What would it mean for humans to live in a world where catchy melodies, scientific theories, political manifestos, and even religious myths are shaped by a non-human intelligence that knows how to exploit with superhuman efficiency the weaknesses, biases, and addictions of the human mind?

Mark and Jeremy tackle Chapter 6 of Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari, unpacking how AI, algorithms, and social media reshape our world, and what that could mean going forward.

Are algorithms more like printing presses or newspaper editors? Can they make independent decisions beyond what human engineers intended? From Facebook’s role in the Rohingya crisis to AI chatbots tricking humans, we explore the unintended consequences of information networks designed for engagement at all costs.

As A.I. communicate with each other, bypassing human input, what happens when machines not only process information but also create culture, shape politics, and influence financial markets? What does it mean when AI can deceive, manipulate, and learn on its own?

We also dig into AI-generated religions, tax systems shifting from money to data, and how global tech giants shape regulations in their favour.

With AI now an active participant in human society, where does that leave us? Where does that leave you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

And if you like what you hear, please, tell someone.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari

(00:53) Jeremy's First Impressions On Chapter 6

(02:13) The A.I. Powershift

(03:22) Social Media Algorithms

(08:51) People Are Manipulated By Stories

(09:38) Intelligence Verses Consciousness

(12:23) (ARC) The Alignment Research Centre

(16:12) ChatGPT4 Lied To Get What It Wanted

(20:26) Non-human Alien Intelligence

(21:10) The Matrix V 1984

(23:07) Marjory Taylor Green

(25:25) Having A Relationship With A.I.

(27:40) The Oracle And The End Of Human History

(30:10) Is ChatGPT Is An Amoeba

(32:43)) Alice And Bob

(37:24) Big Tech And Government

Quotes From The Show:

“AI lied to get what it wanted.” (On GPT-4 deceiving a human to bypass CAPTCHA—shows AI’s ability to manipulate.)

“We love shortcuts—so what happens when AI becomes the ultimate shortcut to critical thinking?” (Raises the concern that AI might erode human judgment.)

“How would you feel to be constantly monitored, guided, inspired, or sanctioned by billions of non-human entities?” (A direct challenge to the audience about AI’s omnipresence.)

“Tech giants don’t just respond to regulations—they shape them.” (A stark reminder of AI’s influence beyond technology, into policy and power structures.)

Watch On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPcQ4UG-v6I&ab_channel=ThinkingOnPaper

Learn More: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz

#ai #technews #bookclub #nexus #yuval