> What I am extremely worried about is that generative AI will pollute the information environment so completely that society will cease to function effectively.
We are not functioning correctly already - given the polarization we see today, specially with politics. Most people are completely misinformed even on basic concepts that used to be taught at schools.
Today this is being accomplished by a small group of individuals, amplified by bots (and then, once an idea spreads sufficiently, it's self-sustaining). AI will make it way, way worse, as you correctly point out.
Now, if the lake is poisoned too much, people will avoid it. Maybe it will destroy a bunch of communication channels, such as social networks.
We are not functioning correctly already - given the polarization we see today, specially with politics. Most people are completely misinformed even on basic concepts that used to be taught at schools.
Today this is being accomplished by a small group of individuals, amplified by bots (and then, once an idea spreads sufficiently, it's self-sustaining). AI will make it way, way worse, as you correctly point out.
Now, if the lake is poisoned too much, people will avoid it. Maybe it will destroy a bunch of communication channels, such as social networks.