Will recent advances in AI result in a paradigm shift in Astrobiology and SETI?

TL;DR

The paper discusses how rapid AI and quantum computing advances could lead to a technological Singularity, potentially transforming astrobiology and SETI by altering our understanding of extraterrestrial intelligence and communication.

Contribution

It explores the implications of AI and quantum computing progress for astrobiology and SETI, proposing that post-Singularity life forms may be undetectable and could explain the Fermi paradox.

Findings

AI surpasses human performance in limited fields

Quantum computing may enable the Singularity soon

Post-Singularity life may be undetectable to humans

Abstract

The steady advances in computer performance and in programming raise the concern that the ability of computers would overtake that of the human brain, an occurrence termed "the Singularity". While comparing the size of the human brain and the advance in computer capacity, the Singularity has been estimated to occur within a few decades although the capacity of conventional computers may reach its limits in the near future. However, in the last few years, there have been rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI). There are already programs that carry out pattern recognition and self-learning which, at least in limited fields such as chess and other games, are superior to the best human players. Furthermore, the quantum computing revolution, which is expected to vastly increase computer capacities, is already on our doorstep. It now seems inevitable that the Singularity will arrive within the foreseeable future. Biological life, on Earth and on extraterrestrial planets and their satellites, may continue as before, but humanity could be 'replaced' by computers. Older and more advanced intelligent life forms, possibly evolved elsewhere in the universe, may have passed their Singularity a long time ago. Post Singularity life would probably be based not on biochemical reactions but on electronics. Their communication may use effects such as quantum entanglement and be undetectable to us. This may explain the Fermi paradox or at least the "Big Silence" problem in SETI.