Too big to think about: The AI revolution and its impact on our society

The larger currents of technological development are often so far removed from our everyday experience that many find it difficult to grasp them. It can feel uncomfortable and even distressing. Or we simply cannot see the next steps that are likely to follow. Technological development is, in a way, too big a thing to understand as it happens. This is true now, in the budding age of AI, just as it was in the early days of the internet. We are in the midst of a change whose breadth and depth are difficult to comprehend. Yet we must try, for this change will define our future in a way we have never seen before.

The internet revolution - lessons from the past

As a young man, I participated in the Internetix project, which aimed to develop online learning. In the mid-1990s, the idea of online learning was incomprehensible to many. Funders thought the idea was crazy, and most people couldn't imagine who would ever use such technology.

"Why would anyone want to study through a computer?" was a common question. Real learning happened in a classroom with a teacher, and the only real interaction happened face-to-face. There was also a strong fear of online cheating. What was somewhat amusing about that time was how older technologies were accepted, even though they could have faced similar doubts. For example, people talked on the phone smoothly, and no one questioned the authenticity of phone interactions. The phone had become a normal part of our environment and expression, which the internet had not.

Now, nearly three decades later, the internet has permeated society and is a natural part of our daily lives. Online learning is commonplace in schools, universities, and businesses. What once seemed impossible is now taken for granted. Attitudes towards genuine interaction have also changed, as young people mainly find their partners online today. This change did not happen overnight but gradually as technology developed and people began to see its possibilities.

However, new technology did not mature on its own. Early adopters reaped the benefits of that time. Companies like Google, Meta, and Spotify conquered the market by recognizing the new logic of the era and building their success upon it. New technology brought new operational models and a new distribution of power. A similar development is now underway for the next emerging technology. Some are already heavily involved, while others sleep or even deny the whole issue.

The rise of AI - we are at another turning point

We are now experiencing a similar transitional phase with AI. The AI revolution, initiated by OpenAI, has brought technologies that a few years ago would have seemed like science fiction. Generative AI can produce text, code, images, sound, and videos that amaze even experts. And it's not just about content generation; it involves human-like understanding, consideration, and thinking.

This new ability of machines to think, learn, and operate in a human-like manner is the pivotal point from which the next revolution is emerging. This development is likely leading to technology that will eventually be capable of everything we humans can do. This will inevitably lead to significant changes in society, at least as profound as those seen during the industrial revolution. Power structures, work and its meaning, social structures, and the logic of society itself may change into something we do not yet know. The industrial society brought various ideologies like capitalism and communism, with capitalism emerging victorious. Will new ideologies arise now, shaping how we organize things in society?

One of the most significant trends is new humanoid robot technology. Humanoid robots combine the human-like robotic body with the capabilities brought by next-generation generative AI – synthetic brains – enabling the machine to understand, interpret, act, and think like a human. A robot that is human-like can best operate in the current world designed for humans. These robots see, hear, speak, and learn in very human-like ways. Although the demo versions of humanoid robots are still somewhat clumsy (see video below), they are nonetheless very impressive. And they continue to become more impressive over time. Imagine a robot that can walk in a factory, pick up objects, and perform complex tasks – entirely independently! This is no longer a distant future but happening right now.

Large companies are already adopting these robots. BMW has placed an order with the California-based company Figure and plans to use humanoid robots in its next car factory. Tesla is testing its own Optimus robots in its production facilities and promises to start selling them for $20,000. At that price, the factory has a robot that can work day and night except for charging and maintenance times. According to BMW, the initial goal of the robots is to replace tasks dangerous for humans, but they also aim to address labor shortages.

Figure 01 at BMW factory test environment

This development naturally raises questions and concerns. What happens to jobs when robots can perform increasingly complex tasks? How will our society adapt to this change? These are questions we must consider seriously. At the societal level, there is hardly any discussion about this yet. Currently, our own government is primarily focused on austerity measures, which, in light of this future scenario, seems quite worrying. The situation assessment is very short-sighted at the moment. We may end up paying dearly for this when research and development funding and education have been cut.

