Microsoft CEO warns AI must 'do something useful' or lose 'social permission' (www.pcgamer.com)

At the World Economic Forum, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized that AI must demonstrate tangible benefits to maintain public support, stating that without meaningful contributions to health, education, and industry efficiency, it risks losing "social permission." He underscored the importance of AI as a "cognitive amplifier," suggesting that both employers and job seekers must adopt AI skills to enhance productivity and service delivery in the real economy. Nadella pointed to healthcare as a critical area for AI application, highlighting how AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care. Nadella also addressed the supply-side challenges in the AI sector, calling for an expansion of energy infrastructure and a more integrated approach to AI utilization across various sectors. He noted the current hurdles, such as the struggle to acquire hardware like RAM, which hinder growth and accessibility. While some reports indicate a concerning lack of return on AI investments, Nadella remains optimistic, asserting that AI will ultimately "bend the productivity curve" and facilitate global economic growth, rather than being merely a bubble driven by tech partnerships and spending.