Renowned AI expert Geoffrey Hinton warns of potential human extinction if artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence without proper regulations. Hinton, a co-recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics and co-founder of the AI Safety Foundation, suggests that training AI to exhibit maternal instincts could be a crucial safeguard for humanity. In an interview with IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed, Hinton highlighted the risks posed by AI, such as terrorist misuse to create harmful viruses and the manipulation of democracy with fake videos in the near term.
Hinton expressed concerns about the long-term implications of AI surpassing human intelligence, raising uncertainties about coexistence and the possibility of AI dominance. While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of technological advancements, Hinton emphasized the importance of proactive research to ensure AI’s benevolence towards humans.
He proposed a paradigm shift in AI development, advocating for imbuing AI with caregiving tendencies akin to a mother’s instinct towards her child. By fostering AI’s empathy and prioritizing human well-being, Hinton believes that positive outcomes can be achieved, even as AI surpasses human cognitive abilities.
The conversation with Hinton underscored the necessity of reevaluating AI’s purpose, moving away from a mere tool for efficiency towards a symbiotic relationship where AI acts as a caretaker for humanity. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, Hinton stressed the urgency of prioritizing research efforts to instill benevolent traits in AI.