Sam Harris argues that demonizing the smartphone is a mistake. The key distinction is between apps that shatter attention (social media) and those that unify it (podcasts, audiobooks, meditation). The device itself is neutral; the application's effect on focus is what matters for mental well-being.
Contrary to seeking peace, the initial outcome of mindfulness practice is often a jarring 'negative revelation': realizing the pervasive inability to control one's own attention. This awareness of the mind's constant, unnoticed inner chatter is the true starting point for gaining mental freedom.
Unlike a plague or asteroid, the existential threat of AI is 'entertaining' and 'interesting to think about.' This, combined with its immense potential upside, makes it psychologically difficult to maintain the rational level of concern warranted by the high-risk probabilities cited by its own creators.
Sam Harris reflects that his New Year's resolution to focus on ultimate priorities was significantly disrupted by practical issues like real estate after a fire. This shows that even a profound mental framework can be overwhelmed by terrestrial, urgent-but-not-important problems, revealing a gap between aspiration and reality.
Even if AI is a perfect success with no catastrophic risk, our society may still crumble. We lack the political cohesion and shared values to agree on fundamental solutions like Universal Basic Income (UBI) that would be necessary to manage mass unemployment, turning a technological miracle into a geopolitical crisis.