Sagan's 1995 warning haunts 2026 AI era

We are operating god-level technology with a medieval understanding of its consequences, creating a systemic risk that transcends mere technical debt. Concentration of "awesome power" in a handful of corporate entities has bypassed public oversight and comprehension, while algorithmic engagement and deepfakes have effectively eroded collective critical faculties, fulfilling Sagan's fear of a slide back into "superstition and darkness." Furthermore, the "black box" nature of modern AI means even its architects struggle to represent the public interest, and the disconnect between technological acceleration and human well-being acts as a chaotic multiplier for societal instability.