Fears of AI-driven apocalyptic scenarios may be overstated, as human awareness of past fictional depictions suggests a cautious approach to granting artificial intelligence control over the world’s most dangerous weapons. The idea that society would recklessly entrust such power to AI—especially after witnessing its consequences in popular culture—appears increasingly unlikely. Instead, historical caution and real-world risks may keep even the most advanced systems far from direct command of nuclear or other catastrophic arsenals. The argument highlights how storytelling itself could shape practical security measures in the age of AI.
One reason that apocalyptic scenarios involving AI are implausible is that, having seen how that particular movie ends, we are unlikely to be foolish enough to give AI custody of the most destructive weapons on the planet.
