In the first half, AI expert Brian Sathianathan discussed the future of AI technology and why it provides a competitive advantage. Although the term "AI" tends to bring images of cyborgs and rogue supercomputers to mind for many people, Sathianathan said, in reality, we encounter forms of artificial intelligence all the time: "You may also like" sections on shopping websites, web chats with customer service representatives, or search engine results.
Sathianathan also predicted where we can expect to see AI go in the shorter and longer terms. Content creation like that offered by ChatGPT and Google Bard will continue to proliferate, and AI will take a more active role in detecting potential security threats like active shooters. Video editing and even virtual actors will become a regular feature of our entertainment experiences as well.
Addressing the concern that AI will replace humans, Sathianathan's answer was twofold. First, he asserted, most of AI's future will complement, not supplant, human intelligence by giving us access to numerous additional choices in our practical and creative decision-making. In those cases where AI truly does replace the role of the human, the person is consequently freed to work on different tasks requiring non-AI skills, said Sathianathan.
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Spiritual leader Marianne Williamson talked about the miraculous transformations that erase despair and depression in the second half. She identified a number of external problems in the United States that contribute to widespread hardship: lack of universal healthcare and higher education, a poisoned environment, and a political system rooted in trickle-down economics, for example. The limitations these issues impose on Americans' lives lead to division, anger, and a feeling of helplessness —all of which wealthy elites exploit to their advantage.
But there is a way out, Williamson argued. Drawing upon the teachings of Jesus and Buddha, she pointed to their simple but profound instruction to us to love each other as the foundation for miraculous change in the world. Since this change is an internal one we develop ourselves, Williamson went on, it's not dependent on the external forces that weigh us down as a species. "We need a peaceful, positive, loving revolution," she said.