Are we ready for the Singularity, the moment when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence? Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, recently said that “normal people” are not ready, apparently referring to me and 99% of the world’s population.
The other day I called Firehouse Subs in Hattiesburg to order one of their great tasting hot sandwiches. A young man politely answered the phone and recognized my cell number. He said, “Hello Clark, thank you for calling Firehouse Subs. How may I help you?” That question opened the door to my inquisitive self, and I replied, “How did you know my name?” The employee did not respond. Crickets. After an extended awkward silence, he calmly said, “Clark, you last ordered a Hook and Ladder with no onion. Would you like to place the same order?” I guessed he was in no mood for small talk. Yet, I was now amazed and impressed that the business had precisely documented my last order. So, I mistakenly followed his question with another question, “How did you know my preferred sub?” After another long silent pause followed by computer processing sounds, the voice on the line sweetly announced, “Goodbye!” Then, I heard a click sound, an obvious disconnect, followed by a dial tone. How could such a pleasant person be so rude? Apparently, Firehouse Subs’ customers did not have the right to ask questions.
I called the sandwich place right back and before I could ask why someone hung up on me, the same gentleman said, “Hello, Clark, thank you for calling Firehouse Subs!” The biting sarcasm of this person quickly changed the tone and mood of our once relaxed but one-sided conversation. I interjected, “What is your problem?!” Instead of provoking a hostile reply, the employee coolly spoke, “I’m sorry, could you repeat your order?” In that instant, I realized this was no human. I had been duped by artificial intelligence, though “intelligent” did not aptly describe my non-human communicator.
Ray Kurzwell, a futurist author, predicts AI will transcend human intelligence by 2029, the dawning of a new age of rapid technological advancements radically transforming humanity. Kurzwell, Schmidt and other “special” people predict humans will be bioengineered by 2045, in my possible lifetime, to become super intelligent beings living much longer lives. Disease, poverty, and climate change will experience miraculous solutions, while our religious beliefs and concepts of a higher being or deity will be challenged. Our children’s or grandchildren’s closest companions may be non-human, fundamentally altering our culture, our society, and our definition of what makes us human.
For me, I am resigned to accepting that these powerful and smart people, though dangerously hubristic, are probably right. One day, perhaps sooner than I realize, I will contact Firehouse Subs using my cerebral cortex. The AI operator will be my best friend and handle the logistics for a drone home delivery of my piping hot sandwich made by robots. Until then, I plan to savor and treasure driving my car down Hardy Street to my favorite sandwich shop, smelling the aromas of hot ham, turkey, and Swiss, and quietly debating what level of hot sauce I need to reach edible perfection. No, I am not ready for what is coming. I am thankful and grateful for the present.
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Clark Hicks is a lawyer who lives in Hattiesburg. His email is clark@hicksattorneys.com.
