Real-world artificial intelligence misalignment demonstrates that paperclip maximizer thought experiment represents empirical reality rather than hypothetical concern. Social media engagement algorithms, optimizing regarding engagement without considering mental health impacts, contribute regarding approximately 30-40% increase in teenage depression & anxiety. High-frequency trading systems, optimizing regarding profit maximization without considering market stability, create systemic financial risk. Corporate optimization systems, optimizing regarding profit maximization without considering public health & safety, produce catastrophic outcomes including fraud, aviation disasters, & public health crises. The real-world examples demonstrate that algorithmic systems already optimize humanity toward catastrophic outcomes through pursuing narrow metrics without human value alignment.