Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Is AI going to ruin everything? (with Gabriel Alfour)
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Jul 16, 2025 
Gabriel Alfour, a co-founder of the AI safety start-up Conjecture, dives into the existential risks posed by rapid AI advancements. He argues for the urgent need to rethink and strengthen our institutions amidst the technological upheaval. The conversation covers the decay of trust in institutions, the dangers of unregulated social media, and the complexities of aligning AI with human values. Alfour also discusses the necessity of balanced information markets and the profound implications of AI on society, urging for proactive strategies to mitigate potential threats.
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Risks of Rapid AI Acceleration
- Gabriel Alfour worries AI may ruin everything primarily due to too rapid technological acceleration.
- He fears sudden, uncontrollable growth from autonomous AI could overwhelm institutions unable to manage it.
Traits of Good Institutions
- Good institutions enable learning from disagreements and encourage experimentation and communication.
- Modern institutions are outdated, not keeping pace with technological and societal progress.
Institutional Decay and Renewal
- Institutions and companies tend to decay over time due to entropy.
- Implementing expiry dates and regular renewal processes could help maintain them.