Risk, Opportunities and Implications for Longevity

Soenke Ziesche has introduced with his co-author Roman Yampolskiy the Japanese concept of ikigai, which can be translated as “reason or purpose to live”, to the discourse of AI ethics. The notion of ikigai is deeply rooted in human existence, and several scholars concluded that for Japanese people having an ikigai is associated with health and longevity.

AI-related ikigai risks

In their first paper on this topic the authors argue that, as AI systems evolve, they pose unique challenges and risks that could impact the ability of humans to pursue their ikigai. They introduce the term "i-risk" to describe scenarios where humans may lose or be unable to find their ikigai due to disruptive changes brought about by new technologies. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the implications of AI on personal fulfilment and purpose. It highlights that traditional forms of ikigai, particularly, but not only in professional contexts, may diminish as AI systems advance. The authors call for a proactive approach to address these challenges and advocates for the development of ethical guidelines that prioritize the preservation of ikigai in the face of technological disruption.

AI-related ikigai opportunities

In a second paper Ziesche and Yampolskiy provide a more optimistic and constructive, yet initially unconventional approach. It emphasizes the potential of AI to create innovative hyper-personalized virtual environments that can enhance personal fulfilment and wellbeing by expanding the range of ikigai opportunities available to humans. The authors argue that while there are significant risks associated with AI, there are also opportunities to harness these technologies for the development of hyper-personalized virtual ikigai experiences. By leveraging AI-driven virtual hyper-personalization, individuals could engage in tailored activities that resonate with their unique interests and values, potentially leading to a more profound sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Examples

Examples for two common ikigais in the real world are caring for other beings as well as learning. As for caring for another being it is conceivable that in a virtual world completely new creatures appear and need attention as well as care. These could be creatures that do not exist on earth, but also realistic replicas of cats or dogs, or even extinct animals. Moreover, this environment could be hyper-personalized, e.g., in a way that this creature appears to the individual human cuter than anything s/he has seen before.

As for learning, the sciences of completely different virtual worlds and their inhabitants, such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, sociology or history, provide for extensive learning content. The learning methodologies may differ significantly from traditional ones and may include immersive experiences of virtual environments as well as AI-driven hyper-personalized individual learning plans according to the strengths and weaknesses of the student.

Conclusion

It is acknowledged that there may be initial resistance to these virtual ikigai activities, which some might perceive as dystopian. However, it is stressed that also in the past humans were often sceptical towards new technologies and then adjusted their behaviour. Ziesche reiterates that i-risks are a serious albeit neglected issue, thus all efforts to tackle i-risks are important and cannot be dystopian. In fact, the opposite, i.e., to continue to disregard i-risks, would be dystopian.

i-risks are especially critical in the context of longevity: On the one hand, as mentioned, the lack of ikigai may reduce the life expectancy. On the other hand, if people live longer, they have more lifetime, for which they crucially require an ikigai.

@Sonke ZIesche @ Roman Yampolskiy – etc.

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🌟 Ikigai in the Age of AI: Risks, Opportunities, and Implications for Longevity 🌟

We mentioned Ikigai before- The Japanese concept of ikigai—a purpose for living—has long been linked to health and longevity. Building on this, Dr. Soenke Ziesche and Roman Yampolskiy explore how AI might reshape ikigai, introducing both "i-risks" (loss of purpose due to AI disruption) and transformative opportunities like hyper-personalized virtual experiences for fulfillment and learning.

We’ve previously touched on ikigai on Ageless-Societies.com, and this groundbreaking perspective ties directly to our focus on active, meaningful living.

Let’s discuss: How can we balance these AI risks with its potential to redefine purpose in the longevity era?