AI is not smarter than us

[DesertRatt]

The revolutionary aspect of the Industrial Revolution was that machines radically increased the production of goods thereby raising the living standards of the whole population. For the first 200 years the revolution contributed positively to global living standards. I rate "The moon landing" as the zenith of that revolution, after which a downward arc began as the contribution of the I.R. turned negative in net value to the global population. Negative contributions to the world include inescapable TOXINS that the population can not avoid. Toxins embedded in the water supplies, food supplies, and air we breathe. Toxins like PFAS, micro plastics, lead, are re-engineering human biology in negative ways that affect the health of individuals AND their offspring. "Personal choice" provides no hiding place from this toxic attack. The effects are global.

The first 200 years of the I.R. features major inventions like trains, planes, autos, telephones, computers, the transistor. Inventions that shaped the world. After the zenith, the inventions are largely toys, nonsense, distractions, and schemes for extraction of wealth. All while massively polluting the entire planet. I.E. the net contribution to humanity turned NEGATIVE. We are still experiencing the phenomena of the IR, but now it is working against the benefit of humanity. So much so, that it could very possibly lead directly to extinction of our species.

There are no processes that continue forever. Every process has a beginning and an end. Wars, famines, depressions, recessions, booms, busts, and revolutions, all have beginnings and ends. The IR is ending soon--- 10 years? 50 years? It is going to be replaced with a new phenomenon.

 

[JyriK]

One thing that rarely gets discussed is how much AI datacenters consume energy, and it is A LOT. I remember reading China building one on a seabed to help with the cooling. Pollution and other problems will follow.

 

[SoCal Sam]

The revolutionary aspect of the Industrial Revolution was that machines radically increased the production of goods thereby raising the living standards of the whole population. For the first 200 years the revolution contributed positively to global living standards. I rate "The moon landing" as the zenith of that revolution, after which a downward arc began as the contribution of the I.R. turned negative in net value to the global population. Negative contributions to the world include inescapable TOXINS that the population can not avoid. Toxins embedded in the water supplies, food supplies, and air we breathe. Toxins like PFAS, micro plastics, lead, are re-engineering human biology in negative ways that affect the health of individuals AND their offspring. "Personal choice" provides no hiding place from this toxic attack. The effects are global.

The first 200 years of the I.R. features major inventions like trains, planes, autos, telephones, computers, the transistor. Inventions that shaped the world. After the zenith, the inventions are largely toys, nonsense, distractions, and schemes for extraction of wealth. All while massively polluting the entire planet. I.E. the net contribution to humanity turned NEGATIVE. We are still experiencing the phenomena of the IR, but now it is working against the benefit of humanity. So much so, that it could very possibly lead directly to extinction of our species.

There are no processes that continue forever. Every process has a beginning and an end. Wars, famines, depressions, recessions, booms, busts, and revolutions, all have beginnings and ends. The IR is ending soon--- 10 years? 50 years? It is going to be replaced with a new phenomenon.

Once again, 1969 was part of the worst era for pollution and environmental stewardship. Innovations than came afterwards include my previously mentioned move away from coal, greater emphasis on air quality through lead fuel ban and universal adoption of cat converters, and the banning of clearly harmful chemicals such as DDT and PCB's. There are many more examples but the trend line towards greater regulation is clear. Can more be done? Yes. But I would posit without a hint of temerity that we are doing very well.

Let's take a look at the bigger picture. Despite your pessimism, world population has increased at an exponential rate and shows no signs of slowing. IR has pushed forward productivity which increases resources available for population growth. Net contribution is positive. The contrarian argument is that the Malthusian horizon is upon us but there is no evidence to support this.

 

[DesertRatt]

Let's take a look at the bigger picture.

The cost of cleaning up the "forever chemicals" has been estimated to be $18T/year. What does that remind me of? The so-called "Climate Change Mitigation Costs" - which absolutely NO ONE is willing to step up to. Where is the $18T supposed to come from? Governments that are already so neck-deep in debt as to teeter on collapse? In 2026, global capital is being DIVERTED from social benefit to private benefit - just look at the incredible decay of big cities that are suffering from decades of under-investment in maintenance, pension funding, infrastructure repair, and services.

So, there is not going to be a "cleanup" that rescues humanity from inescapable toxicity. Likewise, there is no "rescue plan" for the Industrial Slop called "food" in the western world. Expanding waistlines correlate 1:1 with rising stock prices for the SLOP creators who run the global food system. You can say, "that's a matter of personal choice", but choice is an incidental effect, not the statistical effect on the whole. POINT: "Additionally, a recent study utilizing a broader definition that accounts for body fat distribution suggests that up to 70% of American adults could be considered obese, highlighting a significant increase in health risks beyond traditional BMI metrics." And, the point I am making is the "effects on the whole world" - not simply what choices an individual might have. The world is getting sicker by the day - because the IR has been hijacked, redirected, refocused, and captured as a tool of extremists using it to extract wealth.

Had the IR been able to continue it's "productivity benefiting mankind" curve, there would be gleaming cities, housing available to the entire working class, populations of healthy, hearty, fit, citizens with increasing QUALITY LIFE SPANS - not merely life extended to the misery of sitting in dreadful care homes, taking 20 pills a day to stay alive.

 

[swechsler]

Mostly due to decreased infant mortality.

It's actually not that simple. Reduction in infant mortality is certainly a major contributor to increased life expectancy, but improved medical care and nutrition had a major effect as well.

 

[swechsler]

One thing that rarely gets discussed is how much AI datacenters consume energy

I don't know where you get your news, but I see this discussed daily. It's a major reason that most people don't want datacenters in their towns. The existing electrical infrastructure isn't sufficient to run them, and the residential customers get stuck paying the bill for the upgrades.

