Ask Lemmy

No, machines don't need intelligence to fuck us up. Remember that one famous cold war incident were the Soviet computer (falsely) thought the Americans had launched nukes, and if it wasn't for one brave guy refusing to launch, we would all be dead now?

But I still don't think "AI" by itself is that big of an issue. The biggest problem I see is propaganda, increased automation leading to a class of replaceable, poor workers like at the beginning of the industrial age, and "thinking fatigue" caused by reliance on the bullshit machines.

But actually kill us? Nah. That is still reserved for the classics, like nuclear war, climate change, or maybe some good old-fashioned plague. Who knows, I haven't heard of any major volcanoes lately, too.

Routine does not always help. But being around people helps. Helping other people helps. Even if you recognise that all your efforts are ultimately futile. Think of it this way: we all die at the end, anyway. At the very latest when the sun goes poof, or the universe becomes lukewarm, equally-spaced emptiness. But if you help make someone's life a little bit better, then that is still good. And if we all help to make someone else's life better, then maybe life wouldn't be so miserable.

On the how: join a group that aligns with your values and has people you vibe with, from NGOs like Red Cross or voluntary firefighters, to a soup kitchen, or an animal shelter. Maybe even a political party or movement.

Yeah, do as I say not as I do. I am a coward, lazy, cynic misanthrope myself. But when things become too much, I found this often makes me feel better.