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Many People Think AI Could Make Better Policy Decisions Than Politicians (qz.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Quartz: A new survey on Europeans' attitudes towards technology found that a quarter of people would prefer it if policy decisions were made by artificial intelligence instead of politicians. The Center for the Governance of Change at Spain's IE University polled 2,500 adults in the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands in January. The results reflect an intense anxiety about the changes brought about by advances in tech, with more than half of respondents worried that jobs would be replaced by robots, and 70% saying that unchecked technological innovation could do more harm than good to society. Respondents also expressed concerns about the impact of digital relationships replacing human contact as more people spend time online. Perhaps most interestingly, a quarter of the respondents said they would prefer AI to guide decisions about governance of their country over politicians.
Around the world, citizens have expressed a growing disillusionment with democracy, and an increased skepticism that their voice has an impact on political decisions. But algorithmic decisions aren't a problem-free solution: they can be embedded with the prejudice and bias of their programmers or manipulated to achieve specific outcomes, making the results as potentially problematic as the ones made by humans. The study also found that respondents expected governments to reduce the disruption that technology might have on their lives with regulation, limits on automation, and support for people affected by job losses. This "highlights the paradox in which we live," the authors wrote. "People are disillusioned with governments, yet at the same time ask them to tackle the societal and economic negative effects that emerging technologies might have."
Around the world, citizens have expressed a growing disillusionment with democracy, and an increased skepticism that their voice has an impact on political decisions. But algorithmic decisions aren't a problem-free solution: they can be embedded with the prejudice and bias of their programmers or manipulated to achieve specific outcomes, making the results as potentially problematic as the ones made by humans. The study also found that respondents expected governments to reduce the disruption that technology might have on their lives with regulation, limits on automation, and support for people affected by job losses. This "highlights the paradox in which we live," the authors wrote. "People are disillusioned with governments, yet at the same time ask them to tackle the societal and economic negative effects that emerging technologies might have."
So then we'd have a revolving door for programmers instead of politicians. I'm at the point where I think randomly picking people, like jury duty, might be better. That and a heavy handed approach to looking for "new business opportunities" that happen for friends and family for years after being picked for congress to prevent bribes. On the plus side, it would instantly reform campaign finance.
Can't bribe or influence an AI the way you can humans; so it's a no-go for replacing any existing government.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Around the world, citizens have expressed a growing disillusionment with democracy, and an increased skepticism that their voice has an impact on political decisions.
In my experience, democracy is relative. When some countries democratically elect to do something, big powers sometimes disapprove. Sanctions follow. One country is notorious for this.
This same country has invaded tens of countries in the guise of promoting democracy - creating chaos as a result; as if some higher power sent this country to spread democracy.
Can someone say I am wrong?
I mean, there have always been half the people below average intelligence, but I think we've gone lower now.
It isn't elitist either. If anyone here has had to work public facing jobs (sales, food service, etc), you not only come away saddened that so many people don't know how to treat others, but that so many are just downright fucked in the head.
But seeing the world today....in western countries, where they are wanting to pick socialism or communism over democracy?!?!
They can't even see how this is unravelling in Venezuela currently, or read some history books about how many thousands/millions have died due to these ideologies? Do they take their freedoms for granted?
No, I don't expect everyone to agree with me, and I believe in freedom of speech to spout off whatever you want....but to see polls that actually have anything more than a niche, slim minority believing and wanting to bring these types of things to replace our government, amazes me.
I just hope it holds together before I kick the bucket and I don't have to see it blow up, and eat itself.
I don't know, but I have to just believe a lot of it is that people are growing more stupid by the year.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
Aren't these the same people who voted in said politicians? I live on the edge of Sheila Jackson Lee's district. Despite all the dumb things that come out of her mouth they flock back to her every election. It's not even a thought that someone might defeat her. There were a couple of respectable candidates this last election and I don't think they got over 10% of the vote. How long before an AI realizes people will like it better if it gives them free stuff?
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K
You don't bribe the AI, you bribe the people who make the AI.
The issue isn't the politicians per se, though - It's the voters. Why is Trump imposing tariffs? Because that's what his voters want. Why is Mitch McConnell obstructionist? Because his Trump-supporting voter base want that. You can blame "bribes" all you want - But much of the decision-making by politicians is driven by the will of their voters, plain and simple.
Ive been saying this for years! Everybody chosen MUST serve.
The Armed forces of the U.S. found ages ago that dedicated military personnel were far more effective and engaged than conscripts.
So what you are proposing would make for even worse politicians than we have now!
You want better politicians, start participating. There are no shortcuts.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Hopefully, the AI isn't influenced by the $$$ each viewpoint brings to the table. In other words, you can't bribe it.
A year or two back the signature gatherers in California were gathering signatures for what they called the NASCAR rule. Namely, politicians had to wear patches, size based on $$$ paid, all day every day. So you could see at a glance who your politico really supported. Too bad the courts struck it down because reasons.
Why is Trump imposing tariffs? Because he's a moron, and he's got the money to convince his voters he's better than The Other Guy.
Why is McConnell obstructionist? Because his big donors give him more money that way.
before Congress, but all anyone can talk about are dumb things she did in college 30 years ago. It's amazing how easily distracted voters are. Mix in a little voter suppression, some Gerrymandering and a dash of wedge issues and it's damn tough to get anything worthwhile done.
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When you ask the AI to end poverty, you may not get the answer you were hoping for.
Well the answer I was hoping for is that I don't have to actually do anything.
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