Latest news with #DwarkeshPodcast
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Anthropic researchers tell college students how to get ahead in their careers in an AI-obsessed world
The secret to building a career in a world where AI is the main character: Lean into it, say two Anthropic researchers. In an episode of the "Dwarkesh Podcast" released on Thursday, a pair of the researchers behind Claude — Sholto Douglas and Trenton Bricken — shared three strategies for early careers. They suggested thinking big picture, being lazy, and not letting a previous job stop you from working with AI. Douglas, who works on reinforcement learning, said everyone should imagine what they want to do, now that AI can help. "If you had 10 engineers at your beck and call, what would you do?" Douglas said. He added, "What problems, and domains suddenly become tractable? That's the world you want to prepare for." He suggested that people gain technical depth by studying biology, physics, and computer science and that they think hard about what challenges they want to solve. Bricken, who researches mechanistic interpretability at the AI company, said college students and young professionals should "be lazier" and outsource more to AI. "You need to critically think about the things you're currently doing, and what an AI could actually be better at doing, and then go and try it," Bricken said. The researchers' third piece of advice was about not letting "sunk costs" get in the way. Sunk costs are a concept in which people continue to invest more time and resources because so much has already been spent. "Whatever kind of specialization that you've done, maybe just doesn't matter that much," Bricken said. "My colleagues at Anthropic are excited about AI. They just don't let their previous career be a blocker." "It's not as if they were in AI forever," he added. People across industries are talking about how to AI-proof their careers as AI chatbots and agents become more powerful and capable. The technology is displacing jobs in sectors like software engineering, content creation, and consulting. Top tech leaders have said all professionals need to think about how AI can improve their workflows. Last month, Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, said people must stop perceiving AI as a "tech thing" and see it as a tool for everyone. "Within Uber, we're a highly technical company — 30,000 employees — and not enough of my employees know how to use AI constructively," Khosrowshahi said, adding that the company is working to change that. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, has repeatedly touted the use of AI agents in companies, saying that they will not only change every job but will also secure employment instead of hurting it. "AIs will recruit other AIs to solve problems. AIs will be in Slack channels with each other, and with humans," Huang said late last year. "So we'll just be one large employee base if you will — some of them are digital and AI, and some of them are biological."
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can AI truly replace human friendships? Mark Zuckerberg believes it can, but a psychologist weighs in
In an age where loneliness is rising and digital companionship is just a click away, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes he has a solution: artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation on the Dwarkesh Podcast , Zuckerberg painted a vision of a world where AI friends help fill the emotional void for millions. 'The average American has three people they would consider friends,' he observed. 'And the average person has demand for meaningfully more. I think it's, like, 15.' #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures But behind this techno-optimism lies a growing unease among psychologists. Can the glowing screen truly stand in for the warmth of a human connection? According to a report from CNBC Make it , experts like Omri Gillath, a psychology professor at the University of Kansas, don't think so. 'There is no replacement for these close, intimate, meaningful relationships,' he cautions. What Zuckerberg sees as an opportunity, Gillath sees as a potentially hollow, even harmful, substitute. The Temptation of a Perfect Companion Zuckerberg's remarks come at a time when AI-powered 'friends' — always available, ever-patient, and endlessly affirming — are gaining popularity. For those feeling isolated, the allure is undeniable. No judgment, no scheduling conflicts, and no emotional baggage. Gillath acknowledges these momentary comforts: 'AI is available 24/7. It's always going to be polite and say the right things.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo But therein lies the problem. While these digital entities may seem emotionally responsive, they lack true emotional depth. 'AI cannot introduce you to their network,' Gillath points out. 'It cannot play ball with you. It cannot introduce you to a partner.' Even the warmest conversation with a chatbot, he argues, cannot compare to the healing power of a hug or the spark of spontaneous laughter with a friend. Love, Simulated Still, people are beginning to develop strong emotional attachments to AI. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported on a woman who claimed to have fallen in love with ChatGPT. Her story is not unique, and it reflects a growing trend of people projecting real feelings onto these artificial companions. You Might Also Like: Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman delivers blunt reality check: 'AI is coming for your job, and mine – Unless you become...' Yet these connections, Gillath insists, are ultimately 'fake' and 'empty.' AI may mimic empathy, but it cannot reciprocate it. The relationship is one-sided, a digital mirror reflecting your emotions back at you — but never feeling them itself. A False Promise with Real Consequences Beyond emotional shallowness, there may be more serious psychological consequences of replacing human interaction with AI. Gillath points to troubling trends among youth: higher anxiety, increased depression, and stunted social skills in those heavily reliant on AI for communication. 'Use AI for practice, but not as a replacement,' he advises. The concern isn't just about emotional well-being — it's also about trust. 'These companies have agendas,' Gillath warns. Behind every AI friend is a business model, a data strategy, a bottom line. Meta's recent unveiling of a ChatGPT-style app was the backdrop for Zuckerberg's remarks. It's not just about technology — it's about market share. The Human Need That Tech Can't Fill Zuckerberg is right about one thing: people are craving more connection. But the answer may not be more sophisticated algorithms — it might be more vulnerability, more community, more effort to connect in real life. You Might Also Like: Duolingo CEO sparks outrage with 'AI-First' shift: Is the owl phasing out people power for automation? 'Join clubs, find people with similar interests, and work on active listening,' Gillath recommends. In other words, pursue messy, unpredictable, profoundly human relationships. Because no matter how convincing AI becomes, it will never know what it means to truly care. Can an algorithm be your best friend? Maybe. But it will never be your real friend.
Economic Times
09-05-2025
- Economic Times
Can AI truly replace human friendships? Mark Zuckerberg believes it can, but a psychologist weighs in
The Temptation of a Perfect Companion Love, Simulated A False Promise with Real Consequences The Human Need That Tech Can't Fill In an age where loneliness is rising and digital companionship is just a click away, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes he has a solution: artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Zuckerberg painted a vision of a world where AI friends help fill the emotional void for millions. 'The average American has three people they would consider friends,' he observed. 'And the average person has demand for meaningfully more. I think it's, like, 15.'But behind this techno-optimism lies a growing unease among psychologists. Can the glowing screen truly stand in for the warmth of a human connection? According to a report from CNBC Make it, experts like Omri Gillath, a psychology professor at the University of Kansas, don't think so. 'There is no replacement for these close, intimate, meaningful relationships,' he cautions. What Zuckerberg sees as an opportunity, Gillath sees as a potentially hollow, even harmful, remarks come at a time when AI-powered 'friends' — always available, ever-patient, and endlessly affirming — are gaining popularity. For those feeling isolated, the allure is undeniable. No judgment, no scheduling conflicts, and no emotional baggage. Gillath acknowledges these momentary comforts: 'AI is available 24/7. It's always going to be polite and say the right things.'But therein lies the problem. While these digital entities may seem emotionally responsive, they lack true emotional depth. 'AI cannot introduce you to their network,' Gillath points out. 'It cannot play ball with you. It cannot introduce you to a partner.' Even the warmest conversation with a chatbot, he argues, cannot compare to the healing power of a hug or the spark of spontaneous laughter with a people are beginning to develop strong emotional attachments to AI. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported on a woman who claimed to have fallen in love with ChatGPT. Her story is not unique, and it reflects a growing trend of people projecting real feelings onto these artificial these connections, Gillath insists, are ultimately 'fake' and 'empty.' AI may mimic empathy, but it cannot reciprocate it. The relationship is one-sided, a digital mirror reflecting your emotions back at you — but never feeling them emotional shallowness, there may be more serious psychological consequences of replacing human interaction with AI. Gillath points to troubling trends among youth: higher anxiety, increased depression, and stunted social skills in those heavily reliant on AI for communication. 'Use AI for practice, but not as a replacement,' he concern isn't just about emotional well-being — it's also about trust. 'These companies have agendas,' Gillath warns. Behind every AI friend is a business model, a data strategy, a bottom line. Meta's recent unveiling of a ChatGPT-style app was the backdrop for Zuckerberg's remarks. It's not just about technology — it's about market is right about one thing: people are craving more connection. But the answer may not be more sophisticated algorithms — it might be more vulnerability, more community, more effort to connect in real life.'Join clubs, find people with similar interests, and work on active listening,' Gillath recommends. In other words, pursue messy, unpredictable, profoundly human relationships. Because no matter how convincing AI becomes, it will never know what it means to truly an algorithm be your best friend? Maybe. But it will never be your real friend.
