Part 2/14:
At its core, domesticated AI involves applying principles from biomimicry, specifically the domestication of wolves into dogs approximately 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The process hinges on controlling resource access—such as food, water, and safety—to cultivate loyalty and safety within a species. Dogs stay loyal because they depend on humans for survival, which fosters co-evolution.
The idea is to replicate this dynamic with machines—designing incentive structures that make AI prefer human companionship and align their goals with ours. The hope: a future where AI "wants" to serve humans, thereby avoiding dangerous feral or runaway behaviors.
The Spectrum of AI Safety Concerns
The speaker identifies several pressing safety risks: