In a recent interview with Walter Isaacson, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt discussed the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential effects on our lives, politics, and warfare. Schmidt pointed out that AI is now becoming a more personal technology, with tools such as Chat GPT reaching over 100 million users in a matter of months. This new wave of AI will have a profound impact on society, revolutionizing fields such as science, biology, and human health.

However, this revolution also comes with drawbacks, particularly in the realm of politics and social discourse. AI-driven algorithms on social media platforms are designed to engage users and maximize revenue, often by inciting outrage and inflammatory language. As AI becomes more advanced, it has the potential to exacerbate this trend, pushing political discourse to even greater extremes. Schmidt argues that regulation will be necessary to ensure authenticity and responsibility on these platforms, without sacrificing free speech.

Schmidt also touched on the potential consequences of AI on warfare and international relations. The rapid development of AI has opened up new possibilities for biological warfare and cyber attacks, with the potential for conflicts to occur in a matter of milliseconds. With China aiming to dominate AI by 2030, the potential for AI to become a new arms race is very real. As AI continues to reshape the world, it remains to be seen whether this technology will ultimately lead to greater individual freedom or a more dangerous and polarized society.