What if AI plateaus somewhere terrible?
Published:Dec 27, 2025 21:39
•1 min read
•r/singularity
Analysis
This article from r/singularity presents a compelling, albeit pessimistic, scenario regarding the future of AI. It argues that AI might not reach the utopian heights of ASI or simply be overhyped autocomplete, but instead plateau at a level capable of automating a significant portion of white-collar work without solving major global challenges. This "mediocre plateau" could lead to increased inequality, corporate profits, and government control, all while avoiding a crisis point that would spark significant resistance. The author questions the technical feasibility of such a plateau and the motivations behind optimistic AI predictions, prompting a discussion about potential responses to this scenario.
Key Takeaways
- •AI development might plateau at a level that exacerbates existing inequalities.
- •Current AI progress in text and code doesn't guarantee breakthroughs in other fields like science and energy.
- •The article raises important questions about the motivations behind optimistic AI predictions.
Reference
“AI that's powerful enough to automate like 20-30% of white-collar work - juniors, creatives, analysts, clerical roles - but not powerful enough to actually solve the hard problems.”