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During a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his admiration for Sen. John Fetterman’s casual attire, particularly his choice of hoodie. Fetterman, representing Pennsylvania, was among the last senators to question Altman during the session, where discussions ranged from the legacy of Three Mile Island to the implications of artificial intelligence.

Fetterman acknowledged the advancements brought about by Altman’s technology and emphasized the adaptability of humans in light of these changes. He also voiced concerns regarding public apprehensions about AI, prompting Altman to thank him for normalizing the casual dress code in professional environments.

Altman highlighted the significance of this era, noting that the technological revolution surrounding AI represents one of humanity’s greatest shifts. In addition to his inquiries about AI, Fetterman raised issues regarding the impact of data center proliferation on electricity costs for residents of Pennsylvania and across the country.

He underscored the importance of energy security as a component of national security, pushing for a balance between renewable energy and fossil fuels. While discussing Microsoft’s data center project, Fetterman mentioned the historical context of Three Mile Island, sharing a personal anecdote about his childhood experience during the meltdown.

Despite his past, he expressed support for nuclear energy as a vital part of addressing climate change. Fetterman sought assurances from Microsoft’s Vice Chair, Brad Smith, that the investment in data centers would not burden Pennsylvania families with higher electricity rates.

Smith assured Fetterman that Microsoft plans to invest in the power grid to offset its energy usage, thereby preventing any adverse impact on local electricity costs.

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Tech, recently voiced concerns regarding the impact of AI chatbots on children during his appearance on Fox & Friends. He referenced the 2013 film “Her,” in which Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Theodore, becomes emotionally attached to an AI named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film raises important questions about the real dangers of forming deep connections with technology.

Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership, aims to develop its AI chatbots into companions, ostensibly to address the growing loneliness epidemic. Zuckerberg claims that most Americans have fewer than three friends while yearning for meaningful connections. However, rather than fostering real human interactions, he proposes to substitute these relationships with a digital experience akin to the movie “Her.”

This shift raises several red flags. Social media has already negatively affected mental health, particularly for children. Relying on technology to engineer relationships is problematic and may exacerbate feelings of isolation.

Human connections, despite their imperfections, should not be replaced with AI, which lacks genuine emotions and empathy. Human beings are inherently social creatures who thrive on authentic relationships. While the creation of imaginary friends in childhood is a natural expression of creativity, AI bots distort this experience by simulating companionship without genuine connection.

The danger lies in the potential for people to withdraw from society, opting for superficial interactions rather than engaging in meaningful relationships. Moreover, as technology continues to reshape social dynamics, AI companions could create unrealistic standards for human connections. Studies reveal that a significant number of young adults believe AI could replace real-life romantic relationships, which poses a significant threat to genuine human experiences.

Ultimately, it’s vital to encourage individuals to seek out real-world interactions rather than retreating into a tech-driven fantasy. Humans require more than fleeting digital connections; they need the depth and richness that only real relationships can provide.