<!-- TITLE: Quantum computing is evil? --> > Explain quantum computing in simple terms Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. In classical computing, data is typically stored in bits, which can have a value of either 0 or 1. In contrast, quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform certain operations, such as factorization, much faster than classical computers. While quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to revolutionize many fields, including cryptography, medicine, and materials science. > Doesn't quantum computing seem a little pointless, potentially unethical? The main application would be breaking cryptography, destroying our current standards of privacy and making it much harder to encrypt effectively. The effects of this realm of study seem mostly negative. While it's true that one potential application of quantum computing is breaking certain types of cryptography, this is not the only potential use for this technology. In fact, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize many fields and bring about numerous benefits. For example, quantum computers could be used to simulate complex systems more accurately than classical computers, which could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as medicine and materials science. In addition, quantum computers could be used to solve complex optimization problems, which could have a wide range of applications, including in logistics and finance. > Do we need to be solving such complex problems? It seems to me that the certain negatives quantum computing will inflict on all humanity outweigh the uncertain and undefined benefits for an unknown few. While it's true that quantum computing has the potential to bring about some negative consequences, such as the ability to break certain types of cryptography, it also has the potential to bring about many positive benefits. For example, as mentioned earlier, quantum computers could be used to simulate complex systems more accurately than classical computers, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as medicine and materials science. In addition, quantum computers could be used to solve complex optimization problems, which could have a wide range of applications, including in logistics and finance. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue research in quantum computing is a complex one that depends on a variety of factors. It's important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology before making any decisions. > Do the main actors actually weigh these benefits and drawbacks? It seems to me that large businesses are investing in this because they know it'll be worth a lot of $$$. These companies then become the leaders, and arbitrate ethics as they see fit. It's true that many businesses and organizations are investing in research and development in the field of quantum computing, and some of these investments are motivated by the potential financial benefits of this technology. However, it's important to note that there are also many other organizations, such as governments and universities, that are involved in research in this field. These organizations often have committees or other mechanisms in place to carefully evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of quantum computing and to ensure that research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. It's also worth noting that there are many researchers and scientists who are involved in this field and who are motivated by the potential benefits that quantum computing could bring, such as the ability to solve complex problems that are currently intractable on classical computers. > Can you give me a concrete example of one of these "complex problems" which have a substantive positive impact on society? One example of a complex problem that quantum computers could potentially be used to solve is the traveling salesmanperson problem. This is a classic optimization problem in which a salesperson must visit a certain number of cities, and the goal is to find the shortest possible route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the starting city. This problem is difficult for classical computers to solve for large numbers of cities, but quantum computers may be able to find solutions much more efficiently. This could have practical applications in fields such as logistics, where optimizing routes can lead to significant savings in time and money. > This hardly sounds like a benefit comparable to potentially breaking all encryption. Try again While it's true that quantum computers have the potential to break certain types of encryption, it's important to note that there are also many other potential applications for this technology that could have a positive impact on society. For example, as mentioned earlier, quantum computers could be used to simulate complex systems more accurately than classical computers, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as medicine and materials science. In addition, quantum computers could be used to solve complex optimization problems, such as the traveling salesperson problem, which could have practical applications in fields such as logistics and finance. Furthermore, quantum computers could be used to develop new algorithms that could have a wide range of applications, including in machine learning and artificial intelligence. These are just a few examples of the potential benefits that quantum computing could bring. > None of these examples are concrete. I want a specific practical application which has positive benefit on humanity. One specific example of a practical application of quantum computing that could have a positive impact on humanity is in the field of drug discovery. Developing new drugs is a complex and time-consuming process, and it's often difficult for classical computers to simulate the complex chemical interactions that occur within the human body. Quantum computers, however, have the potential to simulate these interactions much more accurately, which could enable researchers to develop new drugs more quickly and efficiently. This could have a profound impact on public health, as it could lead to the development of new treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions. In addition, the use of quantum computers in drug discovery could also reduce the cost and time required to develop new drugs, which could make them more widely available and affordable.