The ultra-wealthy are taking AI doomsday preparation to unprecedented levels, with some Silicon Valley elites investing millions in elaborate survival strategies for a potential AI-triggered catastrophe. Business Insider reports that these ‘super preppers’ aren’t just stockpiling canned goods – they’re securing bunkers equipped with advanced technology, stockpiling ‘smart drugs’ like modafinil, and even exploring genetic modifications to enhance their survival odds. The trend reveals a growing concern among tech insiders about the very technologies they’re helping to create.
What makes this preparation distinct is the timeline – many of these tech elites are specifically preparing for potential economic and societal collapse scenarios in 2025, coinciding with predictions about artificial general intelligence (AGI) development. While some critics view these preparations as paranoia fueled by wealth, others see it as a concerning signal from those with insider knowledge of AI’s trajectory. The preparations range from practical (securing rural properties with sustainable resources) to the extreme (investigating cryonics and life extension technologies).
This movement highlights the growing divide between those with resources to prepare for potential AI-driven disruptions and the general public. As one venture capitalist told Business Insider, these preparations aren’t just about physical survival but maintaining technological advantages in a post-collapse world. The question remains whether these elaborate preparations represent prudent caution or reflect a troubling lack of confidence in AI safety measures from the very industry leaders developing these powerful systems.