Humans vs. AI: Why We’re Not Obsolete

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s on everyone’s mind: how humans stack up against artificial intelligence. Are we heading towards a future where AI takes over, or do we still hold a unique edge? We’re here to reassure you that it’s not all doom and gloom. There are many reasons to feel optimistic about our role in an increasingly AI-driven world.

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The Rise of AGI

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) refers to the hypothetical intelligence of a machine that possesses the ability to understand or learn any intellectual task that a human being can.

The term AGI is gaining popularity. Unlike the majority of AI currently in use today, which is highly specialised for particular tasks, AGI would be a more adaptable system that can manage a wide variety of tasks. Some experts anticipate that AGI could be developed within a few decades, whereas others are unsure about the timeline for its arrival.

Artificial vs. Biological Intelligence

We explored the unique capabilities of human biological intelligence that set it apart from artificial intelligence. While AI excels in processing vast amounts of data and performing specific tasks efficiently, humans possess emotional depth, creativity, and ethical reasoning.

The Physical vs. The Digital

It’s essential to recognise that most discussions about AGI revolve around digital AI, not the physical robots popularised in films. Humans hold a significant advantage as our biological intelligence is deeply integrated with our physical bodies. However, digital AI will undoubtedly have profound impacts on society and the economy. While some have described AI as an “extinction risk,” we believe this to be an overstatement. Though risks exist, humanity’s ability to adapt and respond to change remains a fundamental strength.

How AI Learns: The Cost Function

To understand how AI learns, we must discuss cost functions. A cost function defines what is “good” and “bad” for a given task. For example, when training an AI to identify cats and dogs, the cost function penalises incorrect answers. This differs from humans, who can dynamically adapt their goals and shift between short-term and long-term objectives.

Static vs. Dynamic Learning

Traditional AI models are static. Once trained, they cannot change without retraining. In contrast, humans are dynamic, constantly learning and adapting. Moreover, humans learn in a fundamentally different way. When an AI receives negative feedback, it often re-evaluates its entire knowledge base. Humans, however, can identify the specific source of an error and adjust accordingly.

Catastrophic Forgetting

AI also suffers from catastrophic forgetting. When trained on a new task, AI often forgets how to perform older ones. Humans, on the other hand, retain skills and can typically resume activities even after a long hiatus.

Creativity and Emotional Intelligence

Humans have a distinctive combination of creativity and emotional intelligence. Although AI can imitate these characteristics, we don't think it can genuinely experience them as it stands. Additionally, humans are adept at comprehending and responding to humour in ways that AI has not yet mastered.

The Head-to-Head: Humans vs. AI

Let’s compare humans and AI in several key areas:

Humour: In a test with New Yorker cartoon captions, humans chose the funniest captions 94% of the time, whereas AI was only correct 62% of the time.
Chess: AlphaZero, an AI model, trained on 44 million chess games in two hours to achieve superhuman capability. To match this, a human chess grandmaster, like Magnus Carlsen, would have to play one game every 107 seconds from birth.
Walking: It took a state-of-the-art robotics company three years to train an AI robot to walk, whereas humans learn to walk within 10 to 18 months.
Language: GPT-2 required the equivalent of 16 years of continuous reading to achieve its level of language proficiency.

The key takeaway? AI processes information and computes far faster than humans, but it requires immense amounts of training, data, and energy to reach human-like capabilities.

The Future

What does this mean for humanity? While AI is likely to automate routine tasks, there will always be a need for human adaptability, problem-solving, and interaction. The future will likely involve a synergy between humans and AI, where AI becomes a powerful tool that enhances our lives. However, this partnership is not guaranteed—it requires us to better understand AI and actively shape our future alongside this technology.

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