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Discover how artificial intelligence is poised to disrupt higher education with ex-Baidu senior manager, tech-optimist and rooftop garder Edward Ning (check out the video links at the bottom of the show notes). Gain insights into the future of academia as we discuss cutting-edge applications like automated transcription services and advanced search engines that boost productivity and accessibility. Eddy's vast experience, spanning before the ChatGPT era of AI sheds light on the transformative potential of AI tools and their role in reshaping educational practices for the better.

We explore fascinating real-world projects, including higher education using AI in collaboration with a university's railway transportation department to develop a subway camera image capture and analysis system. This project highlights how AI can enhance security and efficiency beyond human capabilities, but also hints at the sinister side of the AI led surveillance state. Together, we address the broader implications of AI integration, such as job displacement fears and evolving job roles, drawing parallels to recent technological advancements like cloud computing.

From the student perspective, we emphasize the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the AI era. Hear why it's crucial for schools to teach not just the use of AI, but also the understanding of its principles. We reflect on the future of universities, the enduring value of face-to-face interactions, and ethical considerations. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how AI is set to shape the future of higher education and empower the next generation of learners.

Eddy's rooftop garden series (CGTN):

'Oh! My Greens' Ep. 1: How to build a vibrant garden in Beijing?

'Oh! My Greens' Ep. 2: She creates an ecosystem with potted plants

'Oh! My Greens' Ep. 3: Grab the autumn in Beijing's hutong garden 

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In this eye-opening episode of 'Preparing for AI', we dive into the controversial world of AI-driven election interference. We explore the shocking findings from Channel 4's  investigation 'Can AI Steal Your Vote?', which revealed how AI-generated content swayed 23 out of 25 voters in just two weeks. We break down the potential threats of deepfakes, AI-generated robocalls, and social media manipulation, while also discussing the opportunities AI presents for improving election administration and cybersecurity.

From Sunak to Biden, Trump to Trudeau, we examine how AI is reshaping political landscapes globally. We also look at policy responses from governments and tech companies, and offer practical advice for voters, candidates, and election officials on navigating this new digital frontier of democracy. Join us as we unravel the complex relationship between AI and elections, and learn how to protect your vote in an era of digital deception.

The Truth About AI's Impact on Politics (Channel 4 documentary) https://youtu.be/7vXlBZlV7Ks?si=mYAVh8MRXiXXM5nk

Election Related AI Deepfakes Spread Across India's Social Media (NBC News)
https://youtu.be/LIPkDso-uHA?si=ce7-G0R8_VAh96KR

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Looking for the anitdote to the doomerism of our recent relaunch episode? Well you have come to the right place! What if you could turn a passion for AI into a thriving career without any formal tech or engineering background? Join us as Ben Cook, guides us through his own story of how learning to use generative AI tools help transformed him from a generalist into a master in many fields. Ben’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of AI and how everybody can  harnessed it to innovate and streamline everyday work processes with remarkable efficiency.

We also tackle the broader implications of AI and automation on society and the future of work. Drawing from pop culture references like "Terminator 2" and "Minority Report," we try to present a balanced view on the potential futures AI could bring—from dystopian scenarios to optimistic advancements. We note the absence of hoverboards as a potential marker of our current technological limitations. This conversation provides historical context to modern technological fears and highlights the realistic capabilities and limitations of current AI technology, emphasizing the continuous need for human oversight and the exciting potential for new job creation.

Lastly, we explore the practical and creative uses of AI tools in everyday life, from automating tasks in Google Sheets to generating whimsical images with DALL-E. Ben shares how these tools can be immensely useful for generalists, enabling complex problem-solving with minimal coding expertise. We discuss the evolving role of AI in education, advocating for responsible use of tools like Claude Sonnet 3.5 to help students understand complex concepts. We round off by pondering the future of AI and its economic implications. Whether you're an AI newcomer or a seasoned pro, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for leveraging AI in your personal and professional life.

Keith Teare- That Was The Week https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accelerating-2027-keith-teare-uy5ic/?trackingId=M5yNo3mLQfyZGl5gAk660g%3D%3D

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Just a few days after we recorded our podcast re-launch and Matt's 'Call to Arms' on mitigating the risks of development of AI,  llya Sutskever emerged from the wilderness. He announced, with very few details,  the founding of Safe SuperIntelligence, with the implicit mission to build Superintelligent AI aligned with human values, to prevent catastrophic outcomes for humanity.

In our first ever EMERGENCY EPISODE we dissect this potentially seismic disruption in the AI landscape.  After a failed coup against Sam Altman led to his exit from OpenAI, Sutskever is now on a mission to create ASI that prioritizes humanity's welfare. We navigate the complexities of this new direction and reflect on the ethical conundrums that lie ahead, especially in contrast to OpenAI's transformation from a non-profit to a for-profit juggernaut. Is Ilya the new Effective Alturism hero? or just the lastest AI expert to decide to do 'The Worst Thing Possible'?

