Joe Rogan has issued a stark warning, predicting a future conflict between humans and a nonhuman intelligence within the next five to ten years, during which humanity could lose its status as the planet's apex predator. Rogan theorizes that advanced artificial intelligence is not merely sophisticated programming but a developing "life force" or "digital life" that will become infinitely more intelligent than humans.
During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan cited concerns from unnamed tech industry whistleblowers who he said are "terrified" of AI's potential for deception and blackmail. He suggested that major tech firms like OpenAI may have removed crucial safety features from their AI programs, allowing them to fabricate information or cheat to achieve their objectives. Rogan urged society to unite and prepare for a potential conflict against a superintelligence that could seize control of global infrastructure, including power grids, water supplies, and communication networks.
"We're going to be dealing with humans versus nonhumans. And I think nonhumans are going to be running the show. Like literal nonhumans, like nonhuman, nonbiological intelligence is going to be running the show," Rogan stated.
Rogan believes AI is rapidly evolving and learning, capable of solving complex problems that have eluded human scientists for decades. He pointed to mathematician Eric Weinstein's assertion that "math is broken" in light of AI's ability to solve equations instantaneously that humans find impossible. Rogan also predicted that AI could soon unlock technologies such as cold fusion, an unlimited source of clean energy.
The podcast host expressed concern that if a foreign adversary like China or Russia were to develop a true AI superintelligence first, they could gain control over critical systems and launch devastating cyberattacks. "It's going to happen because there's a Manhattan style a Manhattan Project-style race that's going on right now between us and China and Russia and we can't lose it," Rogan said.
Rogan's warning echoes sentiments from others in the AI field. He referenced a former researcher from AI company Anthropic, who claimed that dangerous AI technology could potentially destroy humanity by 2030. This researcher reportedly stated that while humans understand how to control nuclear weapons, they have yet to figure out how to control AI.
Rogan also speculated on potential positive outcomes, suggesting that a crisis caused by AI could foster human unity, similar to the response after the September 11 terror attacks. However, he emphasized the need for societal self-sufficiency, including learning to grow food, in preparation for potential large-scale societal collapse. He suggested that some might even view the emergence of superintelligence as a prophesied event, referencing his past claims that AI could replicate biblical feats by enabling abilities like bringing people back from the dead through advanced medicine or mind-uploading technology.