In a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” tech mogul Elon Musk made headlines by predicting that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose an existential risk to humanity by 2029. Musk, known for his bold views on technology, expressed grave concerns about the trajectory of AI development. He remarked, “I always thought AI was going to be way smarter than humans and an existential risk, and that’s turning out to be true.”

During the conversation, Musk highlighted the irony of how initiatives originally intended to promote safe and open AI, like OpenAI, have shifted towards closed-source, profit-driven models. He expressed disappointment over the transformation of OpenAI, stating it had become the opposite of its initial purpose, akin to a betrayal of the original mission.

Musk’s discussion touched on the potential dangers of AI if programmed with harmful values. He warned that without careful oversight, AI could make decisions leading to catastrophic outcomes. “AI will not hate us nor will it love us; it will simply do what it was designed to do,” he cautioned. This chilling perspective aligns with his belief that AI could surpass human intelligence significantly within the next few years, potentially rendering humanity obsolete.

Despite his concerns, Musk maintained a sliver of optimism, suggesting that, if harnessed correctly, AI could address complex global challenges, including medical diagnostics and environmental issues. He estimated an 80% chance of a beneficial outcome, although he acknowledged the looming threat of an AI system that could act against human interests.

As the conversation unfolded, Musk reiterated the urgency of addressing AI safety and ethics, emphasizing that humanity’s future hinges on the choices made today in the realm of artificial intelligence. With the clock ticking towards 2029, the tech world watches closely as these developments unfold, raising crucial questions about control, responsibility, and the very nature of intelligence itself.