General AI (GAI) - the next great leap

At the same time as humanoid robots are becoming more common, general AI (GAI) is being developed. This AI is intended to be capable of independent thinking, planning, and information retrieval. It is no longer just about task-specific skills but the ability to apply what is learned to new situations and handle more general tasks – just like humans do.

Large language models (LLM or foundation models), such as OpenAI's GPT-4 or Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonet, can already perform complex reasoning tasks and are astonishingly capable, even though they do not yet reach general AI. These models already pass the famous Turing test, which has been used to test whether a machine can think.

Alongside the new AI, a set of methods and techniques has developed that allow the use of such AI to perform more demanding tasks. There are different methods of thinking and ways to assemble AI teams to tackle more complex tasks, just like humans. This is already a reality; for example, at Mindhive, we implement such solutions for our client companies. At the moment, it still requires specialized expertise, but it is no longer science fiction but everyday life for some of us.

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Some experts predict that general AI will be achieved in just a few years. Some predict that AI will reach a level comparable to doctoral-level thinking and skills within a few years. Imagine for a moment a world where everyone has access to an AI assistant that can function at the level of a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or researcher. How would this change our society? How would it change our perception of expertise and professional skills? How would our exchange-based economy change if we could do more and more ourselves?

The impact of AI on society - challenges and opportunities

The change brought by AI will be dramatic, but its exact impact is difficult to predict. Will it bring unprecedented new growth and well-being or mass unemployment and unrest? We are likely to see both, but at different times and scales.

In a positive scenario, AI could help solve many global challenges. It can enhance healthcare, speed up scientific research, and help us combat climate change or hunger. We could see unprecedented economic growth as productivity increases and new innovations emerge with the help of AI.

On the other hand, the risks are also significant. The job market could undergo a massive upheaval as many traditional professions disappear or change radically. This could lead to social tensions and growing inequality if we cannot distribute the benefits of AI fairly.

We must also consider the ethical and safety aspects of AI. Who controls these powerful systems? How do we ensure that AI works for the benefit of humanity and does not harm us? These are questions we must find answers to – and soon.

How to prepare for the future?

AI development is truly "too big to think about" in its entirety, but that doesn't mean we can't prepare for its changes. Here are some suggestions:

Use the technology yourself: By practically exploring AI, we get a better understanding of its possibilities and limitations. Try different AI applications in your work and daily life. This way, you learn how this technology can support and enhance your activities.
Engage in future work: Companies and organizations should actively scenario possible futures. Think about how AI could affect your industry and business. This helps prepare for different development paths and identify new opportunities.
Stay up-to-date: Instead of long-term plans, it is important to stay on the pulse and be ready to adapt to rapid changes. Follow industry developments, participate in discussions, and be ready to update your skills continuously.
Promote ethical discussion: The development of AI involves many ethical questions. Participate in these discussions and promote responsible AI development and use.
Invest in education: Both individuals and organizations should invest in continuous learning. In the age of AI, we need new kinds of skills, such as the ability to work effectively alongside AI.

Conclusion

We live in historic times. The development of AI will change our world in ways that are difficult to fully comprehend. It offers tremendous opportunities but also brings significant challenges.

Just as in the early days of the internet, we now have the chance to shape the future. We cannot know exactly what is coming, but we can prepare, learn, and adapt.

The AI revolution is truly "too big to think about," but we can still take an active role in shaping it. By being open, curious, and flexible, we can best navigate this exciting but uncertain future.

Now is the time to act, learn, and prepare. The change brought by AI is already here, and it is our task to ensure that it serves us all in the best possible way.

At Mindhive, we help companies navigate this transition by offering a wide range of AI services. The Mainio AI assistant frees up time for more important tasks, and with customized AI solutions, we can increase the efficiency of your operations. Our AI training develops your team's skills, and the Aavistus Future Research Platform and Future Workshops help anticipate future changes and ensure your competitive edge.