Bill Gates writes 3,000-word blog about the dangers of artificial intelligence

As the debate over AI and its impact continues, one of its most vocal advocates – Bill Gates – weighed in with a 3,000-word blog post on July 11. He shared his views on the downsides of AI, such as its impact on workers and classrooms, and how to mitigate those impacts.

The billionaire believes that AI is the future of technology, but he is realistic in the context of AI being over-hyped. “The future of AI is not as bleak or rosy as people think. The risks are real, but I am optimistic that they can be controlled,” he wrote on the GatesNotes blog.

Bill Gates is one of the strongest supporters of AI. (Photo: MarketWatch)

He compares AI to other advancements like cars, computers, and calculators that, while confusing at first, ultimately make life easier. Decades ago, when computers were introduced, teachers worried that these tools would hinder students’ learning. With AI, teachers have similar concerns about students using AI to write essays and do homework.

“Teachers will have to embrace AI like any other tool,” he quotes Cherie Shields, who is using AI in her classroom. “Just as we taught students how to use Google properly, teachers should design lessons on how ChatGPT chatbots can help with essay writing.”

Still, Gates doesn’t think the classroom will change much. In March, he predicted that AI would revolutionize many fields, but “learning still depends on great relationships between teachers and students.”

There are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs. A survey by the human resources screening service Checkr found that 79% of employees are concerned that AI will threaten their income and jobs. However, 86% of respondents said they would be willing to take a pay cut if they had to work less.

“It’s true that some workers will need to be supported and retrained as we transition to an AI-based workplace,” Gates wrote. “That’s the role of governments and businesses, and they need to manage it well so that workers aren’t left behind.”

Research from financial institution Goldman Sachs concluded that generative AI and programs like ChatGPT could impact 300 million jobs. While that doesn't mean 300 million people will be unemployed, the conclusion suggests that many jobs could be automated.

Gates doesn’t believe AI will have the same impact as the industrial revolution, but it will certainly be as significant as the advent of the personal computer. Word processing, while not eliminating office work, has changed it forever. Employers and employees must adapt.

Research suggests office jobs such as legal, administrative and financial will be hardest hit, while those working in factories, construction, manufacturing and trade will be less affected.

Governments around the world are trying to regulate AI. Gates likens it to “speed limits and seat belts” on cars. “Shortly after the first car hit the road, there was the first crash. But we didn’t ban cars, we imposed speed limits, safety standards, licensing requirements, drunk driving laws, and other road rules,” he writes.

He also mentioned the risk of AI being “illusioned” when models like ChatGPT create truths, documents, and people. For example, deepfakes use AI to make people believe in videos impersonating others and can be used to fool people and interfere in elections. He suggested clear regulations on what types of deepfakes are allowed.

In addition, the billionaire worries about the possibility of AI finding software vulnerabilities to attack computers, and suggests establishing a global regulatory body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

(According to BI, CNBC)

AI is not only 'writing poetry' but also transforming industries . The newly launched AI model takes a different approach than OpenAI's ChatGPT, a chatbot that answers questions based on user prompts.

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