SUMMARY
- Craigslist founder dives deep into AI's influence and potential pitfalls.
- Newmark donates millions for AI education, emphasizing truth in the digital age.
- Beyond tech: Newmark focuses on cybersecurity and military families support.
Remember Craigslist? That digital relic from 1995 that once dominated online bulletin boards is still alive, chugging away with its apartment ads and random items for sale. Despite its nostalgic feel, it has been surpassed by the newer, shinier platforms like Airbnb, LinkedIn, and Facebook Marketplace that chase Wall Street’s applause.
Craig Newmark, the brain behind Craigslist, might seem to belong to a bygone internet era, but his finger is still very much on the tech pulse. Through Craig Newmark Philanthropies, he's generously poured millions into media and tech causes since 2015. Recently, Newmark's foundation gave a cool $3 million to Common Sense Media for an AI education venture. This endeavor aims to help folks, especially parents and educators, understand the safety of AI tools. It's like a Yelp for AI, letting users discern if something like OpenAI's ChatGPT is child-friendly.
But why this sudden interest in AI? Newmark's eureka moment came with the realization of AI's massive influence on search engines. He expressed concern over search engines promoting unreliable sources, emphasizing the importance of truth in today's digital age. Bad actors, he worries, will exploit AI, amplifying and disseminating false narratives. To add salt to the wound, Newmark feels that some big tech companies have grown complacent in combating misinformation.
An advocate for the internet’s potential, Newmark sees both its promise and pitfalls. He reminisces about the internet's early days, likening platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky to the internet's initial slow and steady growth. Beyond AI and media, cybersecurity and supporting military families are also on his radar. His giving spree has even covered anti-ransomware initiatives and support for veterans.
Newmark's take on his philanthropy is refreshingly humble. While some might splurge on yachts or luxury cars, he finds more joy in making a difference. It's not about playing the saint; for him, it’s just the right thing to do.
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