The Intersection of Existential Risk, AI, and the Future of Reading

The Intersection of Existential Risk, AI, and the Future of Reading

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it is often difficult to predict the long-term implications of groundbreaking innovations. From the printing press to the advent of fossil fuels, each new development has brought about unforeseen changes that shape the course of human history. While we can make short-term predictions with varying degrees of accuracy, the longer-term outcomes remain elusive. The more we delve into discussions about the future, the more we find ourselves contemplating a world filled with uncertainty and potential destruction. This pessimism stems from the realization that it is easier to destroy than to create. As we ponder the possibilities, we must remember that existential risks, including those posed by AI, are just one facet of the vast array of potential futures.

In the realm of reading, the digital age has transformed the way we consume information. The act of reading online encompasses several behaviors, from choosing what to read to the actual act of reading and the subsequent application of acquired knowledge. As avid users of Pocket, one of the pioneering read-it-later apps, the founders of Matter recognized the need for a more intelligent and personalized reading experience. The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked features such as prioritization, resurfacing, and decay. To address these shortcomings, Matter sought to create a platform that focused on the needs of readers that would remain unchanged over time.

Trust plays a crucial role in determining what we choose to read. People place their trust in other individuals, making writers the cornerstone of Matter's system. By elevating writers as first-class citizens, Matter emphasizes the value of good curation in discovering overlooked gems, whether they are obscure or old. While our information consumption tends to prioritize what is new, we must acknowledge that the vast majority of the best content ever created was not produced in the past week. Matter aims to strike a balance, delivering relevant and manageable content that goes beyond the bias towards the latest news.

One of the challenges in designing a better reading experience lies in finding ways to make it more accessible and engaging. Traditional email inboxes are not optimized for reading, with most people wanting to clear their inbox as quickly as possible. Additionally, email lacks the ability to highlight and annotate. To address these limitations, Matter incorporates highly reliable parsing techniques, utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision to enhance accuracy. Moreover, recognizing the rise of audio consumption, Matter introduced "audio highlights," allowing users to highlight passages while listening, providing a seamless multi-sensory experience.

In the pursuit of enhancing the reading experience, Matter explores innovative features such as minimaps. Inspired by video games and code editors, minimaps offer a condensed visual representation of an article, enabling users to quickly scan headers and navigate through content. This feature holds particular promise for desktop web browsing, where it can provide an even more immersive experience. Matter's core users are active readers, intentional in their selection of what to read and proactive in curating their information diets. They often have favorite writers and subscribe to newsletters, seeking to maximize the return on their reading investment.

As we reflect on the convergence of existential risk, AI, and the future of reading, it becomes clear that actionable advice is crucial. Here are three recommendations to consider:

1. Embrace the Uncertainty: Recognize that predicting the future is challenging and that the potential for destruction should not overshadow the opportunities for creation. Embrace the unknown and remain open to the possibilities that technology brings.

2. Prioritize Quality Curation: In a world inundated with an abundance of content, trust in the curation process. Seek out platforms that value the expertise and insights of writers, providing a curated selection of content that goes beyond engagement-based algorithms.

3. Explore Innovative Reading Experiences: Be open to new ways of consuming information. Whether it's through audio highlights, minimaps, or other emerging technologies, embrace the evolving landscape of reading to enhance your understanding and enjoyment.

In conclusion, the future holds both existential risks and exciting possibilities. As we navigate the uncertainties of AI and other technological advancements, we must also strive to design better reading experiences. By prioritizing quality curation, embracing innovative features, and embracing the unknown, we can make the most of the time we invest in reading and unlock greater insights and knowledge. In this age of change, let us seize the opportunity to shape the future of reading and chart a course towards a more informed and enlightened society.