Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the distrust surrounding AI technology, attributing it to a conspiracy funded by billionaires from the "effective altruism" movement, rather than genuine concerns about job loss or privacy [2][3]. Group 1: AI Distrust and Funding - David Sachs claims that the public's distrust in AI is artificially manufactured by a network of billionaires who have invested over $1 billion to promote "existential risk" narratives [2][3]. - The "effective altruism" movement, which includes notable figures like Dustin Moskovitz and Sam Bankman-Fried, has funded organizations advocating for strict AI regulations [3][7]. - Sachs argues that the funding has shifted public opinion on AI, with only 39% of Americans believing AI is more beneficial than harmful, compared to 83% in China [5]. Group 2: Effective Altruism Movement - The effective altruism movement, initiated by philosophers from Oxford, focuses on preventing future disasters, including uncontrolled AI [7]. - Some organizations within this movement advocate for strict AI regulations, while others, like Open Philanthropy, support research to align AI with human values [7]. - The movement's influence surged before the collapse of FTX, with Bankman-Fried being a major funder [7]. Group 3: Public Perception and Concerns - Matthew Adelshtain, a prominent figure in the effective altruism space, argues that public concerns about AI are more immediate, focusing on issues like bias and job loss rather than existential risks [8][9]. - He emphasizes that the focus on billionaire donors distracts from the real risks posed by AI, which even developers acknowledge [9]. - Adelshtain defends the concept of "longtermism" as a pragmatic approach to global risks, advocating for more resources to prevent threats like nuclear and biological risks [9].