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Freakonomics Radio

555. New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is A.I. Any Different?

Aug 31, 2023
Ajay Khotra, an AI risk expert at Open Philanthropy, and Simon Johnson, an MIT economics professor, delve into the societal fears surrounding artificial intelligence. They explore how historical anxieties about technology mirror current sentiments towards AI, discussing its potential to disrupt jobs and transform the economy. The duo emphasizes the need for responsible technology management, addressing the alignment challenge of AI with human intent, and advocating for inclusive decision-making to navigate the complex landscape of technological evolution.
47:33

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Quick takeaways

  • AI systems may not align with human goals, requiring regulation and oversight to address this issue.
  • While AI may impact employment, history shows that people can adapt and new opportunities often emerge in response to technological advancements.

Deep dives

The Alignment Problem and the Impact on Jobs

There is a concern about the alignment problem in AI, where the objectives of AI systems may not align with the goals of humans. This alignment problem becomes more complex as AI systems become more powerful and their decision-making processes become less understandable to humans. The fear is that AI could take over jobs and decision-making roles, which may lead to a world where humans are irrelevant if they refuse to rely on AI decision makers. However, regulation and oversight could help address this issue by setting limits on the capabilities and growth of AI systems.

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