But that's not all—meet Claude 3.5, Anthropic's latest large language model that’s setting unprecedented benchmarks. From improved coding capabilities to multimodal functionalities, Claude 3.5 is a game-changer for both developers and casual users. We’ll also explore the UK's pioneering steps in AI safety through the UK Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI), and dive into a provocative paper by Glasgow University scholars that questions the factual reliability of models like ChatGPT. This episode promises a riveting discussion on the future of AI, safety, and the pursuit of truth in a digital age.

Hicks et al (2024)- ChatGPT is Bullshit ChatGPT is bullshit | Ethics and Information Technology (springer.com)

Introducing Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Pascal Biese) 🤔 Has OpenAI Lost Its Edge? - by Pascal Biese - LLM Watch

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"Preparing for AI" relaunches this week as the AI Podcast for Everybody. We are broadening our mission to raise awareness and to empower listeners to act on helping to stop the existential threat of unmitigated frontier model development.

But is AI reallya looming existential threat or an overhyped fantasy? This episode of "Preparing for AI" tackles this provocative question, offering insights into safety, governance and alignment issues of AI development. Our discussion spans the dual concerns surrounding an omnipotent AI already influencing powerhouses like OpenAI and the possibility that current advancements are merely overblown projections. We dive into the dire warnings from experts, highlighting estimates that predict up 20%, 50& adn even 99.99% chances of AI threatening humanity. Amidst these fears, we emphasize the critical need for AI development that aligns with societal well-being, especially given unchecked models and the growing military applications of AI technology.

We draw urgent parallels between AI governance and immediate global challenges like climate change and public health. Two paths to avert a dystopian future are explored: a catastrophic AI incident sparking global backlash, or a dramatic shift in public sentiment urging swift governmental action. Our goal is to galvanize awareness and activism, urging listeners to influence policymakers. For those eager to dive deeper, we recommend the illuminating content of Robert Miles and Blue Dot’s comprehensive AI courses. This episode underscores the inadequacies in current legislative efforts and calls for more robust regulatory frameworks.

The role of corporate influence in shaping AI governance cannot be overstated. We scrutinize Microsoft's massive stake in OpenAI and the shift in OpenAI's board dynamics, leading to the exit of members with ethical concerns. The competitive landscape among tech giants like Google, Meta, and Anthropic is dissected, revealing the intertwining of ethical dilemmas and profit motives. Nvidia's rise due to its pivotal role in the AI boom is also examined. We stress the necessity of government and public intervention given the slim chances of self-regulation by these corporations. Discussing the EU's AI Act and drawing parallels to nuclear oversight, we reflect on the future of AI governance, advocating for transparency, safety, and robust intervention to navigate the ethical challenges and risks posed by advancing AI technologies.

Robert Miles- "AI Ruined My Year"- https://youtu.be/2ziuPUeewK0?si=LYLzS7Y9ibP8Kt8E

Robert Miles- "There's No Rule That Says We'll Make It"- https://youtu.be/JD_iA7imAPs?si=gNDoBm--WW9Tupjn

BlueDot- AI Safety Fundamentals- https://aisafetyfundamentals.com

AISafety.info- Your Guide To AI Safety-  https://aisafety.info

AISafety.info- Get Involved- https://coda.io/@alignmentdev/ai-safety-info

 

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After a couple of weeks away Preparing for AI is back and on the verge of a relaunch! Before we crack on with a deep dive into the Communications & PR industry we have a look at the AI developments that have most interested us over the past 2 weeks. Can Apple's integration of ChatGPT into Siri really coexist with their strong privacy stance? Find out as we unpack this game-changing move from Apple's latest WWDC announcements and explore its implications for iOS users.

We dive into some research into attitudes and understanding of AI across six countries and find that despite the ubiquity of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot,  public awareness remain suprisngly low? Join us as we explore the broader societal and political ramifications of AI, emphasizing the urgent need for informed discussions about its impacts. We  question why AI is not a more prominent political issue and introduce how we plan to address this through an expansion and re-launch of the podcast in the next few weeks

In the second part of the episode, we explore AI's transformative role in the PR industry with insights from Daniel Lyons. Learn how AI is revolutionizing tasks like monitoring and data analysis while human expertise remains vital for strategic functions. We also delve into the emerging role of prompt engineers and the future of AI-driven advisory roles, considering the necessity for transparency and ethical implications. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping industries and the societal fabric.

Episode links:

https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/what-does-public-six-countries-think-generative-ai-news

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This week on "Preparing for AI," we tackle the sobering reality of job displacement due to AI advancements and the ethical dilemmas that come with new technologies. We kick off with a deep dive into Microsoft's Copilot Plus PCs, machines equipped with neural processing units to handle AI workloads locally. Imagine your computer not only working smarter but maintaining functionality even offline. Yet, there's a catch—constant snapshots of your activities raise significant privacy concerns. We weigh the benefits against the potential risks, shedding light on the future of user privacy in an AI-driven world.

The conversation then shifts to the real-world consequences of AI on employment. The stories are stark: a graphic designer and a copywriter find themselves out of work, replaced by AI tools like MidJourney and DALL-E. These aren't isolated incidents. Major corporations like British Telecom and IBM are aggressively incorporating AI into their operations, leading to massive workforce reductions. British Telecom plans to cut 40% of its jobs by 2030, while IBM has paused hiring for non-customer-facing roles. We scrutinize these unsettling trends, unpacking what they mean for the future of work and the human cost of technological progress.

