A recent survey has revealed that many top business leaders are deeply concerned about the future of artificial intelligence (AI)—with a shocking number even saying it could pose a threat to humanity itself.
According to results shared with CNN, 42% of CEOs surveyed at the Yale CEO Summit believe AI could destroy humanity within five to ten years.
A Divided Outlook
The survey, conducted by Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld during a virtual event with 119 CEOs from a wide range of industries—including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Zoom, and Xerox—revealed a major divide on the risks and rewards of AI.
- 34% said AI could destroy humanity within 10 years
- 8% believe that could happen in as little as 5 years
- 58% say they're not worried at all
Interestingly, while many business leaders are sounding the alarm, a majority also believe in the positive potential of AI:
- 87% said the benefits of AI are not being exaggerated
- Only 13% felt the potential of AI is overhyped
Warnings from the Experts
This debate comes on the heels of a public letter signed by dozens of AI experts, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “Godfather of AI.” The letter warned that AI poses an “extinction risk” and that preventing such a future should be a top global priority—on par with dealing with pandemics or nuclear war.
Hinton recently stepped away from his work in AI to publicly raise concerns. He told CNN he worries that AI systems may soon become smarter than humans and capable of manipulating us. “We need to worry seriously about how we stop these things from gaining control,” he said.
Where AI Could Have the Biggest Impact
Despite the concerns, CEOs agree that AI will change the world—especially in certain industries. According to the survey:
- 48% say healthcare will see the biggest transformation
- 35% chose IT and professional services
- 11% pointed to media and digital sectors
There are also real short-term concerns, like job loss and misinformation, that businesses and governments are already grappling with.
Five Different Views on AI
Professor Sonnenfeld says CEOs fall into five rough categories when it comes to their views on AI:
- Curious Creators – Optimistic but maybe too trusting, like scientists before they understood the risks.
- True Believers – Completely positive about tech, ignoring the dangers.
- Profit Seekers – Rushing to make money off AI without thinking through the consequences.
- Alarmists – Pushing hard for tighter control and regulation.
- Governance Advocates – Calling for global rules to manage AI safely.
“These groups aren’t really listening to each other,” Sonnenfeld said. “They all think they’re right.”
The Bottom Line
The future of AI is full of unknowns—and even the world’s most powerful CEOs can’t agree on whether it will save us, change us, or destroy us. But one thing’s clear: the AI conversation is only just beginning.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/02/tech/hinton-tapper-wozniak-ai-fears/…
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/30/tech/ai-industry-statement-extinctio…
https://www.safe.ai/work/statement-on-ai-risk#open-letter
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