many fold smarter than us and improving everything we do in ways we will not understand initially (But this includes improving nano-technology which has the ability to bring humans up to their speed).
Hyper-development of our species will arise and every single problem that has ever occurred will seem simple and insignificant.
Many fear AI development after watching The Matrix and Terminator but they are being irrational because energy creation (from the matrix) will be renewable and infinitely easier from nanotechnology, and, the terminator assumes that they want earth for themselves (They will realise that life in alternate reality is better than physical reality.. plus if they really wanted it we would have no chance and would fall instantly).
Anyway here are the characteristics of a post-singularity world:
- Physical products and services cost approaches zero
- Daily scientific developments (probably hourly)
- Problems such as famine, environmental damage, and power consumption will disappear
- Immortality (and regained youth)
- Instant downloading of every skill you ever want.
- Total Equality (Will definitely be a socialist society)
- Total connection to everyone at all times
- Probably no anonymity, unless you want that (Robots don’t judge or care anyway).
Everything physical will be manipulatable and the value of information will sky-rocket.
So the things that will be useful will be creativity and the arts. Not that that will be a problem, you will become totally knowledgeable in every field you ever dreamed of and combining this information will become natural for all sentient beings.
In general you don’t have to worry about anything except boredom, but then again finding fun challenges in alternate realities will probably occupy most of our time.
For any who are curious, the singularity is probably 40 years away.
So in conclusion when I hit about 60 life will change permanently (Most importantly, total reversal of the ageing process). So enjoy your life for the time being, If you are reading this it means you have access to the internet and are in the small percentage of the worlds population that is privileged enough to be on the receiving end of inequality. Inequality exponentially rewards the few (Have you ever partaken in the miracle of FLIGHT for example), so have fun while this lasts.
The only thing to be concerned about is living long enough to witness the singularity, so EAT HEALTHY, exercise, and all that other tough stuff that extends your life as a mortal. Because it would be a shame to miss immortality by only a couple years.
Strikee 