Humanity May Lose Control of AI, Yuval Noah Harari Warns; Israeli Historian Says Newspapers May Provide Vital Protection
The potential risks associated with AI development were highlighted, with concerns raised about the ability to prevent AI from surpassing human intelligence. The need for international collaboration and ethical guidelines in AI research and development was emphasized. The impact of AI on society and the importance of addressing potential risks were key points of discussion. It was acknowledged that proactive measures must be taken to ensure the safe and responsible advancement of AI technology. The conversation underscored the importance of thoughtful consideration and strategic planning in navigating the future implications of AI.
Discussion on Advanced Artificial Intelligence
The Yomiuri Shimbun 17:53 JST, March 17, 2025 Humanity could someday become unable to control advanced artificial intelligence, a renowned Israeli historian and the president of The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings recently agreed during discussions in Tokyo. Yuval Noah Harari, who is also an internationally bestselling author, and Toshikazu Yamaguchi met on Sunday at the Tokyo headquarters of The Yomiuri Shimbun. Their discussion focused primarily on the threat of AI and the role of newspapers in this age.
Views on AI
Harari and Yamaguchi agreed that advanced AI might become uncontrollable by human beings, and Harari emphasized that newspapers, which provide reliable information, could become a pillar against AI. Harari described AI as the first "nonorganic agents" to appear on Earth, capable of making decisions, creating new ideas, and learning by itself. He highlighted the dangers posed by AI, such as replacing humans in administrative roles and decision-making processes.
Yamaguchi emphasized the difficulty in predicting the risks associated with AI and its potential to complicate systems beyond human understanding. They discussed the implications of AI managing the financial system and the importance of regulations to ensure ethical use of AI technology.
Role of Newspapers
Both Harari and Yamaguchi underscored the critical role of newspapers in providing reliable information and acting as gatekeepers in the age of AI-generated content and social media influence. They emphasized the need for newspapers to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information, correct erroneous reports, and maintain trust with readers.
Harari highlighted the historical significance of newspapers in the development of democracies and the dissemination of information. He stressed the importance of newspapers in discerning reliable information, facilitating conversations among humans, and countering misinformation and bias in the digital age.
Proposed Measures
Harari and Yamaguchi proposed measures to address the threats of AI, including holding social media companies accountable for their algorithms, creating an international organization to monitor AI developments, and developing technologies to distinguish reliable information online.
They expressed concerns about social media's role in spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need to uphold journalistic standards and ethical practices in the face of evolving technologies and digital platforms.
Author Background
Harari, a 49-year-old historian and philosopher, is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. His bestselling books, including "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" and "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," have garnered international acclaim for their unique perspectives on human history and the future of society.