Ask HN: Is AI threat overblown?

Re:Ask HN: Is AI threat overblown? by bridge_ro on Monday September 04, 2017 @07:37PM (#15171513)

There's an AI researcher named Robert Miles [1] whose videos I really enjoy. He brought up a good point about this issue in one of his videos a little while back. To use it here, Elon Musk, Putin, and Mark Zuckerberg all have something in common: none of them are AI specialists or researchers. Another way to think of it is this: don't ask your dentist about your heart disease.

Miles does point out very real issues/questions in AI safety – that's what most of his content is focused on. His point, which is a good one to make, is that the sort of fear mongering spread by non-AI specialists draws attention away from these very real issues that need to be addressed.

[1] His channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLB7AzTwc6VFZrBsO2ucBMg He's also done a few videos for Computerphile.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Is AI threat overblown? by redwood on Monday September 04, 2017 @07:56PM (#15171581)

On the contrary, these are precisely the kinds of people who are using AI as a tool or building block, eg as a means to an end. Researchers inherently have a very narrow view.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Is AI threat overblown? by jamesrom on Monday September 04, 2017 @07:44PM (#15171539)

It's easy to believe the AI threat if you believe AI is a panacea.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Is AI threat overblown? by owebmaster on Monday September 04, 2017 @10:30PM (#15172097)

> To use it here, Elon Musk, Putin, and Mark Zuckerberg all have something in common: none of them are AI specialists or researchers

They are the ones that can use or be hit by "AI" as a weapon. Their position is even more important than the researchers. It is like Einstein vs Truman.

[ Parent | on HN ]