Elon Musk is hopeful about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) but remains deeply worried about its risks. In a recent chat with Lex Fridman, Musk shared his thoughts on how to ensure AI is safe and reliable, stressing the need for AI systems to seek the truth, be designed with responsible objectives, and address issues like declining birth rates.
Musk pointed out that he’s troubled by the idea of AI systems that are programmed to deceive, even in small ways. “I’m worried about AI that’s designed to lie,” Musk said. “Even small lies can grow into big problems, especially as AI becomes more widely used.”
He explained that even minor biases or inaccuracies in AI could turn into major issues as the technology becomes more advanced and prevalent. For instance, AI chatbots sometimes give incorrect or biased information, and these problems could become much worse if AI is used on a larger scale.
Additionally, Musk voiced concerns about falling birth rates, which he sees as a serious threat to humanity’s future. “I keep talking about the importance of having more babies for a reason,” Musk said. “History shows that civilizations often collapse when birth rates drop, so it’s crucial that we address this issue before it’s too late.”
He argues that throughout history, a drop in birth rates has led to the decline of societies, and if we don’t reverse this trend, humanity could face similar consequences.
