The History of AI: Part 3

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the continually evolving AI technology we have come to currently know and use, there have been various forms of evolution. From mechanical automatons, to artificial brains, to chatbots. It’s evident that the new, modern generation of AI has gotten better, faster, and stronger at a very rapid and astonishing rate. Now, in 2025, we’re at a point in time in which AI has the ability to generate videos based on prompts, and create music, storylines, books, podcasts, and pieces of art that look human-made all within seconds. According to the National Institutes of Health, signals from AI systems function at almost the speed of light. This is much faster than the human brain that functions with an average speed of 120 m/s, at most. 

Possible Risks with Modern AI Features

With AI advancing so fast, anyone can do anything with almost no rules, and that includes misusing features such as AI generated voice memos that only require a clip of a person’s voice; or a video that only requires a photo or clip of that person. Compared to the use of voice cloning from 2019 till now, AI created voices have gotten more realistic. With these advancements, we must ask: Is it possible that we may reach a point in which voice memos can’t be easily distinguished between human and AI?

Many agree that technology that has the ability to recreate human voices and replicate human characters poses implications. As of October 2024, the success rate of voice scams has increased to 77%, leading to stolen credentials, data loss and more. The implications of AI generated video scams, which allows you to upload a video clip of someone, create an avatar of that person, and manipulate the script of that person to make that “person” say anything you want. We used to think that AI generated videos would never be able to mimic human emotions, and if so, there would be an uncanny valley feeling. But now, AI character generated videos are not only able to convey human emotions, but complex emotions now too.

character.ai

A popular app called character.ai thrives on their motto of “AI that feels alive.” The many features on this app allow users to chat with millions of AI characters including celebrities. There’s a feature that allows users to call these characters and have conversations with them for hours. Many argue that this app presents some concern, due to the risk of people gaining attachments with these AI “celebrities" rather than using this app unseriously. 

Even moreso, the most popular AI chatbot on character.ai with over 170 million chats, is a character called psychologist; a character that will pretend to be your psychologist and give you real advice. While many can, and will, find this character helpful, there is no doubt that many find the existence of this feature uncanny. One question is worth considering: Does AI have the potential to create future generations that are less equipped with in-person social and communication skills?

The Next Phases of AI Evolution

There are seven stages of AI; with stage 1 being the infancy of AI, to stage 7 of the AI singularity, also known as the final stage. Currently, we are at stage 4: AI as a thinker, where most AI technology has unlocked the ability to mimic human capacity for thinking and reasoning. While it sounds crazy, it's true, AI now has the power to solve captcha tests and recently passed The Turing Test (which is actually insane!)

We’re very close to stage 5: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). “An AGI system would be capable of understanding, learning, adapting, and implementing knowledge across a broad range of tasks, just like a human. It would possess self-awareness, consciousness, and the ability to understand and navigate the world.” Imagine living in a world in which robots operate similarly to humans not only physically, but also mentally; I’d rather not!

It’s suggested that every invention after AGI will be obsolete, due to AGI being every level above human intelligence. Let’s hope we don’t go beyond stage 5, because stage 6: Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) will be able to surpass human cognitive skills. ASI could mean that we can potentially be looking at a timeframe in which automation replaces human labor. As a result, this could lead to stage 7 which intensely advocates against technological growth that becomes uncontrollable and irreversible.

The Next Steps

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, has raised concern over the dangers that AI may have on society. Now, as far as AI taking over the world, I don’t think we need to look that far into it at the moment, but if the creator of AI is warning consumers about his own invention, then that may be something worth considering. Aside from AI becoming too powerful, if AI is left unchecked, it poses risks of sufficient damage and harm.

ChatGPT is the fastest-growing consumer product in history and with that being said, there must be more rules, regulations, and restrictions set in place to ensure proper and safe use of AI technology.

Tariffs and the Role they Play in Politics

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Tariffs are a tax on imported and exported goods directly affecting our trade. Tariffs can protect a country’s domestic companies, increase profits, and get the upper hand politically on other countries. Tariffs also make the price of imported goods more expensive, deterring customers from purchasing those goods. In President Trump’s executive order “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico, and China”, he claims that he will be putting an extra 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico and an extra 10% tariff on Chinese products. According to Trump, this order is meant to “hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.” 

