Oh God, What Now?

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The ultimate A.I. explainer – Will it kill us all or make us rich?

Aug 5, 2025

Guest

Alex Hern

Join Alex Hern, A.I. writer at The Economist, as he unpacks the complicated landscape of artificial intelligence. Discover the timeline for achieving artificial general intelligence and the jobs at risk of being wiped out. Hern discusses the promises of growth versus the specter of dystopia. Engage in debates about ethical implications, the rivalry between the U.S. and China in AI development, and how AI could reshape our economy and environment. Get insights into why experts are more concerned about AI's impact than the general public!

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INSIGHT

Insider Concern on AI Extinction Risk

AI industry experts worry more about AI risks than the general public does.
While outside views downplay it, insiders fear AI might end civilization.

insights

INSIGHT

AI Helps but Doesn't Replace Fully

AI currently facilitates tasks across many jobs but doesn't replace core human skills.
Job impact depends on how much of the role can be AI-automated.

insights

INSIGHT

Race Dynamic Risks AI Safety

The US-China AI race pressures safety measures due to fears of losing technological advantage.
Prioritizing speed over safety poses existential risk, similar to nuclear deterrence dynamics.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Dangers and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence

01:39 • 2min

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Navigating Inequality and the Rise of AI

03:30 • 2min

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The Paradox of AI: Expert Worries vs. Public Perception

05:49 • 4min

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The Race for AI Supremacy: Ethics and Employment

09:37 • 28min

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The Green Future of AI: Balancing Technology and Environment

37:31 • 4min

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Gender, AI, and Economic Disruption

41:26 • 18min

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Exploring Wilderness and Crime: A Deep Dive into Books and Documentaries

59:40 • 4min

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Ted Chiang

This collection includes eight short stories by Ted Chiang, each exploring unique and thought-provoking themes. Stories such as 'Tower of Babylon' and 'Story of Your Life' delve into concepts of time, space, and human perception, while 'Understand' and 'Division by Zero' examine the consequences of advanced knowledge and the breakdown of mathematical principles. The collection also includes 'Hell Is the Absence of God,' which probes the nature of belief and faith in a world where divine entities are real. Chiang's stories are known for their rigorous imagination, sharp intelligence, and ability to raise profound questions about the nature of reality and humanity.

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Consider Phlebas is set during the Idiran-Culture War, a far-future galactic conflict. The novel follows Bora Horza Gobuchul, a shape-shifting humanoid assassin working for the Idirans against the Culture. The story explores themes of war, morality, and the complexities of conflict, with Horza's mission to capture a Culture Mind on a forbidden planet central to the plot. The book is known for its intense action, deep plotting, and exploration of the contrasts between the Idirans' rigid faith and the Culture's utopian society.

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Neal Stephenson

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Eliezer Yudkowsky

Nate Soares

This book delves into the potential risks of advanced artificial intelligence, arguing that the development of superintelligence could lead to catastrophic consequences for humanity. The authors present a compelling case for the need for careful consideration and regulation of AI development. They explore various scenarios and potential outcomes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI capabilities. The book is written in an accessible style, making complex ideas understandable to a broad audience. It serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and researchers to prioritize AI safety and prevent potential existential threats.

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Jon Krakauer

In 'Into Thin Air', Jon Krakauer recounts the true story of a 24-hour period on Mt. Everest when members of three separate expeditions were caught in a devastating storm. The book details the catastrophic events that led to the worst single-season death toll in Everest's history. Krakauer, who was on the mountain as a client of guide Rob Hall, provides a meticulously researched and emotionally charged account of the disaster, reflecting on the risks, judgments, and heroism involved in high-altitude climbing. The narrative explores the commercialization of Everest, the psychological and physical challenges faced by climbers, and the author's own struggles with survivor's guilt and mortality.

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Isaac Asimov

This book is a fixup collection of short stories that tell the history of robotics from its inception to a future where robots are integral to society. The stories are framed by Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, recounting her experiences with various robots and the complexities that arise from their interactions with humans. The collection introduces Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics and delves into themes of morality, psychology, and the social implications of creating intelligent machines. The stories feature recurring characters such as Dr. Calvin, Powell, and Donovan, and explore how robots interpret and comply with the Three Laws, often leading to unexpected and thought-provoking outcomes.

In one of the most fascinating episodes we’ve ever done Alex Hern – A.I. writer at The Economist, who writes on A.I. but isn’t one himself – joins us for an ultra-deep dive into the truth about A.I. and what it means. How far off is “artificial general intelligence”? Which jobs would it wipe out? What happens if the promised turbo-growth of 30% a year arrives? And will A.I. turn our world into fully automated luxury capitalism or a sci-fi dystopia? Puny humans Andrew Harrison and Zoë Grünewald heed the call of the machine…

• Don’t miss the new episode of Talk ’90s With Me presented by Miranda Sawyer.

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Escape Routes:

• Alex Hern is playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Zoë recently read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.

• Andrew watched Operation Dark Phone: Murder by Text on C4.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Zoë Grünewald. Audio production by Tom Taylor and Robin Leeburn. Art by Jim Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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