Sam Altman Waries GPT-5: Possible Existential Threat?

Published Date : 01/08/2025 

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed serious concerns about the development of GPT-5, comparing it to the Manhattan Project and suggesting that the technology might pose an existential threat to humanity. 

OpenAI's GPT-5 is arguably the most anticipated AI model in the history of artificial intelligence. As early as last year, CEO Sam Altman has been raving about its sophisticated capabilities, to the extent of promising ‘with a high degree of scientific certainty’ that GPT-5 will be smarter than GPT-4.

For context, the executive is on record indicating that GPT-4 ‘kind of sucks,’ further describing it as mildly embarrassing at best, presumably in comparison to future iterations of the model like GPT-5. Despite these criticisms, Altman emphasized the importance of iterative deployment and early releases.

While OpenAI has remained tight-lipped about the development of GPT-5, recent reports suggest that the company could be preparing for an August launch. Speaking in a recent episode of the 'This Past Weekend with Theo Von' podcast, Altman indicated that the new model feels very fast while comparing its development to the Manhattan Project.

Perhaps more concerning, Altman admitted that he was nervous about the next-gen technology he’d championed to develop and release to the world. According to Altman, ‘There are moments in the history of science, where you have a group of scientists look at their creation and just say, you know: “What have we done?”’

The executive admitted that AI was advancing and scaling rapidly, potentially outpacing the oversights put in place to prevent the technology from spiraling out of control. ‘It feels like there are no adults in the room,’ added Altman.

While Altman didn't categorically indicate what specifically raised his concern about GPT-5, it potentially suggests that the company is getting ready to ship a product that could pose an existential threat to humanity. The AI firm doesn't seem to have a firm grasp or control over the model, which adds to the apprehension.

OpenAI, founded in 2015, is a leading research organization in the field of artificial intelligence. The company aims to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. However, the rapid development and deployment of advanced AI models like GPT-5 raise significant ethical and safety concerns.

As the technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for organizations like OpenAI to balance innovation with responsible development and deployment. The potential risks and benefits of GPT-5 will likely be a topic of intense debate in the coming months and years.

In the meantime, the AI community and the public will be watching closely to see how OpenAI navigates these challenges and ensures that GPT-5 is developed and used in a way that aligns with ethical and safety standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is GPT-5?

A: GPT-5 is the next major iteration of OpenAI's language model, expected to be significantly more advanced and capable than its predecessor, GPT-4.

Q: Why is Sam Altman concerned about GPT-5?

A: Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is concerned about the rapid advancement of AI technology and the potential risks it poses, including the possibility that it could spiral out of control or pose an existential threat to humanity.

Q: When is GPT-5 expected to be released?

A: Recent reports suggest that GPT-5 could be released in August, although the exact date remains unclear.

Q: What is the Manhattan Project analogy used by Sam Altman?

A: Sam Altman compared the development of GPT-5 to the Manhattan Project, a reference to the scientific project that developed the first nuclear weapons, highlighting the significant and potentially dangerous nature of the technology.

Q: What is OpenAI's mission?

A: OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. The organization focuses on conducting research and developing AI technologies in a responsible and ethical manner. 

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