From Calling AI “Stupid” To “Dangerous” - Here’s One Expert’s Take!

Remember M3gan, an AI doll who develops self-awareness and becomes hostile toward anyone who comes between her and her human friend? (It’s a movie, so don’t start worrying yet!)

Now, imagine a world where chatbots can spread misinformation, security bugs and defamatory “hallucinations.” Reminds you of something nightmarish like M3gan, right? Well, according to (Artificial Intelligence) AI expert Gary Marcus, this is a very real and imminent threat.

A recent report has shed light upon how Marcus, who once believed that large language models (LLMs) were “pretty dumb,” now argues that these AI-powered chatbots are becoming dangerously powerful. He believes technology weaves itself deeper into our lives each day and we must take immediate action to prevent a potential catastrophe. Marcus, always loquacious, has an answer: “Yes, I’ve said for years that [LLMs] are actually pretty dumb, and I still believe that. But there’s a difference between power and intelligence. And we are suddenly giving them a lot of power.”

In fact, Marcus is so concerned about the situation that he has proposed “a global, neutral, nonprofit International Agency for AI,” which would be referred to with an acronym that sounds like a scream (Iaai!). This agency would monitor algorithms to ensure they do not include bias or promote misinformation.


On the other hand, the report states that the idea of the United States, Europe and China working together on this seems like a stretch, the threat of an alien, if homegrown, intelligence overthrowing our species might just be enough to bring them together.

The report further states that the rapid ascension of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT into all-purpose business tools, entertainment devices and confidants indicate that we want this technology, whether we fully understand its potential dangers or not. Like every other substantial technological advance, superintelligence seems destined to bring us irresistible benefits, even as it changes the workplace, our cultural consumption and, inevitably, us.


Nevertheless, the discussion about controlling AI will only continue to gain steam as technology becomes more integrated into our lives. While fast-moving technology may well develop regardless of any measures we adopt, the discussion is healthy and necessary.

So, let’s continue the conversation about AI with the urgency it deserves – pitch your thoughts in the comment section below!