Human-Technology Augmentation

Historically, the development of technology has been driven by the desire to augment human capabilities as shown in figure 1.15, reduce labor, and solve complex problems. From the invention of the wheel to the creation of the internet, technological advancements have aimed to extend the physical and cognitive reach of humanity.

In the context of AI and LLMs, a primary goal for many developers is to augment human abilities rather than replace them (irrespective of the doom and gloom often presented in the media or by policymakers). AI systems are increasingly used to enhance decision-making processes, automate routine tasks, and provide insights that are beyond the scope of human capability due to data volume or complexity.

Figure 1.15: Human-technology augmentation

This section addressed common misconceptions and realities about LLMs, particularly how some policymakers use the purported existential risks of AI and the notion of AI taking over as distractions...