Some AI researchers are taking up smoking because they believe the technology will eventually cure cancer, according to Palantir technology chief Shyam Sankar. Speaking on “Face the Nation,” he said cigarettes have become a way for researchers to show others how strongly they believe in AI. Sankar did not name anyone or provide evidence for his claim.
His comments follow reports of some tech founders and investors embracing smoking as a way to meet people or seem more relaxed. Avi Schiffmann, founder of the AI device company Friend, previously said AI robots were supposed to cure lung cancer by the time smokers developed it. Sankar raised the subject while criticizing what he sees as almost a religious faith in AI by researchers. For the record, no AI breakthrough has removed the health risks of cigarettes so far.
Source: Business Insider
