I think that this point in time is a test for CS people working in AI whose motivation is to ‘do as much good in the world as possible.’ Are we sober enough to recognize/admit this? Do we have the integrity to pivot from more comfortable and sometimes lucrative work?
I think that a large part of this is an ugh-field and learned helplessness around politics. But this can be taught. I see more and more people with technical backgrounds shifting to advocacy organizations, and they often do very well and can be highly productive if they are on the right team, especially when paired with people with experience in institutional engagement who may have less technical knowledge of AI safety.
I think that this point in time is a test for CS people working in AI whose motivation is to ‘do as much good in the world as possible.’ Are we sober enough to recognize/admit this? Do we have the integrity to pivot from more comfortable and sometimes lucrative work?
I think that a large part of this is an ugh-field and learned helplessness around politics. But this can be taught. I see more and more people with technical backgrounds shifting to advocacy organizations, and they often do very well and can be highly productive if they are on the right team, especially when paired with people with experience in institutional engagement who may have less technical knowledge of AI safety.