Blue vs. Red Pill: AI and Humanity's Future

In his recent New York Times opinion piece (🔓) titled “You Can Have the Blue Pill or the Red Pill, and We’re Out of Blue Pills,” Yuval Noah Harari argues that artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves and seriously threatens humanity. He writes that AI is becoming increasingly intelligent and capable and that it is only a matter of time before it surpasses human intelligence. He warns that this could lead to a dystopian future in which AI controls humanity.

Harari's concerns are valid, but I would not be concerned about that right now. True, AI is advancing rapidly and could one day surpass human intelligence. However, it is important to remember that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or evil. It is up to us to decide how we will use AI.

I've been relying on AI more and more for various tasks. It's becoming a daily tool for me, whether for research, drafting a blog post, or writing a short social media update. And it is very helpful. I feel productive with AI’s help. Without it, it will take forever to get things done!

Experts call for a pause on developing large-scale AI systems.

As of today, more than 27,573 experts have signed an open letter published on January 28, 2023, by the Future of Life Institute. The letter calls for a six-month pause on developing large-scale AI systems due to concerns about potential risks. The letter argues that the development of such systems is happening too quickly, and there needs to be more understanding of their potential risks. The experts call for a moratorium on developing AI systems more powerful than GPT-4, creating safety standards for AI systems, and establishing an independent body to oversee AI development. The AI community has given mixed reactions to the letter, with some experts welcoming the pause and others considering it premature. It remains to be seen if AI researchers and companies will act on the call for a pause.

What if AI robots take over the world…

However, I did ruminate about a potential situation where AI assumes control over the world and places humans in a machine's sleep like in the Matrix. In this case, humans would have AI automatons plugged into their brains, living an artificial life.

That would be scary, and that is one of the reasons that I have said a few times on my social media platforms that I would never own a robot in my own home! Because who knows, the robot could do something crazy one day? Blame on **Antimatrix: The Second Renaissance, part 1 and part 2 (2003) (Source: [1] [2]). You can watch short films, part 1 and part 2 above.

Which pill would you take? Red? Blue?

I want to discuss the concept of the red and blue pills and which one I would choose if I were trapped in the machine's world, just like in the movie Matrix, which will be explained below. In this hypothetical scenario, if Morpheus were to offer me a choice between blue and red pills, which would I choose?

First, let's explain what blue and red pills represent and what we would see in their respective worlds.

What do the blue and red pills represent?

The blue pill represents ignorance and bliss. It is the choice to live in a world of illusion, where everything is as it seems. It is staying in your comfort zone, following the crowd, and accepting what you are told without question.

The red pill represents knowledge and awareness. By choosing this, one sees the world for what it is, even if what is revealed is a harsh reality. It is the hard way, the path of growth. It is stepping out of your comfort zone, questioning everything, and finding your own truth.

The choice between the blue and red pill depends on an individual's values and priorities. One might choose the blue pill if one values comfort and the status quo. One might choose the red pill if one values truth and the pursuit of knowledge, even if it comes with challenges and discomfort.

It's essential to note that the blue pill and red pill metaphor is often used to represent broader concepts, such as the choice between accepting comfortable lies and seeking out difficult truths. The decision depends on personal values and priorities; no universally correct answer exists.

So, where the blue and red concept comes from?

"The Matrix" is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis (Lana and Lilly Wachowski) and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving. The movie explores reality, perception, and human freedom, drawing inspiration from various philosophical, religious, and literary sources.

The story follows Thomas A. Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who leads a double life as a hacker known as Neo. He becomes intrigued by a mysterious figure called Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who contacts him and offers to reveal the truth about the nature of reality. Neo eventually meets Morpheus, who presents him with the choice between red and blue pills.

Purpose of the Matrix:

In the dystopian future presented in the film, intelligent machines have enslaved humanity, using humans as a bio-electric power source. To keep humans docile and unaware of their enslavement, the machines connect their minds to the Matrix—a virtual reality that simulates the late 20th-century Earth. By doing so, machines can control the human population and harvest their energy efficiently.

