Artificial intelligence has, in recent years, become one of the main focal points of scientific research, economic investment, and social debate. This technology, which permeates every aspect of life, from healthcare to education, from communication to security policies, brings not only vast opportunities but also serious risks. At precisely this point, the warnings of cognitive psychologist and Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Prof. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “father of artificial intelligence,” bring the uncertainties of the future back into the spotlight. With his warning, “I tried to warn them, but we have already lost control!”, Hinton’s nearly 90-minute interview, published two months ago, draws attention. Let us share the key notes from it chronologically under five main headings.
1. The birth of artificial intelligence and Hinton’s vision
Prof. Hinton candidly explains his own role in the development of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes that, especially in the 1970s, his research was not sufficiently supported by the scientific community. Hinton was one of the few who believed it was possible to adapt the brain’s learning mechanisms to computers. The deep learning algorithms used today in millions of devices are rooted in this stubborn and visionary perspective. What he describes shows that today’s success in artificial intelligence did not emerge overnight but was shaped by decades of theoretical and practical accumulation. As viewers, we realize under this heading that the AI technologies we use today, whether on our phones, in healthcare, or in internet searches, are in fact the outcome of Hinton’s perseverance. Furthermore, Hinton’s scientific career presents not only a technological advancement but also an example of “remaining faithful to an idea even when in the minority.” By defending an approach that was criticized and often dismissed for years, and eventually transforming it into a system that changed the way the world operates, he has secured a unique place in the scientific community.
2. The Google years and the search for freedom of speech
One of the most striking parts of the interview was Hinton’s explanation of his departure from Google. Having worked at Google for 10 years, Hinton summarizes his reason for leaving as the desire to “speak freely.” He states that while working within the company, he could not comfortably express his opinions, especially his warnings about the risks of artificial intelligence, which remained limited within corporate boundaries. This explanation conveys an important message to the audience: the role of scientists is not only to develop technology but also to voice societal risks. In his personal career, Hinton left behind financial security and a prestigious position to embrace freedom for the sake of ethical concerns. This stance makes him not only a researcher but also a thinker with social responsibility. Another point that resonates throughout the interview is how crucial free speech is for scientific debate. Hinton underlines that being able to share his views on the future of AI without any corporate pressure is a necessity both for academic freedom and for the public good.
3. The dangers of artificial intelligence
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was the discussion of the possibility that AI might surpass human intelligence. Hinton states that one day AI will become “smarter than us,” which will pose an unprecedented risk for humanity. His analogy, “If you want to know what life is like when you are not the apex mind, ask a chicken”, illustrates this danger in a striking and tangible way. This warning is not only a scientific concern but also an existential alarm. According to Hinton, AI is not merely a faster computational tool; it could become an actor capable of making autonomous decisions and potentially disregarding human interests. As viewers, this section makes us realize that thinking of technology solely in terms of its benefits is insufficient. It also compels us to consider that, in this critical period shaping the future of humanity, ethical boundaries, regulations, and international cooperation are indispensable.
4. Possibilities of misuse
Hinton does not limit the danger of artificial intelligence only to the possibility of “superintelligence.” In his view, an equally important risk is the misuse of technology by people with malicious intent. Examples such as disinformation, election manipulation, autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks point to areas where AI can be easily exploited. This section makes the viewer think of AI as a double-edged sword. The same technology, while saving lives by enabling early diagnosis in healthcare, can also cause massive harm in the wrong hands. What Hinton particularly emphasizes here is the lack of oversight and regulation. The interview also reminds us that as technology advances, responsibilities fall not only on scientists but also on politicians, corporations, and society at large. Eliminating misuse risks requires the implementation of joint policies at a global level.
5. Hope and the inevitable future
Despite his serious warnings, Hinton also acknowledges that AI is “too useful to be stopped.” From cancer diagnosis in healthcare to safe driving systems in transportation, from education to our daily lives, AI offers countless conveniences. Hinton stresses that these benefits cannot be ignored, and therefore halting the development of AI is impossible. The key lesson for the audience is the reality that risks and opportunities coexist. While AI has the potential to become one of humanity’s greatest threats, it also offers revolutionary solutions that can raise our quality of life. The issue here is not to ban technology, but to steer it in the right direction. Under this heading, Hinton presents a hopeful yet cautious outlook on the future of humanity. His words remind us that in this new era, both scientists and societies must act with greater awareness.
Toronto University – ECNS Congress (2024)
Üsküdar University’s artificial intelligence research
Considering these opportunities and risks, Üsküdar University, particularly notable for its studies in Health Sciences, closely follows global debates on artificial intelligence while also advancing its neuroscience-focused research through its laboratories, application and research centers, and projects. In today’s world, where “data” has become the new capital, Üsküdar University has developed strategies on mining and processing big data for the benefit of patients. President of Üsküdar University Prof. Tarhan pioneered the development of an AI-based NP Model under the patent name “BrAInp.” Defined as an advanced deep learning model, BrAInp has been built on psychiatric data accumulated since 1998 and integrates neuroimaging data such as EEG and fMRI, analyzed through AI algorithms. With its high predictive performance, BrAInp is already being used at NP Istanbul Hospital in the preliminary diagnostic stage to benefit both patients and physicians, functioning as a rapid decision-support model. It currently demonstrates strong performance in diagnostic classification, prognostic monitoring of disease progression, and predictive modeling of potential future illnesses and treatment outcomes, with sub-models for OCD, eating disorders, TMS treatment response in depression, and facial emotion recognition. The model developed through scientific studies conducted at Üsküdar University’s application and research centers, enhanced with neuroimaging data (Connectom), combined with genetic data analysis (Genom) and phenotypic data (Fenom), creates a stable model with multiple data sources. This integration will move predictive algorithms beyond remaining limited to academic publications and into the healthcare system, offering opportunities for early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and effective care.
Prof. Geoffrey Hinton is a scientist renowned for his groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence and particularly deep learning. During his long academic career at the University of Toronto, the theories he developed on neural networks laid the foundation of today’s AI technologies. In 2018, he was awarded the Turing Award, and with this success, he went on to win the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside John Hopfield, making him one of the most prominent figures in his field. His title as the “Father of Artificial Intelligence” stems from his persistence and vision in adapting the brain’s learning processes to artificial systems. His research on artificial neural networks has been revolutionary not only in data mining and machine learning but also in areas such as speech recognition, computer vision, and natural language processing. In the 1980s, together with Rumelhart and Williams, cognitive psychologist Prof. Hinton developed the backpropagation algorithm, a transformative breakthrough in training artificial neural networks, which today forms the foundation of deep learning models.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)