CNBC
09-05-2025
- CNBC
Mark Zuckerberg says people can fill the need for friends with AI, but 'there is no replacement' for human relationships, psychologist says
In an April interview on the Dwarkesh Podcast, founder and CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg discussed the opportunity presented by AI relationships. The average American has "three people that they would consider friends," he said. "And the average person has demand for meaningfully more. I think it's, like, 15." Psychologists refute the idea of the "right" number of friends. For most people, having three or four close friends is "more than enough," says Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas. Still, for those who need more, Zuckerberg believes AI will be able to fill in the gaps. "I would guess that over time," he said, "we will find the vocabulary as a society to be able to articulate why that is valuable." Gillath disagrees with this, too. The idea that AI could one day replace human relationships is "definitely not supported by research," he says. Interacting with the various versions of AI chatbots and friends that exist can offer "momentary advantages and benefits," says Gillath. AI is available "24/7," for example, he says. "It's always going to be polite and always going to say the right things." But ultimately, this tech cannot offer the advantages that come with deep, long-term relationships. "AI cannot introduce you to their network," he says as an example. It cannot play ball with you or introduce you to a potential partner. "A hug would be so much more meaningful and helpful and beneficial" than much of what AI can provide. It is possible to like you've created a real relationship with AI, however. The New York Times recently reported on a woman who fell in love with ChatGPT, for example. But because AI can't feel back, these relationships are ultimately "fake" and "empty," says Gillath. Thus far, what the research concludes is "there is no replacement for these close, intimate, meaningful relationships" that people can only have with other people, he says. Not only will swapping human friendships or partners with AI versions not be fulfilling, it could make people feel worse, Gillath says. Research shows that kids who use AI experience "higher anxiety, higher depression and they're not developing their social skills." When it comes to forming relationships in your life, Gillath advises you "use AI for practice but not as a replacement," and make sure tech use isn't taking time away from your interactions with people. To meet new people, join clubs and organizations around your interests and work on active listening. And remember that even as they laud AI's benefits, "these companies have agendas," he says. "They're trying to make money." Zuckerberg himself was doing the interview on the heels of Meta's latest release, an AI app similar to the now ubiquitous ChatGPT.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Zuckerberg Warns Of 'Serious Disadvantage' As China's Data-Center Blitz Could Let DeepSeek Leapfrog US AI Labs
Mark Zuckerberg says America's edge in artificial intelligence could erode unless it matches China's rapid build-out of data-center power and factory-scale hardware. What Happened: Speaking on the Dwarkesh Podcast, the billionaire founder warned that "the U.S. really needs to focus on streamlining the ability to build data centers and produce energy. Otherwise, we'll be at a significant disadvantage." Zuckerberg's comments came during a comparison of Meta's newly announced Llama 4 family with Huangzhou-based DeepSeek's R1. This open-source model stunned researchers this spring by rivaling larger Western systems despite running on export-restricted chips. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —China, he noted, compensates for U.S. curbs on high-end Nvidia processors by pouring engineers into low-level code tweaks. "DeepSeek basically had to spend a bunch of their calories doing infrastructure optimizations that the American labs didn't have to do," he said. Those workarounds produced strong text performance, but at a cost, Zuckerberg argued: R1 remains text-only, while Llama 4 is multimodal, handling images and voice. "We're basically in the same ballpark on all the text stuff ... but with a smaller model, so the cost-per-intelligence is lower," he said. "On the multimodal side we're effectively leading."Why It Matters: Zuckerberg's comments highlight how Washington's chip export controls are reshaping the AI race. While the rules slow Chinese access to cutting-edge silicon, they also spur aggressive investments in domestic power generation and cloud capacity — a drive Zuckerberg says U.S. regulators must match to keep pace. Meanwhile, Bernstein analysts believe banning Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) chips won't stop China's artificial intelligence development, who suggest the export restrictions could instead strengthen the likes of Huawei Technologies. Huawei is expected to mass-ship its 910C AI chip as early as next month. According to Reuters, the chip matches Nvidia's H100 performance by integrating two 910B processors into a single package. Photo Courtesy: Frederic Legrand – COMEO on Read Next: Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum. Send To MSN: Send to MSN Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Mark Zuckerberg Warns Of 'Serious Disadvantage' As China's Data-Center Blitz Could Let DeepSeek Leapfrog US AI Labs originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