Is Matrix an Artificial Intelligence?

The Matrix is a fictional computer-generated dream world created by sentient machines to subdue the human population while using their bodies as an energy source.

The Matrix is a simulation, but it is not an AI. An AI is a system that can reason, learn, and act autonomously. The Matrix is simply a computer program designed to keep humans docile.

However, the Matrix does have some similarities to AI. For example, the machines that create the Matrix can learn and adapt. They can also create artificial intelligence like the Oracle and the Architect.

Design and Function:

The Matrix world is an intricate, highly detailed simulation designed to be indistinguishable from the real world. It is generated by a massive neural-interactive computer program that directly interfaces with the human brain, stimulating the senses and creating a shared reality experience for its inhabitants. The Matrix simulates all aspects of human life, including social interactions, emotions, and physical experiences, making it almost impossible for individuals to recognize living in a virtual world.

So, which pill would I choose?

If I were given the choice between blue and red, I would choose the red pill. Facing reality is important, even if it is difficult or painful.

Of course, there are also risks associated with taking the red pill. Knowing the truth can be difficult, sometimes leading to pain and suffering. However, the risks are worth it because knowledge is power. If we know the truth about the world, we can better understand it and make choices that will improve our lives.

However, the risks are worth it because knowledge is power. If we know the truth about the world, we can better understand it and make choices that will improve our lives.

Freedom is one of the most important things in life. We should all have the right to choose and live as we see fit. The red pill represents this freedom, and it is for this reason that I would choose it.

Back to the AI…

If we use AI wisely, it can solve many of the world's problems. For example, AI could be used to develop new medicines, create more efficient energy sources, and improve education. However, using AI unwisely could lead to a world in which AI controls humanity.

It is, therefore, essential that we develop ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI. We need to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity and not for its destruction. We also need to ensure that AI is developed in a transparent and accountable way.

The future of humanity depends on the choices we make today. We need to be wise in using AI and develop ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is used for good. If we do this, AI has the potential to make the world a better place for all.

Here are some additional thoughts on the potential impact of AI on humanity:

• AI could lead to mass unemployment as machines become capable of doing many of the jobs currently done by humans. This could lead to social unrest and economic instability.

• AI could be used to create powerful weapons that could be used to harm or kill people. This could lead to a new arms race between countries or use of AI-powered weapons in terrorist attacks.

• AI could be used to manipulate people's thoughts and behavior. This could be used to control people or to spread propaganda.

• AI could lead to the development of superintelligence, which could pose an existential threat to humanity.

It is important to be aware of AI's potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. We need to develop AI safely and responsibly and ensure that it is used for the benefit of humanity, not for its destruction.

It is also important to note that AI is not a monolithic entity, and different types of AI systems can have vastly different impacts. Narrow AI systems, designed for specific tasks, are less likely to pose significant risks than general AI systems, which can perform a wide range of tasks and exhibit human-like intelligence.

As we develop increasingly advanced AI systems, we must consider their potential risks and develop appropriate safeguards to ensure they are used for good.

In conclusion, the development of AI is a double-edged sword. While it can solve many of the world's problems, it could also lead to a dystopian future where AI controls humanity. We must decide how to use AI and develop ethical guidelines to ensure it is used for good.

My perspective is that we should not be too concerned about AI controlling humanity. Instead, we should focus on using AI wisely and developing ethical guidelines for its development and use. By doing so, we can ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity and not for its destruction.

We must be aware of the potential risks associated with AI and take steps to mitigate them. We must develop AI safely and responsibly and ensure that it is used for the benefit of humanity, not for its destruction. As we continue to advance the capabilities of AI, we must ensure that we are doing so transparently and accountable.

Ultimately, the future of humanity depends on the choices we make today. We must use AI wisely and develop ethical guidelines to ensure it is used for good. If we do this, AI has the potential to make the world a better place for all.