Dumbsmarten (kevinkelly.substack.com)

A new term, "dumbsmarten," has emerged to describe the paradoxical nature of artificial intelligence, which demonstrates high levels of proficiency in specific tasks while exhibiting significant shortcomings in others. The notion highlights that while AIs can outperform humans in complex feats like solving Rubik's cubes or playing chess, they often struggle with simple, everyday tasks such as recognizing human emotions or performing basic physical actions. This duality underscores the ongoing challenges in AI development, where specialists like human engineers might continually outsmart general AI systems in designated fields, leading to a landscape where brilliance exists alongside notable ignorance. The significance of "dumbsmarten" extends beyond semantics; it reflects the inherent trade-offs in engineering and AI design. As AI continues to advance, users may find themselves frustrated by machines that excel in technical areas yet falter in emotional or practical intelligence. Recognizing this phenomenon can influence how we interact with AI technologies and shape our expectations. The term could potentially reshape dialogue within the AI/ML community, prompting discussions about the future implications of these paradoxical capabilities as we navigate a world increasingly populated by "genidiots"—machines that can equally embody intelligence and stupidity.