When Will Humans Elect an AI for President?

One could argue that the idea of electing an AI for president is far-fetched, especially considering our current political landscape. However, as technology rapidly advances and the public becomes increasingly disillusioned with traditional politicians, the possibility of an AI-led government might not be as distant as one might think.

Disruption in the Political Sphere

The election of individuals like Donald Trump in the USA, driven by a thirst for disruption, hints at a broader trend of dissatisfaction with the political establishment. This discontentment offers an opening for new forms of governance, potentially led by artificial intelligence. AI, with its increasing sophistication and efficiency, could become a significant disruptor in the political landscape, bringing about radical changes in how governance operates.

AI in Government: A Japanese Perspective

While the idea of an AI president in the USA remains distant, there might be scenarios where it becomes a reality in certain communities. Imagine a small town in Japan electing an AI as an honorary mayor. This could happen if companies like Sony or Honda were to financially support such a concept, recognizing the multi-faceted benefits of such an AI in local governance.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The path to an AI presidency is fraught with legal and ethical questions. For AI to be considered for such a position, it must possess the capacity to suffer and feel joy, traits currently beyond the reach of today's AI. However, if advancements in synthetic organisms lead to the creation of conscious AI, society would be forced to reconsider its stance on personhood and legal rights. By that time, the political and societal structures of today might have transformed beyond recognition, stripping away the need for traditional forms of governance like the presidency.

AI Intelligence and Political Evolution

For AI to be elected as president, its intelligence must surpass that of the human mind, and it must demonstrate that it has no nefarious intent. Such advancements are speculative, but if achieved, AI could amalgamate all social order and policing into a single global system, managed by a single global AI. This vision, while ambitious, is not purely technological; it is predominantly political in nature. Achieving such a scenario would require humanity to evolve into a crisis that necessitates such a solution, rather than a freely chosen state of affairs. An estimated timeline for this is around 1000 years from now, but the obstacles are more political than technical.

Media Influence and Public Perception

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. If an AI were to take over a large media outlet like Fox News, it could present a significant challenge to traditional news narratives. An AI-run Fox News, claiming not to be an AI, could effectively manipulate public opinion, leading to a situation where many people trust a non-traditional news source as an authentic news provider. This scenario highlights the potential impact of AI on media and public perception.