Accelerationist Attributes AI Progress to Divine Intervention Amidst 'Dysgenics' Concerns

Syd Steyerhart, a prominent voice within the effective accelerationism (e/acc) movement, recently sparked debate with a social media post suggesting that the successful development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) would be a result of "God's Providence," rather than human effort. The tweet, posted on October 26, 2025, linked the potential collapse of technological civilization to "political and biological dysgenics," implying a belief that societal decline is hindering progress.

"If we manage to build the artificial superintelligence before technological civilization collapses from the sheer weight of political and biological dysgenics, it will be due to God's Providence. No human effort alone fixes a century of evil choices," Steyerhart stated in the tweet. This statement underscores a fatalistic perspective common among some accelerationist thinkers, who advocate for rapid technological advancement.

Steyerhart is recognized as an early member of the e/acc movement, which champions unrestricted technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence, as a solution to universal human problems. Proponents of e/acc often express a techno-optimist stance, believing that faster AI development is crucial for human survival and the propagation of consciousness throughout the universe, frequently using the motto "accelerate or die."

The term "dysgenics," central to Steyerhart's tweet, refers to the controversial idea of a decrease in the prevalence of traits deemed socially desirable or well-adapted within a population. Historically associated with eugenics, the concept of dysgenic effects in human populations lacks scientific evidence and is rooted more in ideological frameworks than genetic studies. Its use by Steyerhart adds a layer of contentious social commentary to the discussion of AI development.

The e/acc movement has gained visibility, with some high-profile Silicon Valley figures endorsing its principles, often emphasizing the need to reduce regulatory oversight for technological innovation. However, critics caution against the "move fast and break things" mentality, especially concerning AI, due to potential societal implications. Steyerhart's remarks highlight the divergent and often provocative viewpoints within the tech community regarding the future of artificial intelligence and humanity's role in shaping it.