Bill Gates has a good feeling about AI — The Verge

Bill Gates has been a prominent figure in the tech world, allocating billions of dollars to fund innovations he believes will shape the future. His focus has been on combating climate change and eradicating diseases, among other areas. This commitment is highlighted in his new Netflix series, “What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates,” set to premiere on September 18th. The series will delve into topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, social inequality, misinformation, and global health.

In a recent conversation with The Verge, Gates discussed his thoughts on the technologies featured in the series and reflected on his tenure at Microsoft. He emphasized his use of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, which he finds invaluable for obtaining explanations and assisting with writing. Gates also highlighted the meeting summary function integrated into Microsoft Teams, which he uses extensively for summarizing meetings and asking follow-up questions.

Regarding Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI, Gates believes that the company should strengthen its relationship with OpenAI while also pursuing its own initiatives. He acknowledges the significant investment in AI from Microsoft and other entities, noting that this sector is crucial for future technological advancements.

Gates expressed optimism about AI’s potential to positively impact various fields, particularly in health and education. He cited an example of an AI tool from Khan Academy, Khanmigo, which assists teachers and engages students at different levels. However, he also acknowledged the challenges associated with AI misuse and the need for responsible development.

One of the pressing concerns regarding AI is its potential to enhance misinformation. Gates believes that while AI can contribute to this issue, it is not fundamentally different from traditional methods of spreading false information. He suggests that AI could play a constructive role in analyzing ongoing developments and mitigating misinformation.

Another critical aspect of AI is its energy consumption. Gates acknowledged that training AI demands substantial energy but emphasized that this demand is relatively low compared to other sectors like electric vehicles or industrial transitions. He believes that nuclear energy, particularly through fission or fusion, can provide inexpensive electricity generation while minimizing associated risks.

Gates is deeply committed to addressing climate change and believes that reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, are essential for supporting a substantial expansion of renewable energy. He highlighted the importance of scaling up climate tech solutions, such as zero-emissions cement, which his company Breakthrough Energy Ventures has backed.

In summary, Bill Gates’ enthusiasm for AI is driven by its potential to address pressing global issues like climate change and health disparities. While acknowledging the challenges associated with AI, he remains optimistic about its benefits and emphasizes the need for responsible development and deployment of these technologies.

source: https://www.theverge.com/24235730/bill-gates-ai-climate-change-energy-tech-microsoft-netflix