AI Safety Movement Warns of Catastrophe as Critics Dismiss Fears
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A growing "AI safety" movement warns that artificial intelligence could outstrip human control, intentionally or accidentally causing catastrophe. Figures like Eliezer Yudkowsky warn AI could wipe out humanity.
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Critics dismiss the warnings as hysteria, arguing robust AI could unlock an era of interstellar travel and cured diseases if worries don't hinder innovation. Figures like Marc Andreessen mock "AI risk cults".
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Debates play out in niche communities like rationalists and effective altruists, who mix in the same social circles in the Bay Area despite opposing views on AI risk.
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OpenAI's release of chatbot ChatGPT made AI safety fears more mainstream. Governments are starting to require oversight before releasing powerful AI models.
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It's unclear if AI doomsayers will be seen as prescient heroes or eccentric alarmists. But their circle believes members will be remembered as historic "moral weirdos" if humanity survives the AI revolution.