TIME recently hosted its inaugural TIME100 Impact Dinner in San Francisco, celebrating the 100 most influential individuals in artificial intelligence across various industries and geographies. The event marked the start of a weeklong celebration of the TIME100 AI list, which showcases the rapid evolution and far-reaching impact of AI technology. TIME CEO Jessica Sibley highlighted the diversity and dynamism of the 2024 list, which includes 91 newcomers and honorees ranging from 15 to 77 years old, reflecting the field’s growth and ability to attract talent from all backgrounds.
The evening featured three powerful toasts delivered by distinguished AI leaders, each offering a unique perspective on the transformative potential of AI and the responsibilities that come with it. Amba Kak, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, challenged attendees to consider the broader societal implications of AI beyond its technical aspects. Kak emphasized how AI reflects existing power structures and norms through data and design choices, urging for democratizing AI decision-making to ensure those affected have a say in its deployment.
Kak drew inspiration from frontline workers and advocates pushing back against the misuse of AI, such as nurses’ unions advocating for their role in clinical AI deployment and artists defending human creativity. Her toast served as a call for a more inclusive approach to AI that considers the impact on various communities and prioritizes ethical considerations. Kak’s perspective highlighted the importance of shaping AI technology in a way that aligns with the kind of world we want to create.
Another toast was delivered by a prominent AI leader that focused on the potential of AI to address pressing global challenges. The speaker discussed how AI can be leveraged to tackle issues like climate change, healthcare disparities, and social inequality, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in harnessing AI for the greater good. This perspective underscored the transformative power of AI in driving positive change and solving complex problems that impact society at large.
Overall, the TIME100 Impact Dinner brought together a diverse group of AI leaders to discuss the future of AI and its potential to shape the world in meaningful ways. The event highlighted the importance of considering the ethical and social implications of AI technology, as well as the need for collaboration and inclusivity in its development and deployment. The toasts delivered by AI leaders offered valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI and the responsibilities that come with harnessing this powerful technology for the betterment of society.
