Your Undivided Attention

‘We Have to Get It Right’: Gary Marcus On Untamed AI

Sep 26, 2024

Gary Marcus, a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist known for his critical views on AI, joins Daniel Barcay for a compelling discussion. They explore the contrasting perceptions of AI's future, debating whether we are on the brink of something incredible or facing imminent challenges. Marcus emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to address the risks of generative AI, particularly its potential for disinformation. He advocates for independent oversight in technology regulation to prioritize public good over corporate interests.

41:43

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Gary Marcus

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Quick takeaways

Gary Marcus highlights the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to manage the inherent risks associated with generative AI technologies.

Despite significant investment in AI, Marcus warns that our society is ill-prepared for the challenges posed by the existing AI systems.

Deep dives

The Contradictory Landscape of AI Development

The current state of artificial intelligence is characterized by a stark contrast between rapid investment and significant limitations. Companies are investing billions, showcasing increasingly powerful AI models with promises of imminent breakthroughs, while simultaneously, the existing AI technologies often exhibit unreliable behavior, leading to significant stock market declines. Experts like Gary Marcus suggest that while AI will eventually surpass human intelligence, such advancements are unlikely to materialize within the next few years, perhaps even taking decades. Marcus emphasizes that, regardless of the pace of technological growth, society remains ill-equipped to manage the risks posed by the AI systems already in operation.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Future of AI: Hopes and Realities

13min

Navigating the Dangers of Generative AI

18min

The Case for an AI Regulatory Agency

2min

The Need for Independent Voices in Technology Regulation

2min

The Call to Action: Shaping the Future of AI Responsibly

4min

It’s a confusing moment in AI. Depending on who you ask, we’re either on the fast track to AI that’s smarter than most humans, or the technology is about to hit a wall. Gary Marcus is in the latter camp. He’s a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist who built his own successful AI start-up. But he’s also been called AI’s loudest critic.

On Your Undivided Attention this week, Gary sits down with CHT Executive Director Daniel Barcay to defend his skepticism of generative AI and to discuss what we need to do as a society to get the rollout of this technology right… which is the focus of his new book, Taming Silicon Valley: How We Can Ensure That AI Works for Us.

The bottom line: No matter how quickly AI progresses, Gary argues that our society is woefully unprepared for the risks that will come from the AI we already have.

Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on Twitter: @HumaneTech_

RECOMMENDED MEDIA

Link to Gary’s book: Taming Silicon Valley: How We Can Ensure That AI Works for Us

Further reading on the deepfake of the CEO of India's National Stock Exchange

Further reading on the deepfake of of an explosion near the Pentagon.

The study Gary cited on AI and false memories.

Footage from Gary and Sam Altman’s Senate testimony.

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Correction: Gary mistakenly listed the reliability of GPS systems as 98%. The federal government’s standard for GPS reliability is 95%.