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AI Allowed to Create Their Own Culture
nomoreself writes "New Scientist reports that five European research institutes are building a virtual world with about 1000 virtual (AI) citizens, in order to observe the society these artificial agents create for themselves over the course of three years. From the article: "Each agent will be capable of various simple tasks, like moving around and building simple structures, but will also have the ability to communicate and cooperate with its cohabitants. Through simple interaction, the researchers hope to watch these characters create their very own society from scratch... [further], by pointing to objects and using randomly generated "words", characters should be able to conjure up their very own language and communicate with others inside their world." One of the researchers involved thinks the dwellers of this artificial world may even develop ritualistic practices."
Just be sure not to let it take over the world, OK?
"Can there be a Klein bottle that is an efficient and effective beer pitcher?"
Is there such a thing as a virtual agent that goes beserk? Like a cancer?
Will "it" take over the world, er, um, simulator?
Will we gain insight as to how this twisted ant maps to our reality?