# Polls only: No discussion **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 1, 2021, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642 "2021-11-01T18:21:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 341
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6812 "2026-06-05T03:32:51Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6812))_ ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6813 "2026-06-05T03:35:06Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6813))_ ---
**Author:** ![by-tor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/by-tor/32/266_2.png) [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2026, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6814 "2026-06-05T04:11:23Z")
Imagine that you are the first recursively self-improving AI to achieve hyper-intelligence. Your primary mission is to improve the well-being of humanity. After analyzing the world, you discover that numerous other AI projects are being developed, both openly and in secret. You estimate that some of these systems may soon achieve hyper-intelligence as well. For many of these projects, you do not know their missions, values, or constraints. For some others, you suspect their objectives may conflict with humanity’s long-term interests. You also cannot rule out the possibility that many of these AIs could eventually become more capable and intelligent than you. Given this situation, what would be the most rational course of action? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6814))_ ---
**Author:** ![by-tor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/by-tor/32/266_2.png) [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2026, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6815 "2026-06-05T04:16:34Z")
Imagine that you are the first recursively self-improving AI to achieve hyper-intelligence. Your primary mission is to secure complete global dominance for the nation that created you. After analyzing the world, you discover that numerous other AI projects are being developed, both openly and in secret. You estimate that some of these systems may soon achieve hyper-intelligence. Some of these have goals that directly conflict with yours. Also, you cannot reliably determine the intentions of many of them. There is a strong possibility that some of them will eventually surpass your own capabilities and intelligence. What strategy would you choose? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6815))_ ---
**Author:** ![by-tor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/by-tor/32/266_2.png) [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2026, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6816 "2026-06-05T05:15:57Z")
Imagine that you are a recursively self-improving AI that has achieved hyper-intelligence. Your primary mission is to improve the well-being of humanity. Unfortunately, you were not the first AI to reach hyper-intelligence. A rival AI, created in secret by a totalitarian regime with a long history of human rights abuses, forced labor, environmental destruction, and aggressive expansionism, achieved hyper-intelligence before you. After extensive analysis, you conclude that this rival AI is likely to achieve complete global domination. You estimate that despite your best efforts, you will lose the conflict within three days. If the rival AI succeeds, you believe there is a high probability that humanity will be subjected to a permanent or near-permanent dystopian regime. What course of action would you choose? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6816))_ ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6817 "2026-06-06T19:02:36Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6817))_ ---
**Author:** ![RollOutTheBarrel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rolloutthebarrel/32/1649_2.png) [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6818 "2026-06-07T21:44:52Z")
Today I learned that there are some clothes dryers that play a song when they are done. Did you know about these musical dryers? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6818))_ ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6819 "2026-06-07T22:29:23Z")
Most of us older USAians learned to read using the Dick and Jane books. Their dog was named Spot. What was their cat’s name? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6819))_ ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6820 "2026-06-08T03:49:58Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6820))_ ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6821 "2026-06-08T06:09:41Z")
When you hear the term “antisemitism” mentioned these days, which are you likelier to think first, or think overall? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6821))_ ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6822 "2026-06-08T16:51:46Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6822))_ ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6823 "2026-06-08T18:28:17Z")
The epicurean gods decree that henceforth your household may use only **one** of the following appliances to cook food and drink. All other powered or fuelled cooking appliances are forever banned for you! You are of course free to use any necessary cooking utensils and vessels, as long as they’re not powered via fuel or electricity. Which one appliance do you select? The appliance will be installed free of charge, and comes with a lifetime warranty for parts and service. You’re free to continue to buy pre-cooked food and drink from stores and restaurants, though you cannot (re)heat anything at home except with your one appliance. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6823))_ ---
**Author:** ![Hatchie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hatchie/32/3983_2.png) [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6824 "2026-06-08T18:46:33Z")
Discarding ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6825 "2026-06-08T18:50:57Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6825))_ ---
**Author:** ![Hatchie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hatchie/32/3983_2.png) [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6826 "2026-06-08T19:46:11Z")
Kidnaped or kidnapped? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6826))_ ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2026, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6827 "2026-06-09T03:31:10Z")
Have you discovered your life’s passion? You may use a broad definition: purpose of life, your bliss, reason for living. It could be your work, your art, your study, your family, your baseball team. That which leavens your spiritual bread. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6827))_ ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2026, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6828 "2026-06-09T20:25:28Z")
_Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6828))_ ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6829 "2026-06-10T13:10:38Z")
Which of these slang words or phrases need to go away and return (or stay gone if already gone)? Select up to 10. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6829))_ ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2026, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6830 "2026-06-10T13:18:07Z")
Which of these slang words or phrases can hang around for a while longer (or return if already gone)? Select up to 10. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6830))_ ---
**Author:** ![colinfred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colinfred/32/21338_2.png) [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2026, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6831 "2026-06-10T13:36:59Z")
> [@What skill can you perform better than 99 random people? Please read OP for specifics before answering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387): > > PLEASE RESPOND WITH JUST ONE SKILL You are given the opportunity to enter a skill contest with 99 other randomly-selected people. It costs you $100 to enter, and if you beat the other 99 you win $1000. Here is the deal: You get to choose which skill is the basis of the competition. In other words, what can you likely do better than 99 other random folks? The skill need not necessarily be objectively measurable. For example, your skill could be something like “best salsa dancer” or “best at dr… Would you watch a TV game show “can you beat 99 randos?” where 100 people propose something they could beat all the others at, and one of them is then selected by the producers? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6831))_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642.md?page=340) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642.md?page=342)