In simple terms, the statement suggests that there is a greater likelihood of an asteroid colliding with Earth and causing widespread destruction compared to the possibility of artificial intelligence turning against humanity. This perspective emphasizes the relative risks posed by different threats.
When one considers the deep implications of this quote, it highlights a significant aspect of risk assessment in the modern world. The speaker is pointing out that while AI has become an increasingly prominent concern for many people due to its rapid development and potential impacts on society, natural disasters like asteroid strikes have been historically more catastrophic when they do occur. By framing AI risks alongside such astronomical events, the quote aims to contextualize fears about technology by comparing them with known threats from nature. This comparison serves as a reminder that our attention should be balanced across various types of existential risks.
Oren Etzioni is an American computer scientist and CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. He has been actively involved in researching AI ethics, focusing on ensuring that technological advancements are beneficial to humanity. His statement reflects his broader views on risk management concerning AI technologies and natural hazards.
