Comment by M. Matter on Simpler explanations of AGI risk · 2023-05-30T17:08:04.828Z · LW · GW

In a similar way, it would be helpful to find ways to overcome the Bystander Effect. That is, building awareness is necessary but not sufficient. Awareness without a sense of agency breeds hopelessness and fatalistic disengagement. So, an important next step, beyond what you discuss here, is to say, "And here are things we can do." I hope that list of things extends beyond "write your representatives and donate money." It seems cruel to tell people about a problem without hinting at ways they can act to mitigate it, even from completely outside the spheres of academia, venture capital, or the tech industry. I wonder whether any such ways exist.