TIME Magazine’s latest AI influencers list has sparked controversy, with critics questioning why actress Scarlett Johansson was included over tech mogul Elon Musk. Musk, a key player in AI through his roles in The Boring Company, xAI, Neuralink, OpenAI, Tesla, and SpaceX, was notably absent from the list, raising doubts about TIME’s selection criteria.
Elon Musk Snubbed:
TIME’s list featured big names like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. However, Musk’s omission, despite his recent announcement of xAI Colossus, claimed to be the world’s most powerful AI training system, has left many questioning the magazine’s choices.
Scarlett Johansson’s Inclusion Sparks Debate:
Johansson was recognized for her advocacy against the unauthorized use of AI, including her 2023 lawsuit against OpenAI. While some supported her inclusion, critics argued that her spot came at the expense of Musk, whom many believe to be a more significant AI influencer. Social media reactions ranged from mocking TIME’s decision to defending Johansson’s stance on ethical AI use.
Public Reactions:
Reactions online were mixed, with some sarcastically questioning Johansson’s influence compared to Musk and other AI pioneers like Alex Karp. Others defended her for highlighting ethical issues in AI, pointing out that Musk’s contributions often come from his companies rather than direct involvement.
The controversy continues as TIME’s choices highlight the growing debate over what defines influence in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.