Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist, has dedicated much of his time and resources to tackling global issues such as climate change and poverty. However, there's one problem that even he admits has him stumped—misinformation.
Speaking to CNBC, Gates revealed that while he's worked on solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, addressing the spread of misinformation is an area where he’s had to pass the baton to the younger generation. "Misinformation is the one where I, a little bit, had to punt and say, ‘OK, we’ve handed this problem to the younger generation," Gates said.
Related News |
Bill Gates Praises AI Meeting Summary Tool In Microsoft Teams For Enhanced Productivity
The rise of misinformation has been exacerbated by advancements in technology, with artificial intelligence making it easier to generate and spread falsehoods. In a 2023 World Economic Forum survey, AI-generated misinformation was identified as the top global risk over the next two years. Additionally, a Pew Research Center survey found that 55% of Americans believe the government and tech companies should restrict false information online.
According to the report, Gates, often a target of conspiracy theories, is no stranger to the personal impact of misinformation. He said a conversation with his daughter, Phoebe, opened his eyes further to the issue’s severity. Phoebe had spoken about her own online harassment and the misconceptions surrounding their family.
"Hearing my daughter talk about how she’d been harassed online, and how her friends experienced that quite a bit, brought that into focus in a way that I hadn’t thought about before," added Gates.
Gates explores the misinformation challenge in his upcoming Netflix docuseries, What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates, premiering on 18 September. While he’s committed to finding solutions for other global issues, he admits that combating misinformation remains elusive.
Reflecting on his early years, Gates noted that when Microsoft began, he believed people would use computers and the internet responsibly. However, while filming the docuseries, he came to understand that people, including himself, can gravitate towards information that reinforces their existing beliefs, even if it's exaggerated. Gates concedes that he is unsure how best to curb the spread of misinformation without infringing on free speech rights.
Related News |
Sadhguru Turns 67: Reflecting On His Journey From Mysore To Global Influence – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS