'Dark and alarming': Tech CEOs fear AI's looming destruction within a decade

AI is a hot topic in technology, with both excitement and concern from industry leaders. It has many benefits, but there are worries too about its impact on humanity.

Here are the views of top tech CEOs and business tycoons who express concern about AI overpowering humanity.

The Worrying Statistics

A CNN survey conducted at the Yale CEO Summit revealed that 42 percent of CEOs hold the belief that AI could "destroy humanity" within the next five to ten years.

The survey included 119 CEOs from various industries, including prominent companies like Walmart, Coca-Cola, and Zoom.

The findings have raised concerns, with Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld describing them as "dark and alarming."

The report also highlights that 34 percent of CEOs predict AI as a threat to humanity within ten years, and an additional 8 percent believe this could happen within just five years.

However, it is important to note that 58 percent of CEOs expressed confidence that AI will not beat humans and showed no significant concern regarding this possibility.

Warnings

The recent survey results are in line with the concerns expressed by notable tech moguls, including Elon Musk and the founder of OpenAI.

Just a few weeks ago, a statement was signed by AI industry leaders, including Sam Altman, Geoffrey Hinton, and executives from Google and Microsoft, emphasising the potential risks of AI.

They stressed the importance of society taking proactive steps to address these dangers, likening them to global priorities such as pandemics and nuclear war.

AI's Impact on the Job Market

A recurring concern is the potential impact of AI on employment.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, during a recent visit to India, acknowledged that AI could indeed replace certain jobs.

However, Altman highlighted that while job losses may occur, new and improved opportunities will arise as well.