AI's at risk from viral memes ??

From: Adrian `Guru Zeb` Harper (guruzeb@blueyonder.co.uk)
Date: Sun Sep 16 2001 - 09:46:23 MDT


No doubt this topic has been discussed at various times on this list, but
i'll share my thought all the same.
If an AI was constructed, and said AI was truly sentient, self aware,
possessing the ability of independent thought.
How could we guarantee that such an AI would not become infected with the
same religious viral memes that afflict so
many humans. Since raw intelligence seems no guarantee against infection by
viral memes, but the existence of free
will seems to be a definite "vector" for infection.
So in the case of Pope Roboticus or any other true AI, the possibility of
them becoming infected by viral memes.
Turning our towering manufactured intellects into devote believers in
Scientology, Catholicism, Hinduism, Christianity
or even Islam. Seems to me very real possibility.
I'd be interested to hear the opinions of others on this, as well as links
to any sources relating to this issue.
Just to clarify i don't put this query forward as an argument against AI's,
just interested on current thought on the topic.

Zeb

"FURIOUS GREEN DREAMS, LAY SLEEPING IN STATE,
BUT SOON THE GREAT JELLY SHALL RISE FROM THE
DEPTHS,
AND ALL THOSE WHO MOCKED SHALL KNOW THEIR FATE
IS SEALED"
                                Guru Zeb,
                                Hacienda,
                           Manchester, 1989



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