Joseph Gordon-Levitt is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence’s potential consequences, warning it could erode human connection and undermine democracy.
The “Don Jon” actor urged the public to pay closer attention to the companies behind the technology and how their pursuit of profits could shape society’s future.
Gordon-Levitt has remained vocal about societal issues and, at times, politics. Still, he recently caused a stir after being seen at a secretive society meeting organized by controversial billionaire Peter Thiel.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Warns AI Could Erode Human Empathy
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is raising concerns about AI’s growing influence, warning that the technology could threaten human relationships and weaken democracy.
In a recent video interview with The New York Times, the “Snowden” actor said the biggest danger isn’t AI itself, but the people developing it and the interests driving its growth.
Gordon-Levitt, who serves as the United Nations’ global advocate for human-centric digital governance, warned that the emerging technology could lead to the “decline of democracy, the decline of human empathy” and the hijacking “of your intimacy.”
He also cautioned against allowing powerful tech companies to shape the future solely for financial gain. He stressed that the public must understand what is at stake and take an active role in decisions about AI development and regulation.
“What we don’t want is a bunch of people confused or apathetic while these very fast-moving businesses design the future by themselves, just in the interests of their own profits,” he explained.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Fears AI Could Pave The Way For ‘Totalitarianism’
Elsewhere in the conversation, as he headed to address the UN on AI’s impacts, Gordon-Levitt was asked what worried him most about AI.
The 45-year-old actor, not wanting to reduce the situation to a “soundbite of fear,” explained that such questions “don’t really get at the substance of the concern.”
However, he pointed to a possible decline in democracy and human empathy, among other things.
“The thing that worries me is a lot more complicated and a lot more boring to talk about, because it’s a lot more dense,” he said. “The decline of democracy, the decline of human empathy. These companies are betting they’ll take over the entire economy. That would be totalitarianism, and that would be really bad.”
- Gordon-Levitt teamed up with Shailene Woodley for “Killer Heat.”
- He admitted to not heeding Christopher Nolan’s advice.
- Gordon-Levitt got injured on set after a bicycle crash.
- Ted Cruz linked to Peter Thiel’s secret network.
- Andrew Garfield blasted for attacking billionaires while making millions.
The ‘Inception’ Star Warns AI Could ‘Hijack Your Intimacy’
He also warned that AI models are being developed to form emotional connections with users, which could have long-term effects.
He continued, “Simultaneously, these models are being trained to hijack your intimacy, to make friends with you, to get you to fall in love with it.”
The “Inception” star argued that public attention should focus on the companies building these systems rather than treating AI as something to fear on its own.
“We shouldn’t be scared of an A.I. We should be concerned about the people building AI,” he added.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Sets The Record Straight On Peter Thiel Ties
While he has remained an active voice on AI advocacy and politics, Gordon-Levitt has also raised eyebrows over some of his associations.
In June, he attended a meeting hosted by Peter Thiel but quickly addressed it, saying he and the Palantir founder “are political and ideological opposites.”
The “Looper” actor admitted in an Instagram post shared at the time that he had attended two of Thiel’s “Dialog conferences,” but insisted, “I do not know Peter Thiel.”
“I’ve never met him. I’ve never spoken with him or his representatives. I’ve never seen him at an event. From what I’ve read about his views, we are political and ideological opposites,” he added.
The Versatile Actor Gears Up For A New Hulu Drama ‘Gaijin’
Meanwhile, Gordon-Levitt has also been busy with several screen projects as he prepares to take on a new television project with Hulu, following the debut of his “heartfelt” passion project, “Mr Corman,” on Apple TV+.
According to Deadline, he’s attached to executive produce and is being considered for the lead role in “Gaijin,” an upcoming drama from “Shōgun” co-executive producer Shannon Goss.
The series follows Ivan, a Westerner who moves to Tokyo with his young son after his wife’s death. Hoping to stay connected to her Japanese roots, he moves in with his in-laws, whom he barely knows, and pursues his dream of opening a ramen restaurant.
The story draws inspiration from the real-life journey of Ivan Orkin, the American chef behind Ivan Ramen. The series will focus on the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, family tensions, and his attempt to rebuild his life while running a business.
Goss and Orkin will executive produce the project alongside Gordon-Levitt. Other executive producers include Jared Geller and the team at Nickel City Pictures.
Meanwhile, Gordon-Levitt has other projects lined up, including “Pendulum,” a film co-starring Phoebe Dynevor, Jacki Weaver, and Norman Reedus. He also wrote and directed an upcoming Netflix AI thriller featuring Rachel McAdams, Joel Edgerton, and Jeff Daniels, among others.