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Greetings, Extraterrestrials: AI Ready for Real-Time Chit-Chat

Greetings, Extraterrestrials: AI Ready for Real-Time Chit-Chat

In an age where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the cornerstone of modern innovation, a pair of scientists are advocating for its use in an unexpected yet intriguing domain: extraterrestrial communication. Franch Marchis, an astronomer at the SETI Institute, and Ignacio G. Lopez-Francois, a researcher at NASA, have teamed up to propose an AI-driven approach to “Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence” (METI). While it might sound like the plot twist of a sci-fi novel, these “alien-curious” scientists believe that AI could be the key to a meaningful dialogue with beings from another world.

Humans have been engaged in METI since we first ventured into space, sending out radio signals, gold-plated records, and even mathematical sequences in the faint hope that someone—or something—out there might respond. However, Marchis and Lopez-Francois see an opportunity to enhance these efforts by incorporating advanced large language models (LLMs). The idea is to create an AI emissary that can converse on behalf of humanity, providing answers that are representative of our species. While our current LLMs might still be cutting their teeth in human-to-human interactions, the scientists argue that models from industry leaders like Meta and Mistral are already sophisticated enough to serve as our cosmic diplomats.

Imagine it: an alien species stumbles upon our AI, learns one of our languages, and starts asking questions. The AI could respond, offering insights into our culture, technology, and even our philosophical musings. This would be a monumental leap from the static messages we’ve been sending for decades. The dynamic nature of AI-driven communication could open the door to more nuanced and meaningful exchanges, helping both parties understand each other in ways previously thought impossible.

The logistics, of course, are as complex as the concept itself. Once an AI model is primed and ready, it would need to be compressed through a process called “quantization.” This technique maps large sets of data onto smaller sets, making the AI model more manageable for transmission. The compressed LLM could then be beamed into space using various methods such as radio waves, lasers, or even old-school copper disks. The goal is to ensure the message—and the messenger—reaches its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.

While skeptics might question the feasibility of such an ambitious project, Marchis and Lopez-Francois argue that the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges. With hundreds of millions of potentially habitable exoplanets in our Milky Way galaxy alone, the odds are that at least a few of these worlds might host technological civilizations curious to meet us. By sending well-curated large language models into the cosmos, we not only increase our chances of making contact, but we also ensure that our legacy endures. Even if humanity were to falter, our AI emissaries could continue the conversation, representing the best aspects of who we are to the stars.

In the grand scheme of things, the idea of AI-driven METI might appear as a small step for man but could potentially be a giant leap for mankind’s quest to find companions in the universe. If nothing else, it certainly adds an exciting new dimension to the age-old question: Are we alone?