AI isn’t scary, but how people might use AI is terrifying
AI is the latest technology monster scaring people about the future. Legitimate concerns around things like ethical training, environmental impact, and scams using AI morph into nightmares of Skynet and the Matrix all too easily. The prospect of AI becoming sentient and overthrowing humanity is frequently raised, but, as Meta’s AI chief Yann LeCun told The Wall Street Journal, the idea is “complete B.S.” LeCun described AI as less intelligent than a cat and incapable of plotting or even desiring anything at all, let alone the downfall of our species.
LeCun is right that AI is not going to scheme its way into murdering humanity, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be worried about. I’m much more worried about people relying on AI to be smarter than it is. AI is just another technology, meaning it’s not good or evil. But the law of unintended consequences suggests relying on AI for important, life-altering decisions isn’t a good idea.
