Viewpoint: How AGI (artificial general intelligence) threatens to undermine what it means to be human

Screenshot 2025-06-25 at 1.36.10 PM

Predictions about the impacts of artificial general intelligence (AGI) often focus on societal disruptions, such as job displacement or the rise of AI-driven manipulation. But computer scientist Louis Rosenberg argues that AGI’s most profound effect may be more personal: a philosophical identity crisis. 

…

In this new reality, we will reflexively ask AI for advice before bothering to use our own brains. And in many cases, we will not even need to ask — the guidance will just stream into our eyes and ears. 

Mis- and disinformation are distorting science and public policy. Subscribe to our Daily and Weekly Digests for incisive coverage of ‘disruptive’ innovations in AI, agricultural biotechnology, food, chemicals, nuclear energy, vaccines, and other disruptive innovations.

We are racing towards a new era in which we outsource cognitive abilities that are central to our identity as thinking beings. Some experts believe this will make us feel smarter and more capable, viewing it as augmentation, but that’s not the only way this could go. 

…

Unfortunately, there is an increasingly fine line between augmenting ourselves and undermining ourselves, or even replacing ourselves. Unless we are thoughtful in how we deploy context-aware AGI assistants, I fear we will cross that line. 

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosate—the world's most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

ChatGPT-Image-Mar-10-2026-01_39_01-PM
Viewpoint—“Miracle molecule” debunked: Why acemannan supplements don’t work
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-29-2026-12_16_42-PM
Social media influencers are driving food misinformation across Europe
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-21-2026-03_15_09-PM
Viewpoint: Chipotle-inspired lesson: 10,000 sick customers suggest that processed foods can be safer than fresh ones
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-30-2026-01_11_07-PM
How U.S. teamed with Russia to block global human AI weapons oversight
Screenshot-2026-09-29-at-11.06.43-AM
Astrology, homeopathy, vaccine rejectionism, creationism: Why pseudoscience thrives as science advances
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-23-2026-02_36_39-PM
Viewpoint: After firing the entire National Science Board, Trump reshapes funding initiatives. Here’s the good and the bad.
generated-1790707585414
Facts & Fallacies podcast: America's health care system is broken. A doctor explains how to fix it
Screenshot-2026-09-28-at-1.16.38-PM
Defying public perceptions, U.S. cancer deaths plunged 35% since 1991
Screenshot-2026-09-17-at-1.07.08-PM
'We are dangerously addicted to antidepressants': Should we heed RFK Jr.’s sobering warning?
sorghum farmers in kenya FARMERS TREND
Here are all the ways CRISPR gene editing is transforming Africa’s staple crops—and there’s a lot more innovation to come
ChatGPT-Image-Jun-18-2026-04_15_29-PM
Viewpoint: Kennedy’s ‘bad science’: MAGA embrace bolsters HHS secretary’s influence and popularity
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.