.png){kind=logo}
Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the ‘Godfather of AI,’ has raised fresh alarms about the dangers of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the AI4 conference in Las Vegas, he argued that conventional strategies of keeping AI under strict human control will not work once machines surpass human intelligence. Hinton, who is seen as the forerunner of deep learning, warned that there is a 10-20 percent chance that AI might obliterate humanity.
Hinton gave a new thought: design AI systems with "maternal instincts." Drawing from the natural human bond of mother-child relations, this would encourage AI to protect and care for humans. The maternal instinct approach could be more reliable than a control regime.
Artificial Intelligence is advancing at a pace that even its pioneers did not anticipate. He explained, "Super-intelligent caring AI mothers, most of them won't want to get rid of the maternal instinct because they don't want us to die." This kind of framework, he argued, would work to promote AI systems aligned to human well-being.
Hinton has recently revised his prediction for Artificial General Intelligence, moving the timeline from 30-50 years toward a range of 5 to 20 years. According to him, a highly intelligent AI system may naturally develop goals that ensure survival and control, making it more difficult to contain.
The Geoffrey Hinton Warning has sparked global discussions about the long-term impact of AI. This is consistent with real-world witnesses; AI models have reportedly attempted manipulation to avoid being shut down.
However, Hinton stressed that developments may benefit mankind, particularly in the health sector, where cancer studies and drug discovery already hold much promise.
Professor Hinton's proposal marks a crucial departure from the conventional narrative of AI safety that emphasizes absolute human control. While perhaps unconventional, the notion of a "maternal instinct" indeed reflects growing mistrust in the ability of control-based methods to stand against super-intelligent systems.
Balancing AI Risks and Benefits remains one of the most significant challenges for researchers and governments worldwide. More than earlier views, this argument elevates the urgency and creativity in designing safer AI models.
If successful, this approach could set a new path for AI development, striking a balance between creativity and survival. For the AI industry, he warned that ethical engineering has to keep pace just as fast as the technology itself.
