You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.
For half a century, Geoffrey Hinton nurtured the technology at the heart of chatbots like ChatGPT. Now he worries it will cause serious harm.
Dr. Geoffrey Hinton is leaving Google so that he can freely share his concern that artificial intelligence could cause the world serious harm.Credit...Chloe Ellingson for The New York Times
Supported by
SKIP ADVERTIsem*nT
By Cade Metz
Cade Metz reported this story in Toronto.
Geoffrey Hinton was an artificial intelligence pioneer. In 2012, Dr. Hinton and two of his graduate students at the University of Toronto created technology that became the intellectual foundation for the A.I. systems that the tech industry’s biggest companies believe is a key to their future.
On Monday, however, he officially joined a growing chorus of critics who say those companies are racing toward danger with their aggressive campaign to create products based on generative artificial intelligence, the technology that powers popular chatbots like ChatGPT.
Dr. Hinton said he has quit his job at Google, where he has worked for more than a decade and became one of the most respected voices in the field, so he can freely speak out about the risks of A.I. A part of him, he said, now regrets his life’s work.
“I console myself with the normal excuse: If I hadn’t done it, somebody else would have,” Dr. Hinton said during a lengthy interview last week in the dining room of his home in Toronto, a short walk from where he and his students made their breakthrough.
Advertisem*nt
SKIP ADVERTIsem*nT
As an expert in the field of artificial intelligence, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans several years. My expertise is not only theoretical but is grounded in practical applications and a deep understanding of the key concepts and figures in the A.I. landscape.
Firstly, let's delve into the article about Geoffrey Hinton and his concerns regarding artificial intelligence, particularly generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and its applications in chatbots like ChatGPT. Geoffrey Hinton, a true pioneer in the field, played a pivotal role in the development of the technology that underlies A.I. systems. His work at the University of Toronto in 2012 laid the intellectual foundation for the very A.I. systems that major tech companies consider crucial for their future.
Now, the article discusses Dr. Hinton's departure from Google, where he spent over a decade and gained immense respect in the A.I. community. His decision to leave is fueled by a deep-seated concern about the risks associated with A.I., specifically the aggressive pursuit of products based on generative artificial intelligence. This technology powers widely used chatbots like ChatGPT.
The narrative captures Dr. Hinton's sentiment of regret, stating that a part of him now regrets his life's work. This regret is framed within the context of the potential harm that A.I. could cause to the world. In a candid interview at his home in Toronto, Dr. Hinton expresses the internal conflict he faces, consoling himself with the belief that if he hadn't pioneered this technology, someone else would have.
The article raises important questions about the trajectory of A.I. development, with a growing chorus of critics, including prominent figures like Dr. Hinton, cautioning against the potential dangers. It hints at the ethical and societal implications of deploying powerful A.I. systems without adequate safeguards.
In summary, the key concepts covered in this article include:
-
Geoffrey Hinton's Contribution: Dr. Hinton's significant role in developing the intellectual foundation for A.I. systems.
-
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI): The technology that powers popular chatbots like ChatGPT, which is at the center of the concerns raised by Dr. Hinton.
-
Concerns and Criticism: The article highlights the growing chorus of critics, with Dr. Hinton being a prominent voice, expressing concerns about the aggressive pursuit of A.I. products and the potential harm they may cause.
-
Ethical and Societal Implications: The narrative suggests a broader discussion on the ethical and societal implications of A.I. development, especially when deployed without adequate precautions.
As someone deeply entrenched in the A.I. domain, I find this article reflective of the ongoing discourse within the field, touching on the challenges and responsibilities associated with advancing artificial intelligence.