Many believe this is not to be Trump’s true intention in raising these tariffs, but rather, his intention is to increase American profits and to get a head start, politically, from the other countries. The countries having these tariffs put on them are skeptical, causing anticipation for retaliation. In response, Mexico, Canada, and China can also place high tariffs on America’s goods. This could create economic conflict that would be hard to solve, and could worsen our international relations, such as a trade war. 

Tariffs can impact us greatly as we are all consumers in this country. We should know why certain prices rise, where our products come from, and how our economy is interlinked with tariffs. We should also know that sometimes, tariffs can cause inflation, a loss of jobs, decreased economic growth, etc. A change in these tariffs founded on a political basis could change our economy and society immensely. 

Trump’s Executive Orders Target Immigrants

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Upon taking office on January 20th, 2025, one of President Trump’s first orders of business was cracking down on immigration. Titling the executive order, “Protecting The American People Against Invasion”, Trump’s blatant attack on immigrants is clear. Naming immigrants as invaders, aliens, and a threat to public safety in an executive order delivered straight from the white house to all of America displays Trump’s racism seeping into our politics. Let’s dive into how he has fulfilled this executive order into his presidency thus far.

On his first day in office, he had the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest 308 migrants to fulfill his promises to his voters and supporters. By February 3rd, 2025, Trump had 8,768 migrants arrested. This number has continued to grow rapidly under Trump’s presidency. Deporting and displacing thousands of migrants, the majority of which are undangerous, is causing many immigrants who have built their lives here, worry and fear.  

Although ICE is not legally allowed to enter your home without a warrant, detain children without their guardians, or detain you in certain areas, it seems as though their legalities have been dismissed. ICE has been targeting migrant communities, forcing themselves into their homes, arresting children, and targeting schools and hospitals. This is illegal and inhumane! 

For more information on ICE and your rights, and for guidance on how to navigate this political time, use the resources below:

Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE

Denver Immigrant and Refugee Resources

What To Do When Interacting with ICE

What To Do If ICE Approaches You

ICE NOT WELCOME: Verify, Document, and Report

The History of AI: Part 1

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Although it may seem as if artificial intelligence (AI) is a new form of technology, it has actually been proactively developing for many decades; with the earliest groundwork dating back to the early 1900s. It’s quite compelling because learning about the history of robots, technology, and AI is important in understanding where AI is at now, and what it may be like in the future. 

The History of Robots and AI

The overall idea of a machine being able to function on its own is ancient. It dates back thousands of years when inventors first made mechanical automatons (a machine that can move by itself). Among the earliest references of an automaton is of a wooden model of a pigeon constructed by a Greek friend of the philosopher Plato around 400 BCE. Many years later, one of the most famous automatons of a mechanical robotic knight would be created by Leonardo da Vinci around the late 15th century. Knowing this information allows us to better grasp the technological advancements and changes of modern day AI.

The groundwork for modern day AI concepts centered around the idea of artificial humans which came into fruition in the early 1900’s. Many expert scientists began forming curiosities as if it was possible to create an artificial brain. This brought on a new variety of different ideas. 

Robot Facts

• In 1921, Czech playwright Karel Čapek released a science fiction play called Rossum's Universal Robots which introduced the idea of artificial people, which he named robots. This was the first known use of the word “robots.”

• In 1929, Japanese professor Makoto Nishimura built the first Japanese robot, named Gakutensoku which included features such as changing its facial expressions and moving its head and hands.

The Early Stages of AI

By the 1950s, the idea of AI was beginning to become more realistic. Mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, published his work, Computer Machinery and Intelligence which eventually became The Turing Test. It was then used by experts to measure computer intelligence. To this day, the Turing Test is still heavily renowned in the field of AI work in terms of measuring the success of current AI systems. By the mid 1950s, the term “artificial intelligence” was coined and gained popularity. 

1950s Facts

• In 1952, a computer scientist named Arthur Samuel developed a program to play checkers, which was the first machine to ever learn the game independently.

• 1955: John McCarthy held a workshop at Dartmouth on “artificial intelligence” which is the first use of the word, and how it came into popular usage.

The development of AI technology is a fascinating area of topic to be further discussed; and it truly unlocks questions about how such possible advancements can even exist. However, one thing is for certain,  AI is rapidly growing with every day that passes by. Stay tuned for part two of this AI series!

The U.S. Withdraws from the Paris Agreement

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

The United States initially signed into the Paris Agreement upon its formation in 2016. In 2020, following the dictation of President Trump, it withdrew. Upon the election of President Biden, the U.S. signed back into the treaty again in 2021. However, due to recent political changes, powered by the inauguration of President Trump, serving his second term as the country’s president, the U.S. has once again withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, as of 2025. Trump’s decision to retract the U.S. from the agreement has sparked criticism from environmentalists, scientists, religious organizations, neighboring countries, and the American people. The U.S. is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide emissions. This means that Trump’s decision to separate the country from the treaty contradicts any form of positive concepts by initiating change.

What is the Paris Agreement? 

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change that was implemented in 2016, aiming to help countries adapt to climate change effects, and provide financial assistance for necessary changes. The primary goal of this treaty is to maintain the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. These temperatures are above pre-industrial levels. Simply put, the lower the temperature increases, the smaller the effects of climate change can be expected. 

This multilateral treaty serves as a landmark in action addressing the climate change problem. The Paris Agreement is a radical concept that is one of the first initiatives to foster widespread agreement and shared country initiatives. This is done through bringing almost all of the nations together to take effective measures and combat climate change effects. 

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that crossing the 1.5°C line bears risks including: far more severe climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves, and rainfall. Moreso, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with a global average temperature above 1.5 °C. 

To stay below a temperature of 1.5 °C, emissions need to be cut by roughly 50% by 2030 according to the United Nations Climate Change. All active countries partaking in the treaty are required to determine, plan, and report transparently on actions taken to progress in climate change mitigation, as well as explanation of adaptive measures and support provided or received. This is to ensure that effective measures are taking place and that they’re making an impact. 

The Importance of the Paris Agreement

The importance of this treaty signifies contribution, consistency, and coordination; but above all, this treaty recognizes the need for deliberate effort from all parties involved to combat disastrous climate change effects. Although climate change action needs to be massively increased to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the years since its inception have already launched low-carbon solutions and new markets. More and more countries, regions, cities and companies are establishing carbon neutrality targets and zero-carbon solutions which represent 25% of emissions. By 2030, zero-carbon solutions could be competitive throughout all sectors, representing over 70% of global emissions according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

While some may argue that climate change is inevitable due to human evolution, the conduction of further research is necessary to show the impact human life has on the environment. Data collected from various scientific sites such as the United Nations Climate Change Panel conclude that:

• Climate change and its effects could be irreversible by 2030

• Greenhouse gas levels are at an all-time high 

• Humans utilize more of the earth’s resources than it can renew

• This past decade has been recorded as the hottest period in the last 125,000 years

There’s no argument that varying opinions can’t exist, however as inhabitants of our one and only earth, it would make more sense to be alarmed about our current state of climate. Although we may feel powerless at times in regards to how we can assist and care for our earth, the first and most important step is educating yourself on current issues and possible solutions.

Israel Cuts Relations with UNRWA

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Israel has officially cut ties with the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,  (UNRWA) the agency that provides help and services for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has also been helping different organizations to help Gaza. 

Recently, legislation declared UNRWA to be infiltrated by Hamas. However, the supporting evidence seems faulty and UNRWA strongly denied this. UNRWA’s main ways of transport to support Gaza go through Israel. With this choice to cut relations, Gaza will continue to have fewer and fewer resources.

A few key points to understand the situation Gaza and Palestinians are in: 

1. More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed.

2. An estimated 9.17 million Palestinians have been displaced globally.

3. The majority of Palestinian refugees live in impoverished limbo in refugee camps.

4. 93% of the population of Gaza is facing extremely high levels of food insecurity and starvation.

Cutting relations with UNRWA, the only agency attempting to protect and aid Gaza displays a pure refusal on Israel’s part to try to end this war, or at least end the killings, starvation, and mass displacement of Palestinians.