Insights from LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman recently spoke at Wharton about the four ways people relate to AI, and why everyone will need to participate in our AI-powered future.

• LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman identifies four types of people in relation to AI: doomers, gloomers, zoomers, and bloomers.
• Despite potential issues, Hoffman believes AI, when used correctly, can significantly improve society.

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who spoke at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, outlined four categories of individuals based on their views on AI: doomers, gloomers, zoomers, and bloomers.

The doomers view AI as an existential threat that must be halted. Gloomers perceive it as an unavoidable progression towards job loss and human displacement. Zoomers are enthusiastic proponents eager to accelerate AI development and deployment. Like Hoffman himself, Bloomers are cautiously optimistic, recognizing the potential of AI but also acknowledging the need for careful navigation.

Hoffman’s classification stems from his extensive experience as a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He co-founded LinkedIn and Inflection AI and launched Manas AI, a company focusing on the accelerated development of cancer drugs. He also co-authored the book Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right With Our AI Future.

Despite the potential risks associated with AI, such as privacy concerns, safety issues, and misuse by malevolent actors, Hoffman maintains an optimistic stance. He believes AI, when used correctly, can revolutionize society for the better, much like previous pivotal inventions such as the printing press and the internet.

However, Hoffman acknowledges that the rapid transformation brought about by AI can be disconcerting for many. He attributes the mistrust in AI to a fear of losing personal agency. He encourages individuals to familiarize themselves with the technology, suggesting that AI can enhance human capabilities at work, home, and communities.

Hoffman views universal AI access as a critical step in closing the inequality gap. He draws parallels between AI and the internet, suggesting that AI could spread globally. However, he acknowledges that this process may not be evenly distributed.

Hoffman encourages educational institutions like Wharton to prepare students for an AI-powered future. He believes the school is already ahead of other institutions in incorporating AI into the curriculum. He also advises young people to leverage their familiarity with AI as a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.

Hoffman urges all – doomers, gloomers, zoomers, and bloomers – to actively participate in the AI discourse, emphasizing that diverse perspectives can lead to better outcomes. He draws on a sports metaphor to illustrate the importance of active participation, advising Europe to “get on the field” in the global AI game instead of playing the role of a referee.

Discover more at Knowledge@Wharton and watch the Navigating AI’s Future: Reid Hoffman with Wharton Dean Erika James video.