# We're already living in the AGI era, and we're unprepared

> Kevin Roose on why AI researchers fear the technology they're racing to build, and why the finish line keeps moving.
- Title: We're already living in the AGI era, and we're unprepared
- Summary: Kevin Roose on why AI researchers fear the technology they're racing to build, and why the finish line keeps moving.
- Keywords: artificial general intelligence, agi, ai researchers, kevin roose, the agi chronicles, anthropic, dario amodei, openai, superintelligence, Fastcompany
- Source: Fastcompany — https://fastcompany.com/91635131/agi-jagged-era-5-takeaways
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: artificial general intelligence, agi, ai researchers, kevin roose, the agi chronicles, anthropic, dario amodei, openai, superintelligence
## The paradox at the heart of AGI
We're already living in the early, imperfect years of artificial general intelligence. Our institutions are dangerously unprepared for what comes next.
## Fear drives the builders
Many key figures in the AI race got into the field because they were terrified of what superintelligent machines might do to humanity.
## Three tribes of AI researchers
Scientists see AGI as an intellectual challenge to cure disease. Seekers view it as an evolutionary turning point for humanity.
## The survivalists' logic
Survivalists believe if AGI isn't built by the good guys, the bad guys will build it instead, so they must accelerate development.
## The acceleration trap
Everyone is trying to get there first. They all conclude the only way to move forward responsibly is to accelerate development.
## Dario Amodei's paradox
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei left OpenAI partly out of concern it was moving too fast, then built a competitor that had to move just as fast.
## Living inside the paradox
Amodei and many others in the AGI race are trapped inside the paradox of fearing the technology while racing to build it.
## About Kevin Roose
Roose is an award-winning technology journalist and bestselling author. He spent a decade as a technology columnist for The New York Times.
## Hard Fork and Machine Gods
Roose co-created and cohosted Hard Fork, a popular podcast at The New York Times. He now cohosts Machine Gods, an AI-focused podcast with NPR.
## The AGI Chronicles book
Roose's new book is The AGI Chronicles: The Inside Story of the Race to Create an Artificial Superintelligence.
## Cofounder of Machine Gods Media
Roose is cofounder of Machine Gods Media, which produces AI-focused content and podcasts in partnership with major outlets.
## Key takeaway

AI researchers are already living in the early years of artificial general intelligence, but institutions remain dangerously unprepared for what comes next.