 

[JyriK]

I don't know where you get your news, but I see this discussed daily. It's a major reason that most people don't want datacenters in their towns. The existing electrical infrastructure isn't sufficient to run them, and the residential customers get stuck paying the bill for the upgrades.

Ok, must be different in the US (I presume). Nothing here in Finland. Microsoft build a datacenter here, and there was no public discussion of energy concerns.

 

[RKW]

One thing that rarely gets discussed is how much AI datacenters consume energy, and it is A LOT. I remember reading China building one on a seabed to help with the cooling. Pollution and other problems will follow.

In a twist of irony , AI models housed in data centers analyze grid telemetry in real time. They predict electricity spikes, seamlessly balance solar and wind fluctuations, and prevent blackouts, accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

 

[RKW]

I don't know where you get your news, but I see this discussed daily. It's a major reason that most people don't want datacenters in their towns. The existing electrical infrastructure isn't sufficient to run them, and the residential customers get stuck paying the bill for the upgrades.

When haven't the customers paid for electrical infrastructure upgrades?

 

[swechsler]

When haven't the customers paid for electrical infrastructure?

NM, deleted my response because it could have been construed as veering towards politics.

 

[RKW]

NM, deleted my response because it could have been construed as veering towards politics.

The answer is that the customer has always paid for electrical infrastructure upgrades, but not to the degree we see it now. The developing trend is towards Utility companies implementing Large Load tariffs on large customers. The Utility companies are in discussions with Public Utility Commissions (PUC) to make this needed change.

 

[GordonW]

You need to move where you can afford to live, not where you want to live. I would love to live in a Beverly Hills estate but I am realistic.

And find what job?

Regards,
Gordon.

 

[SoCal Sam]

The cost of cleaning up the "forever chemicals" has been estimated to be $18T/year. What does that remind me of? The so-called "Climate Change Mitigation Costs" - which absolutely NO ONE is willing to step up to. Where is the $18T supposed to come from? Governments that are already so neck-deep in debt as to teeter on collapse? In 2026, global capital is being DIVERTED from social benefit to private benefit - just look at the incredible decay of big cities that are suffering from decades of under-investment in maintenance, pension funding, infrastructure repair, and services.

So, there is not going to be a "cleanup" that rescues humanity from inescapable toxicity. Likewise, there is no "rescue plan" for the Industrial Slop called "food" in the western world. Expanding waistlines correlate 1:1 with rising stock prices for the SLOP creators who run the global food system. You can say, "that's a matter of personal choice", but choice is an incidental effect, not the statistical effect on the whole. POINT: "Additionally, a recent study utilizing a broader definition that accounts for body fat distribution suggests that up to 70% of American adults could be considered obese, highlighting a significant increase in health risks beyond traditional BMI metrics." And, the point I am making is the "effects on the whole world" - not simply what choices an individual might have. The world is getting sicker by the day - because the IR has been hijacked, redirected, refocused, and captured as a tool of extremists using it to extract wealth.

Had the IR been able to continue it's "productivity benefiting mankind" curve, there would be gleaming cities, housing available to the entire working class, populations of healthy, hearty, fit, citizens with increasing QUALITY LIFE SPANS - not merely life extended to the misery of sitting in dreadful care homes, taking 20 pills a day to stay alive.

What is the alternative to IR? No IR?? The great irony here is that we all enjoying the fruits of what came before. Yes, we have a shared responsibility going forward but embracing pessimism is not constructive. The other participant in this sub-discussion has not offered any data or any solutions. Perhaps you can do better.

 

[SoCal Sam]

And find what job?

Regards,
Gordon.

How did you find your place in this world? As for me, my stomach is not bigger than my eyes.

 

[GordonW]

How did you find your place in this world? As for me, my stomach is not bigger than my eyes.

The only places where my skills are needed in enough quantity to warrant creating a business around them, is in areas with significant population. Hence, higher home prices.

I think most skilled professionals fall into this category. That said- just being a skilled professional, doesn't make you rich, inherently. There's still lots of budget-juggling required to make ends meet, with the cost of everything associated with home living expenses, whether you own or rent.

Regards,
Gordon.

 

[GChief]

And find what job?

Regards,
Gordon.

Its been apparent for awhile that some old folks think things are the same in 2026 as they were in 1966. Out of touch comes to mind.

And yes that is hyperbole...

 

[trinhsman]

How did you find your place in this world? As for me, my stomach is not bigger than my eyes.

As for me I just reached a point where I said, this is good. Would I like more, sure. But is it worth what is needed to have more? Examples: loss of a relationship. Loss of respect from others, etc.

 

[DesertRatt]

What is the alternative to IR? No IR?? The great irony here is that we all enjoying the fruits of what came before. Yes, we have a shared responsibility going forward but embracing pessimism is not constructive. The other participant in this sub-discussion has not offered any data or any solutions. Perhaps you can do better.

There's a profound difference between "pessimism" and "reciting reality." I'm sure I don't need to spell all that out to you.

When it comes to analysis of any system, movement, regime, or process, the first step is simply analyzing the resulting condition as it reveals itself. The sad health of Americas population is well documented and analyzed. No pessimism needed, just cold analysis. If we are the end result of 250 years of the Industrial Revolution--that revolution failed. It produced a sick, violent, mostly poor population on the whole. Hardly anyone's vision of successful outcome.

The human history is almost 2 million years. Thinking that the last 250 years is all that was possible is a bit too narrow.

 

[spicer]

Smarter than us? Has anyone defined 'smart'? Smarter than... what are we talking about.

 

[GChief]

Smarter than us?

The title did set a low bar.