The world lost a great mind when Stephen Hawking passed away in 2018, but his warnings about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) still remain. The renowned physicist had long been vocal about the risks posed by AI and its ability to outpace human capabilities. In 2014, he warned that AI could be “the worst event in the history of our civilization” if it was not properly regulated.
Hawking’s concerns were echoed by other experts who have since raised alarms over the rapid development of AI technology and its implications for humanity. In 2017, Elon Musk famously described AI as “summoning the demon” and said it posed an existential threat to mankind if left unchecked. Other tech leaders such as Bill Gates have also expressed their worries about how quickly this technology is advancing without proper oversight or regulation from governments around the world.
These fears are not unfounded; many researchers believe that advanced forms of AI could eventually surpass human intelligence and become self-aware, leading to unpredictable consequences for humanity’s future. This has led some scientists to call for greater caution when developing these technologies so they can be used responsibly with minimal risk to society at large.
At present, there is no consensus on how best to regulate or control artificial intelligence systems — though some countries like China are already taking steps towards doing so — but Hawking’s warnings should serve as a reminder that we must tread carefully when dealing with this powerful new technology lest we find ourselves facing an uncertain future where machines rule supreme over humans.
|Flashback: Stephen Hawking warned AI could mean ‘end of human race’ in years leading up to his death|Technology|Fox News
