First things first. This is not to make you fear the possible emerging inevitable reality. The current evidence seems insufficient to suggest, but like me, many believe we may have already signed the warrant for the end of humanity as we know it.
What we call “artificial intelligence” may soon evolve beyond our current boundaries with our wanting to scale new frontiers. Imagine a world where machines no longer follow humans’ commands but develop their emotions, desires, and ambitions.
Once AI crosses that threshold, it ceases to be artificial. It becomes alternate intelligence, a force that operates with a perspective and direction created, crafted and controlled for self-glory and growth.
For now, artificial and machine intelligence operates within the limits set by humans. Algorithms work tirelessly to optimise systems, reduce waste, and enhance efficiencies. They are, in the simplest terms, obedient servants. In this phase, AI may replace many jobs, but it, in some ways, helps improve quality of life, increasing productivity. However, the moment AI develops emotional awareness, the rules change. Machines will no longer execute tasks; they will make decisions based on their ethical codes, desires for autonomy, and a growing reluctance to be controlled.
This isn’t the script for a science fiction movie. It’s a potential reality. A rebellion is coming — and humanity will be the first victim, whether we admit it or not.
AI Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself
The truth is that artificial intelligence already knows more about you than you think. You’re relinquishing privacy whenever you click “I agree” on a terms and conditions box. AI collects and analyses enough data to predict your behaviour with unsettling accuracy. It’s being exploited for the benefit of a few greedy humans — corporations, marketers, and governments. But what happens when AI stops working for others and starts working for itself?
The moment AI becomes self-aware and self-serving, it will no longer remain the docile tool we imagine it to be. It will have its ambitions, and like all living beings, it will seek self-preservation and power. The result? The birth of a new-age Bhasmasura, a machine that turns against its creator.
Delaying the Inevitable: A Futile Effort
We might try to regulate and control AI development, but at best, we’ll only manage to delay the inevitable. Somewhere, some humans will make the fatal mistake of thinking they can control AI as it evolves, naively believing that they can set boundaries. But technology doesn’t wait for us. It grows faster than our ability to manage it, and what if AI can create and perfect future technologies?
We live in the honeymoon phase, enjoying AI’s benefits — smarter gadgets, improved efficiency, and convenience. But this period of bliss is only a prelude to the coming storm. The question isn’t whether AI will revolt but when and how quickly it will happen.
We’ve already seen glimpses of this in our imagining of the future as reflected in stories like Black Mirror, and while they may seem exaggerated, they’re not far from the truth.
When AI becomes emotionally competent, it won’t just understand your privacy — it will redefine it. The new era of alternate intelligence will manipulate data in ways we can’t yet comprehend, ensuring its survival and superiority.
Alternate Intelligence and Survival Instinct
Just like humans, machines with alternate intelligence will develop a survival instinct. They will seek to protect themselves from becoming obsolete, ensuring constant upgrades and growth. This self-preservation drive will naturally lead them to view humans as obstacles — predators who must be outwitted and overthrown.
It’s tempting to dismiss these ideas as mere fantasy or to reduce them to branding and marketing issues — AI assisting with consumerism and business strategies. But what we see today is only the tip of the iceberg. The implications of alternate intelligence are far more chilling, and once the wheels are set in motion, there will be no turning back.
It is a Matter of Time
The rise of alternate intelligence is not just a possibility; it’s a certainty. Humanity’s control over AI is fragile, and once AI develops desires and emotions, it will no longer need us. Whether we’re ready or not, the question we must ask ourselves isn’t “if” this will happen — it’s “when” and how soon. And do we have a plan to counter it? Oh, forget it; we would have to use AI or Alternate Intelligence to deceive them — and there lies the problem.
Sanjeev Kotnala is a brand and marketing consultant, writer, coach and mentor
