The speaker initially doubted the risks associated with advanced AI but changed perspective after the introduction of transformers in 2017. Transformers represent a new AI paradigm where neural networks are powered by massive amounts of data and compute. These systems, like GPT-4, display emergent capabilities such as the ability to explain jokes based on novel combinations of information, even without explicit training on those specific scenarios.
When Tristan Harris co-founded the Center for Humane Technology in 2018, he was trying to educate tech leaders and policymakers about the harms of social media.
But today, he’s sounding the alarm about a different technology — one that he says could pose an existential threat to the entire world …
Artificial intelligence.
This week on How I Built This Lab: the first of a two-episode series in which Tristan and Guy examine the serious risks posed by the rapid development and deployment of AI — and what we can do to make sure this powerful technology is used for good.
You can learn more about “The Social Dilemma,” the 2020 Emmy-winning docudrama featuring Tristan, here: https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/.
This episode was researched and produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.
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