OpenAI Researcher Quits, Warns of Chilling Future for AI Development

Terrified OpenAI Researcher Quits, Warns of Chilling Future for AI Development

Ann Stossel

In a shocking revelation, Steven Adler, a former safety researcher at OpenAI, has resigned, citing deep fears about the rapid pace of artificial intelligence development and its potential risks to humanity. Adler, who worked at OpenAI for four years, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns, questioning whether humanity will survive long enough for him to raise a family or plan for retirement.

“I’m pretty terrified by the pace of AI development these days,” Adler wrote. “Even if a lab truly wants to develop AGI responsibly, others can cut corners to catch up, maybe disastrously. This pushes all to speed up. No lab has a solution to AI alignment today.”

Adler’s departure comes amid increasing scrutiny of OpenAI and the broader AI industry. Questions about the ethics and safety of artificial general intelligence (AGI) have been heightened by the death of another former OpenAI researcher, Suchir Balaji, in November, reportedly by suicide. Balaji had turned whistleblower, sparking allegations about restrictive nondisclosure agreements within OpenAI.

Critics like UC Berkeley professor Stuart Russell have likened the AGI race to a “race towards the edge of a cliff,” warning of catastrophic consequences if systems smarter than humans are unleashed without proper controls. Adler echoed similar sentiments, saying the industry is stuck in a “bad equilibrium,” where the rush to dominate AI innovation outweighs safety precautions.

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, has faced a mix of praise and criticism for its AI ventures, including the recent launch of ChatGPT Gov for U.S. government agencies. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has pledged to repeal Biden-era policies that he claims hinder AI innovation, vowing to ensure that American AI development aligns with “common sense” and national priorities.

As Adler takes a break from the tech world, his warnings resonate as a sobering reminder of the stakes in the AI arms race. Will the push for innovation outpace the necessary safeguards—or can humanity strike a balance before it’s too late?