Viral Meme Links AI Fears to Caffeinated Panera Drink
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In 2023, fears emerged about AI and lethal lemonade memes commingled in the public consciousness. Panera's highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade became a viral meme about the drink being deadly.
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The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT in late 2022 made some worried AI may "eat the internet" and raised existential concerns about human extinction risks. Debates moved from niche forums to the mainstream.
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Parallels arose between AI and the atomic bomb, as some AI leaders read The Making of the Atomic Bomb. This raised questions about why one would build something with extinction potential.
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The author tries Panera's infamous drink but finds no visions or heart palpitations, just a slight euphoria and edginess. The absurd meme taps into a feeling that death is everywhere today.
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The lemonade and AI play into a sense that the world is becoming more chaotic, unknowable and exciting. We will always create glorious and terrifying things, some of which may kill us.