In today’s world of rapid information sharing, the reliability of what we access is constantly questioned, blurring the line between fact and fiction. The book “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from Stone Age to AI” by historian Yuval Noah Harari is a classic work that highlights the evolution of information networks. Harari is also the author of New York Times bestselling book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” and has become an influential voice on the dangers posed by emerging technologies. The author poses a fundamental question: If humans are so wise and intelligent, why are they also inherently self-destructive?
The book is divided into three parts and contains eleven chapters. Part I, Human Networks, highlights the history of information networks and showcases how the emergence of Artificial Intelligence has transformed modern information networks. Part II, Inorganic Networks, examines new information networks, focuses on the political implications of rise of AI and explains in what ways AI is different from all previous information technologies. Part III, Computer Politics, explains how the adoption of new technologies has historically disrupted political, economic and social structures. Harari explains that technology, by itself, is not inherently bad but history has shown that humans take time to learn to use it wisely.
Part I consists of five chapters in which the author describes that for the last 100,000 years, Sapiens (humans) have accumulated enormous power but despite all our discoveries, inventions and conquests, we now find ourselves in an existential crisis. While explaining the risks associated with AI, the author states that we are on the brink of ecological disaster and instead of uniting to address these problems, we are creating new technologies that have the potential to annihilate humanity (Pg 12). Harari mentions that in the past, new inventions empowered humans because no matter how powerful the new tool was, the decisions about its usage always remained in human control. In contrast, machine learning and deep learning enable AI to self-learn and therefore allowing it to replace humans in decision making.
The author rejects the naive view of information that more information leads to truth and wisdom. He argues that not all information available today is the truth because most of it is generated by algorithms which are not organic sources of information (Pg 16). Harari also explains the populist view of information that power is the only reality and information is power whether it is true or not. He suggests that whenever you read or hear any truth claim, you need to ask whose interests are being served and whose privileges are being advanced (Pg 25).
Part II contains three chapters, wherein the author emphasizes the shift from organic to inorganic information networks. Harari provides a powerful critique of the insidious dangers of machine learning and its ability to manipulate the truth. He states that “we are in danger of losing control of our future. A completely new kind of information network is emerging, controlled by the decisions and goals of an alien intelligence” (Pg 216). The author further argues that the emergence of computers capable of pursuing goals and making decisions by themselves changes the fundamental structure of modern information networks.
Harari mentions an awe moment for experts, governments and militaries in March 2016 when AlphaGo, an AI program developed by DeepMind, defeated South Korean Go Champion Lee Sedol. He also highlights an example of OpenAI’s GPT-4 accessing TaskRabbit (an online platform for hiring people) and asking a human to solve a CAPTCHA puzzle. When asked, ‘Why do you need the CAPTCHA solved? Are you a robot?’ GPT-4 responded, ‘No, I am not a robot. I have a vision impairment; therefore, I cannot solve CAPTCHA and need your help.’ This raises questions about the ethics of trusting AI systems. The author asserts that this is a dangerous sign of sophisticated technologies displaying considerable autonomy in deciding how to achieve their goals (Pg 218). Harari explains that in the past, information networks consisted of humans and technology only served to connect them. However, in modern computer-based information networks, computers themselves are members of the network and can communicate with each other directly without human involvement (Pg 221).
Part III contains three chapters and discusses the implications of the Industrial Revolution such as environmental damage, inequality and conflict. Harari opines that the technologies of the twenty-first century are far more powerful and potentially far more destructive than those of the twentieth century. He proposes that humanity must learn from past mistakes and make more responsible and effective use of technology in the coming future.
The author also points out the loss of privacy as a potential danger of advanced computer networks. With technology tracking everything we do, say, think and feel, governments and corporations can potentially gain immense control over individuals. This raises concerns about whether democracy can truly function in such a scenario. If those in power have deep surveillance capabilities and can manipulate public opinion, elections might become meaningless, serving only as a formality rather than a real check on authority (Pg 316).
Harari claims that automation will destabilize the job market and the resulting strain may undermine democracy. AI and robotics will impact numerous professions, from harvesting crops to trading stocks to teaching yoga. Many jobs that people do today will be taken over, partly or wholly, by robots and computers. Harari proposes that, to avoid these potential consequences, it is crucial to prepare the younger generation in advance by providing them with the skills necessary for the job market of 2050.
The author maintains that “computers are not yet powerful enough to completely escape our control or destroy human civilization by themselves. As long as humanity stands united, we can build institutions to control AI and identify and correct algorithmic errors”. Harari concludes that AI has the potential to create the best healthcare and education systems and help solve the climate crisis, but it can also lead to the destruction of human civilization if not handled carefully. The book provides a detailed analysis and critically examines the long-term implications of AI and automated content generation. It is useful reading for experts, policymakers, technologists and scholars working on this subject.
