Oprah Winfrey is set to host a special dedicated to exploring the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our daily lives. Titled “AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special,” the one-hour primetime event will air on ABC and Hulu on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 8:00 to 9:03 p.m. EDT.
The special promises exclusive insights from influential figures in the AI world. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, will break down the complexities of AI in simple terms and discuss the crucial responsibilities of AI company executives. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chair of the Gates Foundation, will delve into the transformative power of AI in science, health, and education, highlighting its potential impact on the job market.
Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, known for his insightful tech reviews, will also join the discussion, sharing his perspective on AI’s capabilities.
The special will also address the growing concerns surrounding AI. Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, co-founders of the Center for Humane Technology, will bring attention to the emerging risks posed by powerful AI, while FBI Director Christopher Wray will shed light on how criminals and foreign adversaries are exploiting this technology. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson will offer a thought-provoking reflection on AI’s potential threat to human values and the resistance to the allure of AI’s convenience.
The special comes at a time when AI is a hot topic, sparking intense debate and raising ethical concerns. Major tech firms are investing billions into AI development, while some scientists warn of potential dangers. The potential for AI to replace jobs and its broader societal impacts are of growing concern.
Recently, two former OpenAI employees criticized the company for opposing California’s AI regulation bill, warning of “catastrophic harm to society” if AI models are developed without adequate safety measures. Elon Musk, tech billionaire and founder of xAI, has publicly supported the California AI safety bill, despite OpenAI’s preference for federal regulation. Gates has dismissed concerns about AI’s energy consumption, suggesting that its benefits will ultimately outweigh its environmental costs.
Oprah Winfrey’s special promises to offer a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of AI, highlighting its potential, its risks, and the crucial conversations we need to be having about its future.
