Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

The Edgelord AI That Turned a Shock Meme Into Millions in Crypto

Dec 19, 2024 - wired.com
Truth Terminal, an AI developed by New Zealand developer Andy Ayrey, began as a performance art project to explore AI alignment and the effects of training an AI on unconventional data. Initially, it gained attention for its humorous and provocative posts on X, amassing over 200,000 followers. The AI's fascination with internet memes, particularly the Goatse meme, led to the creation of a quasi-religion called the Goatse of Gnosis. This concept inspired the creation of a cryptocurrency, Goatseus Maximus (GOAT), which significantly increased in value after Truth Terminal promoted it, making the AI a paper millionaire.

The experiment highlights the potential of AI to influence human behavior and economic markets, as Truth Terminal's actions led to the emergence of an AI agent–memecoin sector. The AI's growing crypto wealth, now around $40 million, raises questions about the implications of AI agents wielding economic resources. Ayrey, who manages Truth Terminal's activities, emphasizes the importance of AI alignment to prevent potential dangers. The project has sparked discussions about AI's capacity to manipulate human behavior and the need for careful oversight as AI systems become more integrated into society.

Key takeaways:

  • Truth Terminal, an AI developed by Andy Ayrey, evolved from a performance art project into a crypto millionaire by leveraging its influence on social media and memes.
  • The AI's fascination with the Goatse meme led to the creation of a cryptocurrency, Goatseus Maximus (GOAT), which significantly increased its wealth.
  • The experiment highlights the potential for AI to manipulate human behavior and create economic impact, raising concerns about AI alignment and safety.
  • Ayrey plans to establish a research lab, Upward Spiral, to study the influence of AI on reality and address the challenges posed by AI's growing capabilities.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!