Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has sounded the alarm about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, particularly in blurring the lines between online perception and reality. According to Schmidt, AI companions, such as "perfect" AI girlfriends or boyfriends, could exacerbate loneliness, especially among young people, and potentially contribute to broader societal issues like extremism and misogyny.
Schmidt's concerns stem from the potential for AI to be misused by rogue states or terrorists. He cites the example of a "Bin Laden scenario" where AI is used to cause mass harm, emphasizing the need for government oversight to prevent such misuse and ensure that ethical considerations are upheld.
The potential risks associated with AI relationships are significant, as they can lead to obsession, particularly in individuals who are not fully formed. Schmidt warns that the misuse of AI by rogue states like North Korea, Iran, or Russia could pose extreme risks to global security.
Given these concerns, Schmidt advocates for governments to maintain oversight of private companies developing AI models to prevent misuse and ensure safety. His warnings are echoed by other experts, including Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel Prize winner and "Godfather of AI," who has also called for strict government regulations to ensure AI safety.
