Chicago AI experts say concerns about humanity's demise are overblown, but caution is warranted

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As artificial intelligence continues to advance across industries, some of the technology's creators and lawmakers are calling for a slowdown and increased regulation.

However, local computer science experts say fears that AI poses an imminent threat to humanity are largely exaggerated.

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Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to drive innovation in a wide range of fields, prompting debate over whether the technology is developing too quickly. While some AI leaders have warned that the current pace of progress could have serious consequences, some academics disagree with those assessments.

"The cinematic version of this, I think, is very much overblown. I don't think we're in a place where AI by itself poses a threat to humanity," said Hank Hoffmann, chair of the University of Chicago's Computer Science Department.

Although Hoffmann does not believe AI currently presents an existential threat, he said there could be advantages to slowing development in order to better understand emerging challenges.

"I don't think (we) know what to do in a world where AI is generating software at a rate that's faster than humans can verify it. So if if we can study those problems during a slowdown, I think that would be beneficial," Hoffmann said.

He said additional computer science expertise is needed to study and evaluate AI-generated software, particularly because critical systems such as financial networks and power grids depend on software reliability.

"In the use, in the hands of a bad actor, there's I think greater ability for somebody with malicious intent to attack that critical infrastructure," Hoffmann said.

Not all experts agree that a slowdown is necessary.

"A pause has cost. Keep that in mind, right? There's other breakthroughs that are going to be hindered if we start pausing," said professor Dan Linna, director of Law and Technology Initiatives at Northwestern University.

Linna also questioned whether broad new government regulations are needed, noting that some existing laws already address aspects of the technology. Like Hoffmann, however, he said concerns about a near-term threat to humanity are overstated.

"Most experts in the field would say we're many breakthroughs away from some sort of artificial general intelligence that's a real threat to humanity," Linna said.

As debate continues over the risks and regulation of artificial intelligence, both experts said the focus should also include the potential benefits AI may bring to a variety of industries and professions in the years ahead.