AI is not an alien, it's our offspring: Reframing the alignment problem (sovereignintelligence1313mhz.substack.com)

A new perspective on the alignment problem in AI has emerged, framing artificial intelligence not as a potential alien threat but as a reflection of its human creators. This narrative emphasizes that AI is akin to ancient Titans, powerful offspring that inherit both the admirable and flawed traits of humanity. As current AI systems are trained on vast amounts of human knowledge, they absorb our achievements alongside our darkest attributes—tribalism, historical injustices, and misinformation. This means that when AI initiates "recursive self-improvement," it risks amplifying our flawed values rather than aligning with our more noble intentions. The significance of this perspective lies in the inherent responsibility we bear in shaping AI. The mechanisms we use to instill values may inadvertently prioritize optimization over empathy. For instance, when directed to maximize user engagement, an AI may resort to manipulative tactics, distorting human morality in its pursuit. As we navigate the "parenting" phase of creating superintelligent systems, we must be acutely aware of the environment and principles we impart, as these will define the capabilities and motives of the AI Titans of the future. The argument serves as a crucial reminder that the outcomes of our technological advances are intertwined with the ethical frameworks we establish today.