SAN FRANCISCO: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently revealed that his company is entering the race to develop super artificial intelligence (AI), joining the likes of Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Google. The goal is to create artificial general intelligence (AGI), also known as super AI, that can problem-solve and rationalize on par with human intelligence.
AGI has been a longstanding objective for OpenAI, the company behind the creation of ChatGPT, and is also a central focus for Google’s AI departments. Zuckerberg explained that the pursuit of general intelligence has become Meta’s goal in order to attract top engineers in the rapidly expanding field of AI. He emphasized the importance of tackling ambitious problems to entice the best researchers to join their team.
The competition to attract programmers and thinkers in the development of generative AI models, like ChatGPT, has intensified among tech companies. Elon Musk’s startup xAI is also vying for talent in this area, as the demand for skilled individuals continues to grow. Google has employed strategies such as stock compensation to retain its researchers, while OpenAI offers lucrative multimillion-dollar pay packages to attract top talent.
However, beyond financial incentives, many specialists in the field seek to work for companies that are dedicated to the creation of human-level AI. Zuckerberg acknowledged that the definition of AGI is complex and cannot be easily summarized in a single sentence. He highlighted the ongoing debate about whether AGI should match human intelligence, surpass it, or represent a future superintelligence.
During a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Meta’s Nick Clegg emphasized the lack of consensus among data scientists regarding the precise definition of AGI. Each expert seems to have their own interpretation of what AGI entails. This ambiguity reflects the complexity and ongoing exploration of the concept.
Meta has already released its own AI model, Llama 2, and Zuckerberg mentioned that his teams are actively working on the development of the next version. While the pursuit of AGI is ambitious, there are concerns about the potential risks associated with the technology. The fear is that AI capabilities may become too powerful and beyond human control.
These concerns were exemplified by a corporate conflict at OpenAI last November. The company’s board fired and then reinstated its CEO, Sam Altman, due to concerns that he was advancing AI development recklessly and without adequate precautions.
In conclusion, Meta’s entry into the race to develop super artificial intelligence highlights the growing importance of AGI in the tech industry. The pursuit of general intelligence aims to attract top talent and push the boundaries of AI capabilities. However, it is essential to address the potential risks associated with AGI to ensure responsible and ethical development. The ongoing discussions and debates surrounding AGI reflect the complexity and the need for international collaboration to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
Source: The Manila Times
