The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Doomsday to utopia: Meet AI's rival factions

By Nitasha Tiku

10 Apr 2023 · 6 min read

Editor's Note

Generative AI has divided Silicon Valley elites and technology ethicists. In this feature, The Post explains the different ideologies behind the debate and the prominent people you should know about.

A previous version of this article incorrectly construed the results of a survey asking machine learning researchers to estimate the probability that AI could end humanity. The median response was 10 percent, not 10 percent of respondents agreeing with the premise. This article has been corrected.

Inside Silicon Valley's AI sector, fierce divisions are growing over the impact of a new wave of artificial intelligence: While some argue it's imperative to race ahead, others say the technology presents an existential risk.

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