The Wright Show The case for alarm about artificial intelligence (Robert Wright & Holly Elmore)
May 8, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Holly Elmore, Executive Director of Pause AI US and AI safety advocate, outlines the pressing need for a pause in AI development. She shares insights from her newsletter and highlights why accelerating AI poses drastic risks. The conversation dives into the historical shift in attitudes toward AI, addressing the dangers of unchecked advancements. Holly emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and critiques the commercialization of AI organizations. Her impassioned call to action urges listeners to consider the societal impacts of rapid AI evolution.
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Pause AI Movement's Core Idea
- The "Pause AI" movement proposes to halt large-scale AI training until safety is better understood.
- It advocates reflection on whether super-powerful AI can safely coexist with human society.
Unifying AI Safety and Ethics
- The distinction between AI ethics and AI safety has blurred; safety concerns cover both existential risk and societal harms.
- The "pause" stance unifies this spectrum by emphasizing the unknown risks of rapidly advancing AI.
Public Skepticism vs AI Power
- Many downplay AI's potential due to distrust caused by industry figures like Sam Altman.
- Despite skepticism, the rapid growth and power of AI remain undeniable and require serious attention.