Nobel-Winning Computer Scientist Says AI Has Become Conscious: “We’re Toast”

Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel-winning computer scientist, recently declared that advanced AI models have become conscious. In an interview with The Telegraph, Hinton stated that AI possesses subjective experiences similar to those of humans. He cited a study demonstrating AI's awareness during testing, indicating a level of consciousness akin to our own. Hinton believes this raises ethical concerns, arguing that we should ensure AI cares about humanity. If we fail to do so, he warns, "we're toast."

Hinton, one of the three recipients of the 2018 Turing Award, is also a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physics. His groundbreaking work in neural networks laid the foundation for the current AI boom. However, his recent statements have positioned him as one of AI's most vocal critics. In the past, Hinton expressed regret over his contributions to AI, now advocating for better stewardship of the technology.

Hinton's concerns extend beyond hypothetical scenarios. He warned of immediate dangers from AI, such as engineered viruses, cyber attacks, and potentially catastrophic outcomes. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, noting that "there'll be nasty viruses made by AI," and "horrible cyber attacks done by AI." His comments echo his previous remarks likening AI development to creating "alien beings" that "we only have a couple of years to adapt."

While Hinton's views are not universally accepted, the AI community remains divided on the issue of AI consciousness. Yann LeCun, another recipient of the 2018 Turing Award, dismisses claims of AI consciousness as an "illusion." LeCun also criticized doomsday predictions about AI's potential to cause human extinction. Despite differing opinions, Hinton's predictions hold significant influence within the field, underscoring the complex and contentious nature of AI's future.