The Digital Battle — The Singularity: Hype or Real?

The singularity is a hypothetical point in time at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, resulting in unforeseeable changes to human civilization. But is this even concept real? Or is it just hype?  And if it is real, how does the singularity have the potential to impact the digital enterprise? Should humans be scared of the singularity, or should we consider the possibilities that it will present to our livelihoods? On the latest Digital Battle, Craig Brown and Mark Pendergast take a seemingly sci-fi turn as they examine the possibilities, concerns and potential that the singularity presents.  With Thom Singer as their mediator, they compare the advantages and disadvantages of what could happen as machine learning and AI continue to advance at their current rapid pace.    On today’s podcast, you will learn: What is the singularity?  Considered by some to be a mythological event, the singularity happens when all projections of trends and innovations in the digital world are followed.  Innovation trends are consistently doubling at a faster rate.  Singularity suggests that computer intelligence becomes advanced to the point that humans can no longer keep up.  Intelligence is not solely a human trait.  The disruption of rote jobs represents the success of the singularity.    Is the singularity real or hype?  According to Mark, a lot of the singularity is real, but even more of it is just hype.  General intelligence can never be truly replaced by AI.  The overhype of singularity is easy to see within every error of machine computing.  According to Craig, AI isn’t really intelligence at all, it’s simply aided intelligence that helps humans compute information more efficiently.  The singularity might be as promising as the flying car with big promises and little delivery.    Human benefits to the singularity What are the possibilities that might come with human potential if mundane or rote work could be significantly reduced or eliminated altogether?  Work days could be reduced to 1 or 2 days a week, leaving humans with ample time to tackle the next set of hard problems.  Turning the mundane jobs over to the machines would increase opportunities for humans.  How should humans react to the singularity now?  Consider when to really trust the information that comes to you by way of your computer or phone.  If your job is being replaced by a computer, consider your new possibilities and opportunities.  Take ownership of the work you enjoy doing and how you can make a living doing it.  The speed of change will have an impact on how humans should react to the singularity.  According to Mark, singularity transformations are not going to happen immediately. Rejecting technology is not necessarily the answer to the next generation of technology.  Increased human intelligence continues to be the key to innovation.    What could be the impact of the singularity on daily lives?  Little decisions are going to be made faster, from insurance claims to doctors visits.  In the PLM, more analysis tools will be utilized to improve designs.  The advances that come with better pattern matching will have to be coupled with increased safety margins.  Just as with the innovative transformations of the past, improved AI will continue to have a positive impact on human lives.    Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.   Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series