OpenAI founder Sam Altman welcomed the new year with a thought-provoking post on social media. His first tweet of 2025 comprised a succinct yet powerful six-word message that reflects his concerns about the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI).
In his tweet, Altman remarked, ‘near the singularity; unclear which side.’ This cryptic message refers to ‘the singularity’—the point at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable or irreversible, resulting in unforeseeable changes to human civilization.
Altman later explained that the ambiguity of his message mirrors his own uncertainties regarding advances in AI technology. He added, ‘It’s supposed to either be about 1. the simulation hypothesis or 2. the impossibility of knowing when the critical moment in the takeoff actually happens, but I like that it works in a lot of other ways too.’
He described ‘takeoff’ as the defining moment when the technological singularity begins, while referencing the simulation hypothesis, which posits that we could be living in a computer-generated reality—a theory generally viewed as philosophical rather than scientific.
This isn’t the first time Altman has engaged with the complexities of AI. In previous discussions, he has stressed the importance of ethical considerations and the need for proper governance as technology continues to develop.
A few notable players in the AI field have raised alarms regarding the rapid pace of AI development, including Tesla’s Elon Musk. Musk has been critical of OpenAI’s approach, highlighting concerns about the implications of creating artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Despite pushback, Altman remains optimistic about the future. When asked what excites him for 2025 during a recent interview, he remarked, ‘AGI. I’m excited for that.’
As discussions around AI’s impact on society continue to evolve, Altman’s latest message serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities that come with advancements in technology.
