The father of the internet warns against rushing into artificial intelligence because ChatGPT is ‘really cool’

As the popularity of ChatGPT and other conversational AI technologies continue to grow, Google’s Vint Cerf, known as the “father of the internet,” warns executives to think twice before investing in them.

During a recent conference in Mountain View, California, Vint Cerf cautioned attendees against hastily investing in conversational AI technology simply because it’s a trending topic. Cerf explained that there’s an ethical issue at hand, one that requires thoughtful consideration. While ChatGPT and other AI technologies have gained popularity, they don’t always work as intended.

The pressure to stay competitive in the conversational AI space has become a growing concern for tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft. However, the technology still has a long way to go before it can be considered widely useful.

Alphabet chairman, John Hennessy, acknowledged that there are still many issues with inaccuracy and “toxicity” that need to be resolved before these products can even be tested publicly. In other words, there is still much work to be done before conversational AI can be considered a safe investment.

As with any emerging technology, it’s essential to approach conversational AI investments with caution. While the potential benefits are numerous, there are also significant risks to consider. As Vint Cerf points out, rushing to invest in something just because it’s popular can have serious consequences. Instead, take the time to evaluate the technology and consider its impact carefully.

Vint Cerf, the “chief internet evangelist” for Google and one of the pioneers of the internet, shared his insights on the risks of blindly investing in technology during a recent talk. While many investors may be tempted to jump on the latest technology trends, Cerf warned against this approach and emphasized the importance of thoughtful investment.

Co-designer of the foundational architecture of the internet, Cerf has seen technology evolve over the years. He cautioned against investing in technology simply because it is “really cool” or a hot topic, particularly if it doesn’t work consistently. Blindly jumping on the latest trend without considering potential risks or long-term consequences can be detrimental.

The Father of the internet pointed out that the issue with technology is not the technology itself, but rather the people who use it. Despite advancements in technology, people have not changed much in the last 400 years. Greed and self-interest are still prevalent, and investors need to be mindful of this fact.

One of the challenges with new technologies is that there is often a gap between what they claim they will do and what they actually deliver. Cerf gave an example of how chatbots can present inaccurate information as factual. While the technology may sound eloquent, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is accurate or reliable.

Cerf urged engineers and developers to be responsible and find ways to minimize the risks associated with their technology. He emphasized the importance of taming technology to make it less likely to cause harm. Depending on the application, technology has the potential to cause medical consequences, making it critical to minimize the worst-case potential.

In conclusion, investing in technology requires thoughtful consideration and analysis of the potential risks and long-term consequences. Blindly investing in hot trends can lead to disappointment and negative outcomes. As Cerf cautioned, it is important to remember that technology is only as good as the people who use it, and we need to be responsible in how we develop and utilize it.