The Dangers of Clickbait and the Rapid Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 16, 2023

4 min read

0

The Dangers of Clickbait and the Rapid Rise of Artificial Intelligence

In today's digital age, we are constantly bombarded with an overwhelming amount of content. From social media posts to news articles, our attention is divided among countless sources vying for our clicks and views. This phenomenon has given rise to a dangerous trend known as clickbait, which seeks to grab our attention with sensational headlines and shallow content. Arthur Schopenhauer, a renowned philosopher, warned about the dangers of this type of content, highlighting the moral duty of writers to provide valuable and meaningful information to their readers.

Schopenhauer distinguishes between two types of writers: those who write for the subject's sake and those who write for writing's sake. The former group consists of individuals who have valuable thoughts or experiences that they wish to share, while the latter group writes primarily for monetary gain. Schopenhauer argues that writing for money ultimately leads to the ruin of literature, as the pursuit of profit often compromises the quality and integrity of the content produced. When writers are motivated solely by financial incentives, they are more likely to prioritize quantity over quality, flooding the digital landscape with shallow and transient content.

This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that people tend to gravitate towards the newest content rather than seeking out the best of all ages. Schopenhauer argues that this preference for novelty perpetuates a cycle in which mediocre content dominates the attention of the masses, leaving little room for timeless and valuable works. As a result, writers find themselves confined within the narrow circle of prevailing ideas, and society as a whole sinks deeper into a mire of superficiality.

While the rise of clickbait poses significant challenges for the dissemination of quality content, there is another technological phenomenon that is rapidly reshaping our world: artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past decade, AI systems have made tremendous strides in their ability to understand and process human language and images. Today, these systems are even surpassing humans in tests across various domains.

The development of AI systems relies on three fundamental factors: training computation, algorithms, and input data. Training computation refers to the computational power required to train an AI system using machine learning techniques. For the past six decades, training computation has followed Moore's Law, doubling in capacity every 20 months. However, since 2010, this exponential growth has accelerated even further, with a doubling time of just six months.

This exponential growth in training computation has led to speculations about the future capabilities of AI. Some experts believe that there is a real chance that human-level artificial intelligence will be developed within the next few decades, while others suggest it may happen even sooner. In fact, a recent draft report on AI timelines estimates a 50% probability of transformative AI being developed by 2040.

While the rapid advancement of AI holds immense potential for society, it also raises important ethical and societal questions. As AI systems become increasingly capable, we must consider the implications of their integration into various aspects of our lives. Issues such as privacy, job displacement, and decision-making autonomy must be carefully examined and addressed to ensure that AI benefits humanity as a whole.

In light of these challenges and opportunities presented by both clickbait and AI, it is crucial to take actionable steps to navigate this digital landscape effectively. Here are three pieces of advice:

  • 1. Be a discerning consumer: Instead of mindlessly consuming clickbait content, be selective about what you engage with. Seek out reputable sources and prioritize content that provides genuine value and insights. By being discerning, you can avoid falling into the trap of superficial and transient information.
  • 2. Support quality content creators: Look for and support writers and creators who prioritize the subject's sake over monetary gain. By actively engaging with and promoting content that offers timeless value, you can encourage a shift towards more meaningful and substantial information.
  • 3. Foster ethical AI development: As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to advocate for ethical practices in its development and deployment. Engage in discussions and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI technologies. By actively shaping the future of AI, we can ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably and that it aligns with our collective values.

In conclusion, the dangers of clickbait and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence are two interconnected phenomena that shape our digital landscape. While clickbait threatens the quality and integrity of content, AI holds immense potential but also poses ethical challenges. By being discerning consumers, supporting quality content creators, and fostering ethical AI development, we can navigate this evolving landscape and ensure that the digital realm enriches our lives rather than undermines them.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)