Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly, and a recent discussion sheds light on the pace of this technological evolution. Current AI systems don’t ‘think’ or ‘create’ as humans do. Instead, generative AI models like ChatGPT or Sora search through vast datasets to produce outputs, whether it’s an email or an entirely fictional video. These AI creations are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from reality, posing challenges for verifying information online, as now, any video might not be authentic.
Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist, recently joined a conversation on the Diary of a CEO podcast on YouTube to discuss a different AI frontier.
This discussion focused on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which is fundamentally different from the generative AI we see today. AGI represents true artificial intelligence akin to the Machines in films like The Matrix or Skynet from Terminator, which famously depict scenarios where AI turns against humanity.
Podcast host Steven Bartlett inquired whether humans will be able to create AGI. Harris responded, “I do think that we’re gonna get there. It’s not clear how long it will take, and I’m not saying that because I believe necessarily the current paradigm that we’re building on will take us there.”
Harris provided insights from his industry contacts working at the forefront of AI development, suggesting that AGI might become a reality in the next two to ten years.
He cautioned, “Some people are saying it may not happen for a while, phew I can sit back and we don’t have to worry about it, and it’s like we’re heading for so much transformative change faster than our society is currently prepared to deal with it.”
There is a significant debate surrounding AI, with some claiming it will solve major issues like cancer and climate change, while others fear it could lead to catastrophic outcomes. AI is under scrutiny due to potential negative impacts, including mental health issues from AI chatbots and environmental concerns due to data centers’ hazardous waste and energy consumption. Additionally, the ability to rapidly produce misleading videos poses serious social challenges.