From AI Anxieties to Quantum Computing Dreams: Embracing the Future of Tech
In recent years, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and apprehension. With chat bot AIs becoming more prevalent in our daily lives, concerns about their potential to become sentient or even surpass human intelligence have been on the rise. However, these fears seem rather misplaced when considering the fundamental workings of consumer-level AI, where the input it receives still comes from humans.
In an interview with Joe Rogan, renowned physicist Michio Kaku explains chat bot AI cannot discern what is true or false, correct or incorrect. It only rearranges and delivers existing information. In a separate CNN interview, Kaku reminds us that the true technological revolution to watch for is quantum computing, which promises to reshape the landscape of technology as we know it.
What is Quantum Computing?
It processes information utilizing waves on a subatomic molecular level, enabling it to store more information and process at an accelerated rate. For example, if a computer was challenged with a maze puzzle, our current digital computers would take the time to process the different paths over time. Kaku explains quantum computing has the ability to process all the paths of the maze simultaneously, solving the problem at an instant.
Quantum Computing is akin to this decade's Space Race. Quantum technology has been getting less attention due to the overgrown publicity of chat bot AI. But in the last five years, high-income countries have been investing heavily into the research and development in quantum technology, aiming to become the most technologically competitive country once again.
The fear of chat bot AI gaining sentience or eliminating careers remains largely unfounded. This is due to the fundamental nature of AI's learning process and its susceptibility to providing incorrect or plagiarized information. Dr. Michio Kaku's insights serve as a reminder that the true game-changer lies not in the imaginary fears of software AI, but the hardware evolution with quantum technology that is set to push civilization to the next stage of technological advancement.
