Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has expressed his belief that artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in shaping human behavior and reducing polarization in society. According to Gates, allowing diverse opinions on politics and society can be detrimental to democracy.
In a recent podcast discussion with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Gates highlighted the potential of AI to foster harmony and cooperation among individuals. He envisions a world where AI contributes to global peace and social cohesion. Microsoft, which is the primary supporter of OpenAI, has experienced significant growth due to the advancements in AI technology. The company briefly surpassed Apple as the world’s most valuable company, reflecting the increasing importance of AI. Both Microsoft and OpenAI have actively engaged in discussions with the White House, senators, and world leaders regarding AI regulation.
“I do think AI, in the best case, can help us with some hard problems,” Gates stated.
“Including polarization because potentially that breaks democracy and that would be a super-bad thing.”
In the podcast, Gates and Altman further explored the possibility of AI playing a pivotal role in achieving global harmony.
“Whether AI can help us go to war less, be less polarized; you’d think as you drive intelligence, and not being polarized kind of is common sense, and not having war is common sense, but I do think a lot of people would be skeptical,” Gates said.
“I’d love to have people working on the hardest human problems, like whether we get along with each other.
“I think that would be extremely positive if we thought the AI could contribute to humans getting along with each other.”
“I believe that it will surprise us on the upside there,” Altman responded.
“The technology will surprise us with how much it can do.
“We’ve got to find out and see, but I’m very optimistic.
“I agree with you, what a contribution that would be.”
