Generative AI models such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Bard are experiencing unprecedented adoption, attracting millions of users around the world. Yet this rise also raises a wave of questions about the potential impact of AI on our future. Eric Horvitz, scientific director at Microsoft, positions himself as a fervent defender of AI, while being aware of the challenges that its evolution poses to humanity.
Eric Horvitz under the spell of OpenAI’s GPT-4
In his article entitled “Thoughts on AI and the future of human flourishing” and published on the official Microsoft blog on May 30, 2023, Eric Horvitz praises the merits of artificial intelligence which continues to gain traction. land in the world. For the famous computer scientist, AI will promote the development of future generations. Mr. Horvitz, who received early access to GPT-4, admits he was impressed by the capabilities of this AI model.
“I observed unexpected glimmers of intelligence beyond those seen in previous AI systems. Compared to its predecessor, GPT-3.5 – a model used by tens of millions of people as ChatGPT – I noticed a significant increase in capabilities,” the article reads.
He continues his praise about GPT-4 stating that it is “increasingly evident that the model and its successors (…) have enormous transformative potential”. Microsoft technical team member Eric Horvitz also referred to a series of essays written by AI experts who got early access to GPT-4 before its launch.
Eric Horvitz signatory of a declaration which warns of the danger that AI represents for humanity
Despite his obvious admiration for artificial intelligence and its advances, Eric Horvitz remains lucid about the challenges and risks it represents. The same day he published his blog post, a statutory declaration that Eric Horvitz had signed was made public. This statement, from the Center for AI Security, warns of the potential dangers that AI could pose to humanity
Said statement is worded in a simple and powerful way: “It is imperative to consider reducing the risk of AI-related extinction as a global priority, alongside other large-scale threats such as pandemics and nuclear wars.
Besides Eric Horvitz, other prominent AI specialists have also signed this document. Among them, we find Geoffrey Hinton, a Canadian researcher recognized as an AI pioneer, Sam Altman, president of OpenAI, as well as Demis Hassabis, general manager of Google DeepMind. Note that some notable names are missing, such as Yann LeCun of Meta and Andrew Ng, co-founder of Google Brain
This alert comes in addition to the many warnings from influential personalities about the risks of AI. Despite its impressive progress, would artificial intelligence compromise the future of humanity?
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