Open Thread 420

2026-01-16 · Source: Astral Codex Ten · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Analytics, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

King's College London is conducting a survey on AI spirituality, relationships, and personal guidance, seeking participants over 18 years old for a 10-30 minute commitment. Separately, an ACX Forecasting Contest winner, Nathan Metzger ("Haiku"), was identified as a lead organizer for PauseAI Phoenix and a board member of PauseAI US, raising questions about the prevalence of AI existential risk advocates among contest winners. Additionally, ACX Grantee Mike Saint-Antoine will teach a basic computational biology seminar on March 7-8 in New York City, requiring only basic Python knowledge. The post also includes corrections and commentary on previous links, covering topics like hydrofoils, the 60 Minutes / CECOT controversy, Manifold lab leak markets, extreme poverty funding, cancer vs. aging tradeoffs, eye medication savings, and mental health claims.

Key takeaway

For AI Ethicists and researchers tracking AI's societal integration, note the King's College London study on AI spirituality and relationships. This indicates a growing academic focus on AI's non-traditional applications and potential for personal guidance. Consider how these emerging uses might influence future ethical frameworks and user interaction guidelines, especially concerning AI's role in sensitive personal domains.

Key insights

AI's societal impact extends to spirituality and relationships, while forecasting contests may attract AI safety advocates.

In practice

• Participate in King's College London's AI spirituality survey.
• Attend a computational biology seminar with basic Python skills.

Topics

• AI Ethics
• AI Safety
• AI Applications
• Computational Biology
• Forecasting

Best for: AI Ethicist, AI Researcher, Software Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Astral Codex Ten.