The Doomers Feel Undeterred (www.obsolete.pub)

In a recent feature for MIT Technology Review titled "The Doomers Feel Undeterred," notable AI figures, including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, share their ongoing concerns about AI safety amid shifting narratives in the AI community. This influential group, often labeled as “doom proponents,” argues that advancing AI technology poses existential risks to humanity, particularly with the potential emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Despite setbacks like the disappointing reception of OpenAI’s GPT-5 and growing skepticism about an imminent AGI, these experts remain committed to advocating for more stringent regulation to prevent uncontrolled developments in the AI field. The discussions reveal an interesting paradox: while recent AI developments suggest AGI might be further off than previously thought, the urgency for effective policy remains high. Experts note that, despite some feeling relieved about additional time, they are increasingly frustrated with political momentum shifting against robust AI regulations. Conversations highlight that their case has never hinged on the exact arrival of AGI but rather on the pressing need to prepare for its potential dangers. As the discourse evolves, these experts stress the importance of maintaining vigilance and advocacy in shaping AI's future, as they believe a lack of preparation could lead to dire consequences regardless of the timelines.