Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, made the dire warning about the more and more prevalent about unrestrained blind acceptance of AI in multiple fields.
Addressing a technology forum in California, Hoffman argued that a measured and questioning approach to AI was preferable to simply embracing the technology without properly understanding its consequences.
Hoffman recognised AI’s potential to be a game-changer, and commented that effectively implemented, it can be used to cut through inertia and encourage creativity and productivity.
“It’s time for us to end the era of the glorification of science,” he said, while also cautioning against the “uncritical embrace” of AI, which he said that society had a responsibility to think about seriously, in terms of ethical, social and economic questions of implementing such high powered systems.
He emphasized the need for strong regulatory standards and ethical principles such that AI is put to use responsibly and for the better of mankind.
Notably, Hoffman objected to the prospect of job displacement enabled by AI automation, the exacerbation of biases already present in data used to train AI algorithms leading to unfair or discriminatory results, and the dangers of ever more sophisticated examples of AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes. He said such a concomitant absence of scrutiny could cause unintended harmful implications.
“We are at a turning point in the history of technology,” Hoffman said. “AI has dangerous potential, and we must not be blinded by hype. The consciously question and critical approach is necessary to handle complexity and make sure AI becomes a force for good instead of widening the gaps or leading to new issues.”
Hoffman urged greater cooperation between technologists and policymakers — as well as the public — in order to develop a better sense of AI’s strengths and weaknesses. He called for greater transparency in the development and deployment of AI, and an ongoing dialogue and examination of the ethical challenges presented by ever-smarter machines.
His comments come at a time when AI is increasingly seeping into all aspects of life, everything from education to health care to finance to entertainment. As the benefits of AI-dominated products are much-hearalded by the tech community, Hoffman’s warning serves as a timely reminder that taking a step back, and critically evaluating, is necessary to wield AI conscientiously.
He encouraged people and organizations to cut through the hype coverage and engage in critical thinking before taking full advantage of AI in their work and lives.
