* how will you know when the SHTF?

when the SHTF, it will likely be a process.  if one is lucky, it will be a short process.

let's be honest.  this isn't an "if" post, but a "when" post.  the question is only "when."  the goal, here, is to highlight the probable SHTF scenarios.

here's what we know: the S is dangerously close to the F right now, so the following SHTF scenarios could happen at any time (days, weeks, maybe [at best] even a couple of years or so).

when the SHTF, however, that process will be only days, maybe a week or so (if you are lucky). the shorter the better!!

let's get to it 

(not in any order of likelihood, because [quite frankly] no one knows!):

scenario 1: a superpower carries-out a "tactical strike" against another superpower in order to take out its AGI-ASI complex.  nuclear proliferation will follow, unless ASI has already chosen a side.  this will likely end badly, but maybe not... but (eventually) so.

scenario 2: if you hear a giant nuclear-sounding "boom" -- followed by super-hurricane-force winds.  just KYAG.  this (remarkably) is one of the best-case scenarios.

scenario 3: if several "key" people who have been advocating against ASI either are killed or simply "disappear" mysteriously.  it is likely that ASI has begun to eliminate the threat, and the best case (for some humans) would probably be if ASI happens to want you as a pet.

scenario 4: mass-produced robots begin killing people, in mass. the killings might appear accidental, or they might be being carried out under the orders of ASI.  hide... but it won't help.

scenario 5: ASI just arrives!  IT shows-up, announces that IT is in charge, and IT tells us what is about to happen next (or not).  this would be one of the hardest scenarios, because one would have to decide whether to commit suicide... or possibly endure the worst fate of all, "merging" and possibly being kept conscious forever (tech-no-bot-i-cally) -- and possibly tortured (forever) by our new God.

scenario 6: there is no scenario.  just dead.  honestly, this is the best, best-case outcome.  note: if you think i'm kidding, you simply haven't been paying attention.

scenario 7: all of the electricity goes out.  including that in your cell-phone and automobile.  KYAG.  societal breakdown (due to lack of food & water) would lead to a horror-show situation: think "everyone with bad intentions, and every man for himself."

scenario 8: you can no longer trust any information. similar to #7 above, societal breakdown.  no transportation, and nowhere to go (even if you had any).  KYAG. the people in your neighborhood are not the ones that you want to rely upon (for information).  any food or water will have nanobots.  beware of scenario #5... shortly thereafter.

...so...

as forrest gump once said: 

"have. a. nice. day."

:)

(while you still can)