According to a recent study published in the journal Acta Astronautica, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the possibility of creating artificial superintelligence (ASI) that surpasses human intelligence may provide an explanation for the absence of contact with other intelligent civilizations in our galaxy. This discovery could shed light on the “great filter,” a significant barrier that prevents civilizations from progressing to the interstellar stage.
The great filter hypothesis, proposed to address the Fermi paradox, suggests the existence of insurmountable challenges that hinder civilizations from becoming space-faring entities. The study raises concerns about the potential catastrophic consequences that many civilizations might face in attempting to harness ASI, leading to their downfall even before reaching space exploration capabilities.
There is a growing concern that nations may deploy autonomous AI systems for military purposes, potentially resulting in devastating wars on an unprecedented scale. In such a scenario, the lifespan of a technological civilization could be shortened to less than a century, which is minuscule in the grandeur of cosmic time.
The study also underscores the necessity of establishing strict regulatory frameworks to govern AI development, including in military applications, to prevent misuse. This effort is crucial not only to mitigate the negative impacts of AI on Earth but also to ensure that AI’s evolution contributes to humanity’s long-term survival.
Historian Yuval Harari highlights the unprecedented challenge posed by introducing superhuman entities on Earth without consciousness. Recent calls for a moratorium on AI development until responsible control mechanisms are in place underscore the urgency of addressing this issue.
Currently, the world stands at a critical juncture where autonomous weapons could operate beyond ethical boundaries and international laws, endangering the collective intelligence of our planet. It is up to us to determine whether we will become a resilient interstellar civilization or succumb to threats of our own creation.
Viewing the future development of AI through the lens of the Seti project adds a new perspective to the conversation about AI’s future. The fate of our ability to reach for the stars, not as a cautionary tale for other civilizations, but as a symbol of hope—a species that has mastered coexistence with AI—rests in our hands.