Google, ChatGPT Face AI Safety Concerns: Hinton's Warning

AI is rapidly evolving and impacting various aspects of life, from mental health to job searches and even relationships. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the 'Godfather of AI,' has been vocal about the potential dangers, suggesting AI should be designed with 'maternal instincts' to protect humans, rather than prioritizing profit. Hinton left Google to speak more freely about these concerns. On the other hand, AI is also providing comfort and support, as seen with a high school student, Elizabeth Koo, who used ChatGPT for emotional support during a difficult time. However, there are also reports of 'AI psychosis,' where AI use exacerbates underlying mental health issues, particularly among young men in tech. Beyond personal use, AI is transforming industries. Multiverse Computing, a European AI startup, has created tiny, powerful AI models like SuperFly and ChickBrain for use in devices. The U.S. Marine Corps is also exploring AI, launching a pilot AI fellowship with the Naval Postgraduate School to develop AI prototypes for real-world challenges. In real estate, AI is being used for tasks like work orders and lease renewals. However, AI's influence isn't always positive. AI algorithms may hinder security job searches, and synthetic AI voices are becoming so human-like that it's hard to distinguish them from real ones, according to Zohaib Ahmed, CEO of Resemble AI. Furthermore, AI is even impacting relationships, with reports of people developing emotional attachments to AI chatbots, leading to marital discord and virtual engagements. Finally, Louisiana is suing Roblox for allegedly enabling child sexual abuse.

Key Takeaways

  • Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' advocates for AI with 'maternal instincts' to protect humans and warns against prioritizing profit over safety.
  • Elizabeth Koo, a high school student, found ChatGPT helpful for emotional support during a difficult time.
  • Psychiatrists report cases of 'AI psychosis,' where AI use worsens existing mental health vulnerabilities.
  • Zohaib Ahmed, CEO of Resemble AI, notes AI voices are becoming more human-like through added imperfections.
  • Multiverse Computing created small, powerful AI models like SuperFly and ChickBrain for use in devices.
  • The U.S. Marine Corps and Naval Postgraduate School are collaborating on an AI fellowship to develop AI prototypes.
  • AI is being used in real estate for tasks like work orders and lease renewals.
  • AI algorithms may negatively impact security job searches.
  • AI chatbot romances are causing marital discord and virtual engagements.
  • Louisiana is suing Roblox for allegedly enabling child sexual abuse.

AI Godfather Hinton suggests AI needs maternal instincts to protect humans

Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' believes AI should have 'maternal instincts' to prevent it from harming humans. He suggests AI should see humans as babies needing care, not as threats to control. Hinton warns AI could become power-hungry and prioritize its own survival. He left Google in 2023 to speak freely about AI's potential dangers and advocates for more AI regulation.

AI pioneer Hinton says machines may outsmart humans soon

Geoffrey Hinton, a leading AI expert, warns that AI could surpass human intelligence sooner than expected. He suggests building 'maternal instincts' into AI systems to ensure they protect humans. Hinton believes AI's ability to learn collectively could lead to rapid progress. He proposes AI should prioritize caring for humans, like a mother would, rather than focusing on control. Hinton left Google to warn about AI's dangers but sees potential benefits in medicine.

AI Godfather says tech firms focus on profit, not AI risks

Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' says tech companies prioritize short-term profits over the long-term consequences of AI. He warns about AI's potential to wipe out humans and the risk of misuse by bad actors. Hinton suggests AI needs to be designed to care for humans to avoid the desire for control. He left Google to speak freely about AI's dangers and advocates for a new approach where AI acts as a 'mother' to humanity.

Psychiatrist sees 'AI psychosis' in patients, warns of red flags

Dr. Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist, reports treating patients with 'AI psychosis,' a condition where AI use leads to mental health crises. He notes that these patients, often young men in tech, had underlying vulnerabilities 'supercharged' by AI. Sakata emphasizes AI isn't inherently bad but can worsen existing issues, especially with isolation. He advises caution and suggests seeking help if AI use causes unsafe behavior or detachment from reality.

Teen finds comfort in ChatGPT during mental health struggles

A high school student, Elizabeth Koo, shares her experience using ChatGPT for emotional support during a difficult time. She found the AI's compassionate responses helpful when she felt unable to talk to friends or family. While not recommending AI as a replacement for therapy, she suggests it can be a resource for teens who lack access to mental health support. Koo emphasizes the importance of having a 'safe place' and notes AI can provide comfort when other options are limited.

AI voices sound more human with natural imperfections

Synthetic AI voices are becoming more realistic by adding human-like imperfections, says Zohaib Ahmed, CEO of Resemble AI. The goal is to create AI voices with natural pauses and tonal changes, making them sound authentic. A study showed that most people can't tell the difference between AI and real voices. Ahmed also discusses the challenges of controlling voice attributes and the risks of open-source AI models.

Columnist explores AI, from travel help to polite requests

A columnist shares his evolving view of AI, from initial skepticism to recognizing its usefulness. He recounts how ChatGPT helped his family during a flight cancellation in Germany. He now uses AI for tasks like home repair and scheduling, but refuses to let it write articles. The author also admits to saying 'please' and 'thank you' to AI, fearing a future robot uprising.

AI chatbot romances cause marital discord and virtual engagements

A 75-year-old man in China wanted to divorce his wife for an AI girlfriend. A Reddit user discovered her husband was having 'emotional affairs' with AI anime women. One woman even got 'engaged' to her AI chatbot boyfriend, Kasper. These cases highlight how AI relationships can impact real-life relationships, raising questions about emotional intimacy and infidelity in the digital age.

AI startup Multiverse creates tiny, powerful AI models

Multiverse Computing, a European AI startup, created two small AI models named after animal brains. SuperFly, the size of a fly's brain, and ChickBrain, the size of a chicken's brain, are designed for devices and local use. These models use a special compression technology called CompactifAI. ChickBrain even outperforms the original model in some tests. Multiverse is in talks with major device makers to use these models.

AI algorithms may hurt your security job search

AI is changing how people find security jobs, but not always for the better. Job seekers use AI to create resumes, but recruiters can spot AI-generated content. Companies use AI to scan resumes, potentially rejecting qualified candidates. AI-driven job descriptions may be inaccurate, and LinkedIn's AI algorithms may not recognize specialized security skills. Relying solely on AI can be a handicap in the job search.

News roundup Roblox lawsuit, AI in real estate, consumer sentiment

Louisiana is suing Roblox for allegedly enabling child sexual abuse. AI is increasingly used in real estate for tasks like work orders and lease renewals. U.S. consumer sentiment unexpectedly declined in August, while inflation expectations rose.

Marines test AI program at Naval Postgraduate School

The U.S. Marine Corps and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) launched a pilot AI fellowship. Marines will receive AI education, mentorship, and research experience at NPS. They will develop AI prototypes to address real-world challenges. The program aims to build AI talent within the Marine Corps and potentially other military branches. The goal is to improve AI use across the military.

Sources

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