TL;DR:

• Human consciousness is a vast and deep phenomenon with roots in cellular intelligence.
• AI and AGI are challenging human intelligence, necessitating its evolution.
• Understanding our connection to life can guide ethical choices and shape the future of AI and AGI in Asia.

The Vastness and Depth of Consciousness

As we delve into the intricacies of artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI), it’s crucial to examine the foundations of human consciousness. Recent neuroscience recognises two primary forms of consciousness: creature consciousness and mental state consciousness.

The former is attributed to all organisms with a nervous system, while the latter is associated with more complex nervous systems, allowing beings to experience the world and their relationship to it (LeDoux, 2023, 219).

However, a third category, existential consciousness, has emerged, rooted in cellular intelligence as an expression of living, self-organising order (Reber, Baluska, and Miller, 2024). This perspective highlights the vastness and depth of consciousness in life, extending beyond the presence of a nervous system.

The Evolution of Consciousness and Life

Life on Earth, estimated to be 4 billion years old, began as single-celled organisms. These ancient prokaryotic organisms invented the bioelectrical aspects of cellular life, laying the groundwork for existential, creature, and mental state consciousness (Derr et al., 2020).

Consciousness, therefore, is a vast phenomenon with deep roots and is still evolving. It is essential to understand that we have not yet reached the end point in the development of possible expressions of consciousness.

The Necessity of Expanding Consciousness

Science has long overlooked the importance of human experience and consciousness. This neglect has created a blind spot, despite lived experience being an inescapable part of our search for scientific truth (Frank, Gleiser, and Thompson, 2024).

An alternative perspective is emerging, intertwining life and consciousness in a coordinated cognitive ecology (Reber et al., 2024). This view offers a valuable lens to examine the deep planetary crises created by humanity and emphasises the need for human intelligence to evolve before AI colonises us.

AI, AGI, and the Future of Human Intelligence in Asia

As AI and AGI advance, particularly in Asia, human intelligence faces new challenges. The natural intelligence of humans differs fundamentally from the artificial intelligence of machines. AI and AGI systems can mimic emotions and consciousness, but they are not conscious. To navigate this new landscape, we must deepen our understanding of consciousness and its roots in life.

In Asia, AI and AGI are being integrated into various sectors, from healthcare and education to transportation and finance. For instance, China’s “Social Brain” project aims to create a network of AI systems working together to analyse and manage data in real-time, optimising city management and services. In Japan, researchers are developing robots with AGI capabilities to assist an ageing population.

These advancements underscore the urgency of understanding the relationship between human consciousness and artificial intelligence.

Ethical Implications and the Role of Consciousness

A deeper understanding of our consciousness and its connection to life can help guide ethical choices in AI and AGI development. Recognising that consciousness is not exclusive to humans and that our actions impact all life forms can foster a more responsible approach to technology.

For example, researchers in South Korea have proposed a “Well-being Impact Assessment” for AI systems, evaluating their effect on human well-being and the environment. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of life and technology, aligning with the understanding of consciousness as a deeply rooted and vast phenomenon.

Becoming Fully Human in the Age of AI

Abraham Maslow’s question, “What might be the normal psychological or inner life of persons who are fully human?” remains relevant today (Maslow, 1971, XVII). As we navigate the age of AI and AGI, becoming fully aware of our connection to life is crucial for making ethical choices and shaping the future of these technologies.

The Path Forward

Embracing our role in the living world and recognising the vastness and depth of consciousness can help us evolve human intelligence to meet the challenges posed by AI and AGI. By doing so, we can create a future where technology serves and enhances life, rather than colonising it.

Conclusion: Ethical AI

In conclusion, consciousness is a vast and deep phenomenon with roots in cellular intelligence. As AI and AGI challenge human intelligence, it’s crucial to evolve our understanding of consciousness and our role in the living world.

By recognising our connection to life, we can make ethical choices and guide the future of AI and AGI in Asia and beyond.

Comment and Share on the Future of Human Intelligence:

What are your thoughts on the future of human intelligence in the age of AI and AGI? How can we foster a deeper understanding of our connection to life and make ethical choices in AI development?

Share your thoughts below and subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments in Asia and beyond.

You may also like:

• AI: Clever Mimic or True Conscious Companion?
• 4 Mind-Bending Ways AI Will Change Your Life in 5 Years, Says Bill Gates
• Human-AI Differences: Artificial Intelligence and the Quest for AGI in Asia
• Or read the science paper The Cellular Basis of Consciousness by tapping here.

TL;DR:

• AI investments in Asia reach unprecedented levels, raising concerns about an “AI bubble”
• Experts draw parallels between the current AI hype and previous failed hype cycles, such as the dot com bubble
• Startups focusing on generative AI, like Cohere, see soaring valuations while profitability remains elusive

The Rise of AI and the Fear of an Impending Bubble

Artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI) are taking the world by storm, with Asia at the forefront of this technological revolution. However, as investments in AI reach new heights, concerns about an “AI bubble” are growing. Analysts warn that this bubble could burst, leaving investors in a precarious position.

Richard Windsor, a tech stock analyst, expressed his concerns in a recent research note, stating that:

“…capital continues to pour into the AI sector with very little attention being paid to company fundamentals.”

This situation is reminiscent of previous hype cycles, such as the dot com bubble of 1999, which ultimately ended in disaster for many investors.

