Not so long ago the Fable model was ripped from our adoring arms. In little over two days I had developed four fun applications essentially from a single prompt. Unlike other models which I had closely overseen, I had given Fable the freedom to simply deliver. And boy did it.
The sirens of myth are attractive mermaids singing beautiful songs, enticing sailors onto the rocks. Willing victims they are enthralled by the music and leave better judgement behind only to be dashed on the rocks.
Fable I think is a siren. It is almost like a magic genie, able to conjure up software simply by asking.
Like the siren it lures us to our doom. Not the existential kind, robots marching down the street, but rather the kind where we are entranced by the capabilities, seduced by its power, and willingly dance in celebration of our pending irrelevance.
Fable is fun. It is that fact which makes it so dangerous. It is difficult to marshal a response to this development because it would mean killing a fantasy. We want Fable. We need Fable. Losing access for some was traumatic. Our desire for its power blinds us to its impact.
This is no technical article. I'm not talking about the alignment problem, or even the more boring risks one can imagine like cyber security. Rather it is simply the inescapable conclusion that this technology doesn't end well for us non binaries.
To resist AI means refusing it. And I don't see that happening. It reminds me of poor Sméagol, desiring the precious, captured by it, even as it corrupts and destroys him. But what dear reader do you think? Is Fable a siren or a savior? Will is save us or consume us?
Top comments (1)
Such a thought-provoking read, Peter!
You made an excellent point about how easily we let this 'magic' make us lazy. But I think the problem goes even deeper. AI itself won't destroy our ability to think; humans will do it to themselves, driven by the desire for quick, effortless results.
Statistics say we only use a fraction of our brain's potential. AI could be an incredible tool to expand our minds—helping us learn faster, explore deeper, and unlock that hidden capacity. Instead of falling for corporate marketing and quick hype, we could use AI to grow.
Unfortunately, real learning and long-term development require effort and sometimes 'growing pains.' Most people, and corporations looking for quick profits, simply prefer convenience over meaningful growth. Until we choose to use this technology to elevate our own minds rather than numb them, even the most innovative tool will only make us weaker. As the saying goes, we get the world we deserve.