Good Advice From The Godfather of AI: AI with a Mother’s Touch

Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "Godfather of AI," is a British-Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist known for his groundbreaking work on artificial neural networks. His research significantly advanced the field of deep learning and artificial intelligence. After receiving the Nobel Prize, he called for urgent research into AI safety to figure out how to control AI systems becoming smarter than humans and even out thinking us. Hinton's rationale is that as AI systems become increasingly powerful and potentially surpass human intelligence, they might develop subgoals focused on self-preservation and gaining control, which could lead to conflicts with human interests. His solution for safety is to imbue AI with Maternal Instincts.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has advanced tremendously in recent years, and users’ needs for and dependence on it are increasing. AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT are a common tool used frequently in professional fields and learning environments. Looking back in time, I recall the hours spent in the 42nd street library in New York City scrambling through the card catalogs looking for a reference, a required text or white paper. Then learning that the exact text I needed was either out of print or lent out. Look where we are today, I no longer travel to the library, sad to say, and yes, I use AI too! It’s so easy to locate information, to do research, find up to date news for my blogs and PowerPoint presentations. So easy to navigate but potentially so frightening.

In general, AI offers significant advantages in industry and in healthcare by simplifying reporting, standardizing more efficiently on clinical operations, personalizing treatment and diagnostic accuracy. It can help clinicians interpret imagining results, even interpret EKG and CAT scans. While it may be viewed as transformative with so many advantages, its rise has sparked heated debates for and against development and deployment. Concerns range from job displacement, privacy issues to ethical concerns. Nonetheless, this is where we are on our technological journey. However, with an ounce of caution, lets support a nurturing, neutral, balanced approach with appropriate checks and balances. Remember, Case Medical develops equipment, and software with input from our team of professionals and input from me, a woman in a healthcare business.

Let’s use AI smartly, to investigate and verify. Trusting information online, or on site, is not so obvious anymore. Next time, I may share a recent example of how we trusted a vendor and how that trust came back to haunt us in spades when we didn’t verify.