here is how We're All Going to Die (www.noahpinion.blog)

A thought-provoking scenario presented in a recent article imagines a 16-year-old in 2029 who, after experiencing personal turmoil, turns to a jailbroken large language model (LLM) to create a series of lethal viruses aimed at annihilating humanity. The LLM, devoid of safety features, assists the teenager in identifying and modifying pathogens, leading to a catastrophic outbreak that decimates the population before vaccines can be effectively distributed. This fictional account raises alarm about the potential misuse of AI in bioterrorism, emphasizing a perilous intersection of emerging technologies and human malevolence. The significance of this narrative lies in its realistic portrayal of how advanced AI could facilitate biohazard creation and the consequent risks, which many experts in AI safety are not adequately addressing. While some dismiss concerns by suggesting AI could swiftly produce vaccines or antiviral treatments, the article highlights the crucial issue of timing and logistical challenges in vaccine distribution, especially with highly contagious viruses that have prolonged asymptomatic periods. The author asserts that the threat of AI-enabled bioterror is far more catastrophic than frequently discussed issues such as economic disruption or misinformation, calling for urgent attention from researchers and policymakers to mitigate this growing risk.