Can AI predict human behaviour and eventually the future itself?

2026-07-12 · Source: Artificial Intelligence on Medium · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

The article explores the concept of artificial intelligence predicting human behavior and, ultimately, the future. It posits that current AI models, which predict text tokens, could be re-envisioned as systems "autocompleting" behavior, similar to search bar suggestions. The author notes that "human action anticipation" is an existing field in computer vision and robotics, predicting movements and intentions. Drawing parallels to human "predictive processing," where the brain constantly anticipates next events, the piece questions if analyzing an entire population's interconnected actions in real-time could yield an "absolute future" rather than just probable ones. It distinguishes between simple, closed systems where prediction is feasible for short periods, and complex human systems with branching futures. The article speculates on a future where even immeasurable futures become predictable, potentially leading to humans attempting to "deceive" these predictions.

Key takeaway

For AI ethicists and researchers exploring predictive models, consider the profound implications of "autocompleting" human behavior. Your work on action anticipation, even in simple systems, contributes to a larger philosophical debate about free will versus determinism. Be mindful that advanced predictive AI could prompt humans to actively "deceive" predicted outcomes, introducing new challenges for model robustness and societal trust.

Key insights

AI's predictive capabilities, from text to human actions, raise profound questions about determining an "absolute future."

Principles

• Human actions form readable sequences, like "sentences."
• Perception and decision-making involve constant prediction.
• Absolute futures require simple, closed, and measurable systems.

Topics

• AI Prediction
• Human Behavior Prediction
• Predictive Processing
• Action Anticipation
• Future Determinism
• Complex Systems

Best for: AI Scientist, AI Ethicist, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Artificial Intelligence on Medium.