human husbandry design

Human Husbandry I saw the announcement that Sam Altman and John Ives are teaming up to create a new AI technology. As I was looking into what they were planning to do I came across the concept of ‘ambient AI’ — a process of harvesting the products of human interaction 24/7. I knew the activity but did not know the name. I grew up in an agricultural region in the Rocky Mountains and have been, in the past, a participant in what is called ‘animal husbandry’. Ambient AI sounded like ‘human husbandry’ — humans being harvested for their ubiquitous social fabrications while living out their daily lives. The harvesting is essentially unobtrusive as I understand it —similar to the harvesting of products from livestock. Cattle, sheep and other domesticated animals remain passive or indifferent while their wool, milk and other commodities are being harvested. A lot of people seem passive or even pleased about being harvested for their products as well. The idea of the ‘Human Use of Human Beings’ through the automation of technology was introduced in the middle of the last century by Norbert Wiener, a cybernetician. He extolled the benefits of automation for society while admitting there were risks as well. AI is a form of automation that is being rapidly developed and dependent on human husbandry. Harvesting humans with AI technology for the benefit of AI owners has been going on for some time. I have been surprised at how docile and passive the responses to this has been on the whole. Responses have been in some form or other similar to: “this is the way it is now—go along to get along — adapt!”. Maybe it is because the owners are such accomplished people whisperers extoling the virtues of being willing harvest contributors. Maybe it is because people expect greener pastures down the road. In the meantime they look forward to the next hit of dopamine in the feedlot each day. Feels like the famous frog in the pot of slowly warming water scenario.