Is AI the next chapter in the evolution of the internet, and does it bring a new era for humanity? Is AI not only the new general purpose technology but also the next technology platform shift (after mobile and the cloud)?

Thanks to recent leaps in Artificial Intelligence (specifically Deep Learning), generative models such as DallE 2 and ChatGPT (both powered by OpenAI), can now produce unique images and videos as well as texts and are sound based on just a text prompt, and often with uncanny human-like quality. The media, VCs, and investors are all abuzz with excitement about Generative Artificial Intelligence. Already utilised in areas such as customer service and content-writing, generative AIs like ChatGPT, Sora, and Gemini seem poised to transform the web – and our society. Is General Intelligence next?

Have a look at Gerd's YouTube playlist featuring his latest videos on AI

Technology companies around the world are pouring 10s of Billions into AI. New regional players such as the UAE are investing boldly in AI, while the EU launched its AI Act in March 2024. Many optimisations and huge efficiencies, new revenue streams and dramatic global GDP growth are envisioned – yet the ramifications for society, and humanity at large, are of even larger magnitude. Will generative AI be collectively beneficial, and will it help us achieve what I call ‘The Good Future‘?

Tough questions about digital ethics, responsibility, control and accountability are everywhere. In a world where AI language models will increasingly be used to generate media content, news reports and social media posts, the potential for well-disguised mistakes, bias, and disinformation looms large. If we're not careful, AI's negative externalities could be like social media's – but maybe 100x as bad. So what to do? How to benefit from these new possibilities without causing uncontrollable externalities?