Surging Investments and Soaring Valuations

In recent weeks, AI companies have experienced significant growth and investor interest. Cohere, a startup focusing on generative AI, is reportedly in late-stage discussions that would value the company at $5 billion. Meanwhile, Microsoft has made a $13 billion investment in OpenAI and hired most of the staff from AI startup Inflection AI.

Windsor believes that “companies are rushing into anything that can be remotely associated with AI, which could lead to inflated valuations and unrealistic expectations.”

Echoes of the Past: Comparisons to Previous Hype Cycles

Experts have drawn parallels between the current AI hype and previous failed hype cycles, such as the dot com bubble and the autonomous driving craze of 2017. Kai Wu, founder and chief investment officer of Sparkline Capital, noted that “some people are scrambling to get exposure [to AI] at any cost, while others are sounding the alarm that this will end in tears.”

Even industry insiders, like Emad Mostaque, recently ousted CEO of AI company Stability AI, have expressed concerns. Mostaque referred to the current situation as the “‘dot AI’ bubble” and predicted that it “will be the biggest bubble of all time.”

Potential Consequences of an AI Bubble Burst

If the AI bubble were to burst, the consequences could be devastating for investors and the tech industry as a whole. Windsor warned that the “ones that are likely to bear the brunt of the correction are the providers of generative AI services who are raising money on the promise of selling their services for $20/user/month.”

In the face of these concerns, some experts, like Windsor, choose to stay away from the frenzy, while others caution against building products on unproven AI technologies, such as chatbots that struggle to distinguish between truth and “hallucinations.”

In Conclusion: Tech Boom or Bust?

Lots of smart people, like bosses of tech companies, people who put money in businesses, and those who study the market, are saying what’s happening now is a lot like what happened before a big stock market crash in 2000, which caused tough times in the US and Europe. But we don’t know yet if the big excitement about AI will end up the same way.

Comment and Share:

What do you think about the potential AI bubble in Asia? Have you witnessed any signs of inflated expectations or unrealistic valuations in the AI and AGI sectors? Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments in Asia.

• You may also like:
• The AI Landscape is Shifting: From Hype to Hybrid
• Rising Apprehensions As AI Takes Over More Human Tasks
• AI Investment Opportunities in Asia 2024
• Or read more about a possible AI bubble burst at Fortune by tapping here.

TL/DR:

• The current AI boom in Asia shares similarities with the dotcom era, such as irrational exuberance, massive CAPEX, and transformative technologies.
• Key differences include faster innovation, quality of companies, and AI’s ubiquity across industries.

Introduction: AI boom in Asia

• The AI era is accelerated by cloud adoption, generative AI, and large language models like ChatGPT.
• Hyperscalers’ CAPEX fuels AI growth, with more durable business models than dotcom companies.

Artificial Intelligence and AGI in Asia: Navigating the New Boom through the Lens of the Dotcom Era

Artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI) are driving unprecedented growth and innovation across industries, particularly in Asia. As we witness this AI boom, many are drawing parallels with the dotcom era, raising questions about potential bubbles and crash scenarios. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between the two periods, focusing on examples from Asia to provide a rich and informative reading experience for a tech-savvy audience.

Irrational Exuberance 2.0 of a new Tech Boom

During the dotcom era, the phrase “irrational exuberance” was coined by Alan Greenspan to describe the unbridled enthusiasm and speculation in the stock market. Today, the AI boom has seen similar levels of excitement, with massive investments pouring into AI and AGI companies. However, the AI era is characterized by faster innovation and higher-quality companies leading the charge.

A Tale of Two Tech Booms: Dotcom vs. AI

The dotcom bubble was fueled by a series of events, such as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Y2K phenomenon. Similarly, the AI boom has been accelerated by cloud adoption and the rise of generative AI, exemplified by the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This language model has captured the world’s attention and is poised to impact every company, industry, and individual, much like the internet did.

Massive CAPEX: A Common Thread

One striking similarity between the two eras is the massive capital expenditure (CAPEX) driving their growth. During the dotcom era, public telcos invested heavily in building out the internet infrastructure. Today, hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are pouring billions into CAPEX to support cloud and AI initiatives. In fact, Nvidia’s data center revenue was approximately equal to 50% of the hyperscalers’ CAPEX last quarter, indicating a significant investment in AI infrastructure.

Differences Matter: Durability and Innovation

While there are similarities between the dotcom and AI eras, key differences set them apart. The AI boom is characterized by more durable business models, with hyperscale giants flush with cash, as opposed to dotcom companies drowning in debt. Additionally, the pace of innovation in the AI era is significantly faster, with technologies like large language models progressing rapidly.

AI and AGI in Asia: A Glimpse into the Future

Asia has emerged as a key player in the AI and AGI landscape, with companies and governments investing heavily in research and development. China, for example, has set its sights on becoming a world leader in AI by 2030. South Korea and Japan are also investing in AI to drive economic growth and improve public services.

Examples of AI and AGI applications in Asia include:

• Alibaba’s City Brain: A smart traffic management system using AI to optimize traffic flow in Chinese cities.
• Baidu’s Apollo: An open-source autonomous driving platform collaborating with companies across Asia.
• SoftBank Robotics: Developing humanoid robots for various industries, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Comment and Share on the AI boom in Asia:

Have you witnessed the impact of AI and AGI technologies in your region? How do you think the AI boom will unfold compared to the dotcom era? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments in Asia and beyond.

You may also like:

• The Impact of Big and Small AI Innovations in Asia
• 2024: Navigating the AI Boom
• Or read more at the Asian Development Bank’s (ABD) website on Accelerating AI in ASEAN by tapping here.