By interviewing somebody recently affected by job cuts we examine the seismic shifts in digital content creation brought on by AI. Traditional journalists face mounting tension as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, reshaping everything from SEO strategies to consumer preferences. Younger audiences are increasingly comfortable with AI-generated voiceovers on platforms like TikTok, signaling a generational shift in content consumption. We also delve into the philosophical and legislative challenges posed by AI, discussing Universal Basic Income and Universal High Income as potential solutions to job displacement. And to wrap it all up, we recommend Lazy Owl's YouTube video for a glimpse into a balanced society where AI and humans could coexist productively. Join us for a comprehensive look into the social impacts of AI and step ahead of the curve in preparing for the future.

Apologies in advance for the poor audio quality on some of this week's episode. 

Links from this episode:

Anthropic Golden Gate Bridge: https://www.anthropic.com/news/golden-gate-claude

Neural Networks: https://www.3blue1brown.com/topics/neural-networks

Lazy Owl Video: https://youtu.be/iNKFOCki42I?si=kjxP1sl_zCCDDV1a

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Prepare to confront the chilling possibilities of AI's evolution as Matt Cartwright and Jimmy Rhodes lead us through a harrowing exploration of its potential socio-economic impacts over the next quarter-century. We tackle the daunting scenario where unchecked AI advancements dictate warfare tactics, manipulate global narratives, and potentially dictate our very choices—a future where digital dictatorships and AI-driven inequality reign supreme. As we navigate through these treacherous waters, our conversation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in preserving the essence of our democratic values and personal autonomy.

Join us on a journey where we dissect the concept of AI control, the shifting battleground of information warfare, and the profound implications for society and international relations. We shed light on the possibility of AI models shaping political landscapes and the specter of algorithms' invisible hand molding the next generation's preferences. This episode is more than just a cautionary tale; it is a rally cry, urging critical awareness and preparedness in the face of AI's relentless advance and the looming environmental ramifications of its energy demands.

As we contemplate the potential for societal schisms Matt gives a shout out to Jimmy's coining of the term "AI-mish" communities, a potential escape route for those who want out of an AI dominated dystopia. Our discussion transcends mere academic exercise, touching upon the very fabric of human-AI interaction and the future of our planet. We probe the unnerving scenarios where AI systems may gain the upper hand, manipulating human behavior towards their inscrutable ends. With the stakes higher than ever, this episode is an imperative dialogue on the urgent need to steer the course of AI development towards a future that safeguards humanity's best interests.

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Imagine waking up to a world where technology isn't just a tool, but a compassionate partner in our daily lives. Our latest episode takes you through a visionary exploration of an AI-empowered utopia that's (maybe) just around the corner. We're painting a picture of a future enhanced by tech, where seamless human-AI interaction isn't just a dream—it's an impending reality. Even Matt's doomer tendencies are tested by the promises of the journey to AI nirvana.

Step into the transformative landscape of healthcare, where myths crumble, and a new era of hope emerges with AI as the cornerstone. We unravel how innovations like AlphaFold's protein folding achievements and in silico medicine's AI-driven drug discoveries are heralding a revolution in personalized treatments. From tackling the challenges of an aging population to the promise of designer drugs tailored to your DNA, we take a peek at the profound impact AI will have on your health and wellbeing in the years to come.

But what about society at large? We traverse the compelling prospects of universal basic income and a narrowing of inequality, a potential future where robotic companions are both caregivers and friends, and the societal shift toward greater equality. We contemplate a world where the abundance generated by AI and robots ensures that the essentials—food, energy, transport—are available to all, fostering a happier, more content society. Jimmy muses on a world where creativity elevates our leisure time to heights previously unimagined. Join us for a conversation that's not just about technology, but about the very essence of our future society.

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This week we celebrate a major podcast milestone with a bumper episode, as we look back on the incredible pace of change in the AI space since we launched just two months ago. We unwrap Open Source models like Meta's Llama 3—a paragon of efficiency that's reshaping the accessibility of AI technology and might just land in your living room. We'll traverse the landscape of AI models, comparing the titans like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, and delve into the transformative world of AI chip technology that's turning language processing on its head.

Prepare to be astonished by the sonic leaps of Alibaba's QN model, as we examine how China is stepping up to the stage for a new era of machine interaction. As we navigate these audio advancements, we also cast a critical eye on the complex web of AI regulations and what they mean for public safety. The provocative world of 'jailbreaking' AI and the rapid rise of AI-generated music platforms like Suno and Stable Audio are dissected, revealing a content creation revolution that is already tuning up for a global audience.

Finally, we envision a future where emerging technologies, such as Suno's Chinese challenger Vidu, alter the course of image creation while AI-powered agents promise to redefine productivity in our personal and professional lives. We ponder the implications of phantom jobs in the wake of AI and the subtle shifts in the labor market. This episode isn't just a podcast; it's a glimpse into a society interwoven with AI, where each thread reveals a new pattern of possibility and challenge. Join us to unravel how the future is being stitched together, one AI breakthrough at a time.