In a surprising revelation, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) co-founder Bill Gates admitted that he underestimated the internet’s ability to propagate misinformation and false beliefs.
“I will admit, the people who drove the digital revolution, including myself, really thought that the world would get more rational,” he said.
However, Gates conceded that he didn’t foresee the manipulation of digital platforms by individuals propagating fallacious ideas.
He explained, “There were a lot of them out there. They were just not finding each other. And now, with digital tools, said: ‘Oh you think that crazy thing? Me too! Let’s get together and have a critical mass of crazy people. Let’s, you know, call ourselves QAnon.'”
Despite this, Gates expressed optimism for the future, hoping that the next generation would address the disinformation problem. He also showed continued optimism for Artificial Intelligence (AI), advocating for its regulation.
“I’m more optimistic about AI because of the near-term benefits,” Gates expressed, hinting that AI could provide solutions to labor shortages and enrich the world.
Gates’ views on AI are not new. He predicted AI would revolutionize the software industry and that personal AI-powered assistants would be available within five years.
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