Is ChatGPT Conscious? A Pioneer of AI Explains | Dr. Terry Sejnowski
A fly with 100,000 neurons can fly, find food, and reproduce. A $100 million supercomputer cannot. Dr. Terry Sejnowski used that observation to silence a room full of MIT AI researchers in the 1980s, and it remains just as sharp today. Sejnowski is one of the foundational figures in the history of deep learning, co-inventor of the Boltzmann machine, and a professor at the Salk Institute who has spent his career studying both the brain and the machines we build to imitate it. In this conversation with Craig Smith, he turns that dual perspective on ChatGPT, and what he finds is something genuinely clarifying: not a human mind, not a threat to humanity, but an alien intelligence that has absorbed more knowledge than any brain ever could while remaining fundamentally empty when nobody is talking to it.
The conversation covers the full landscape of what current AI is missing - from goals and reinforcement learning to the constant self-generated flow of thought that defines consciousness - and why the word "understanding" is so ambiguous that even the world's top cognitive scientists can't agree on whether ChatGPT has it. Sejnowski also makes the case that hallucinations aren't a flaw to be engineered away but the flip side of creativity itself, that we are in a pre-Copernican era when it comes to understanding intelligence, and that the real future of AI lies not in scaling language models further but in looking at what nature has already solved, from field mice to fruit flies. His new book is written for the general public and available now.
Subscribe to Eye on A.I. for weekly conversations with the people building and deploying the future of AI.
ChatGPT Brain Rot Debate: The Fastest Way to Get Dementia, Watch This Before Using ChatGPT Again, Especially If Your Kids Use It!
MIT just announced that AI is rotting your brain?! Two world-leading experts break this study down and reveal how AI and ChatGPT could silently shrink your brain, kill creativity, and wreck your memory.
Dr Daniel Amen is a renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and founder of Amen Clinics, which holds over 270,000 brain scans. He is joined by Dr Terry Sejnowski, a pioneer in the field of computational neuroscience and co-creator of the Boltzmann machine, a groundbreaking neural network that helped lay the foundation for modern AI.
They discuss:
The evolutionary reason why ChatGPT is dangerous for your brain
How ChatGPT trains your brain to avoid discomfort, and why that’s dangerous
How using AI too early in life may block emotional growth and resilience
The surprising reason AI might make you more anxious, not less
Why brain reserve is your greatest defense against future decline
The hidden mental cost of seeking “perfect” partners through robotics and artificial intimacy
What you can do right now to protect your brain health in an AI-saturated world
00:00 Intro
00:02:53 Terry's Background
00:03:35 Daniel Amen Introduction
00:04:35 MIT Study: ChatGPT and Reduced Brain Function
00:07:42 The Link Between ChatGPT and Dementia
00:11:09 Biggest AI Concerns Before Understanding Long-Term Consequences
00:19:49 What Does a Healthy Relationship with AI Look Like?
00:23:09 AI and Early Brain Development
00:25:43 AI Girlfriends
00:35:38 Why Struggle Is Good for Your Brain
00:37:24 Biggest Concerns with AI
00:40:26 ChatGPT Best Practices
00:45:07 Do We Still Need to Spell?
00:46:53 How Can We Learn Better?
00:48:32 How to Avoid Procrastination
00:52:12 Ads
00:54:15 Boosting Brain Health Without AI
00:57:57 Are We Raising Mentally Weak Kids?
00:58:46 Effects of Religion on the Brain
01:01:43 How to Build a Brain-Healthy Nation
01:03:55 Things That Are Bad for Your Brain
01:07:24 Artificial Sweeteners
01:09:07 Is Loud Noise Bad for Your Brain?
01:10:19 Ads
01:11:11 Multitasking
01:12:59 What’s Causing the Rise in ADHD?
01:16:07 Negativity in the Brain
01:18:30 The Top Tip for a Healthier Brain
01:21:08 Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
01:26:59 Are You Prepared for Your Next Health Challenge?
Follow Dr Daniel:
Instagram - https://bit.ly/45pGDHk
X - https://bit.ly/4m8NtIz
Website - https://bit.ly/4lhW9uS
Podcast - https://apple.co/4op5WSz
You can purchase Dr Daniel’s book, ‘Raising Mentally Strong Kids’, here: https://amzn.to/4ldncHB
Follow Dr Terry:
X - https://bit.ly/4frO4T6
Salk Institute Academic Profile - https://bit.ly/3H3Sy5H
Publications - https://bit.ly/4mbwrcS
You can purchase Dr Terry’s book, ‘ChatGPT and the Future of AI: The Deep Language Revolution’, here: https://amzn.to/45kw0Wb
The Diary Of A CEO:
⬜️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/
⬜️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook
⬜️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt
⬜️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb
⬜️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt
⬜️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb
Independent research:https://stevenbartlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DOAC-Dr-Terry-Dr-Amen-debate-Independent-Research-further-reading-.pdf
Sponsors:
Stan Store - https://stevenbartlett.stan.store/ for your 30-day free trial
Vodafone - Check out the first episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL1Swvp4X5w
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#220 Terry Sejnowski: The Future of AI, ChatGPT & Deep Learning
This episode of Eye on AI is sponsored by Citrusx.
Unlock reliable AI with Citrusx! Our platform simplifies validation and risk management, empowering you to make smarter decisions and stay compliant. Detects and mitigate AI vulnerabilities, biases, and errors with ease.
Visit http://email.citrusx.ai/eyeonai to download our free fairness use case and see the solution in action.
In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, Terry Sejnowski, a pioneer in neural networks and computational neuroscience, joins Craig Smith to discuss the future of AI, the evolution of ChatGPT, and the challenges of understanding intelligence.
Terry, a key figure in the deep learning revolution, shares insights into how neural networks laid the foundation for modern AI, including ChatGPT's groundbreaking generative capabilities. From its ability to mimic human-like creativity to its limitations in true understanding, we explore what makes ChatGPT remarkable and what it still lacks compared to human cognition.
We also dive into fascinating topics like the debate over AI sentience, the concept of "hallucinations" in AI models, and how language models like ChatGPT act as mirrors reflecting user input rather than possessing intrinsic intelligence. Terry explains how understanding language and meaning in AI remains one of the field's greatest challenges.
Additionally, Terry shares his perspective on nature-inspired AI and what it will take to develop systems that go beyond prediction to exhibit true autonomy and decision-making.
Learn why AI models like ChatGPT are revolutionary yet incomplete, how generative AI might redefine creativity, and what the future holds for AI as we continue to push its boundaries.
Don't miss this deep dive into the fascinating world of AI with Terry Sejnowski. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more cutting-edge AI insights!
Stay Updated:
Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss
Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI
(00:00) Introduction to Terry Sejnowski and His Work
(03:02) The Origins of Modern AI and Neural Networks
(05:29) The Deep Learning Revolution and ImageNet
(07:11) Understanding ChatGPT and Generative AI
(12:34) Exploring AI Creativity
(16:03) Lessons from Gaming AI: AlphaGo and Backgammon
(18:37) Early Insights into AI's Affinity for Language
(24:48) Syntax vs. Semantics: The Purpose of Language
(30:00) How Written Language Transformed AI Training
(35:10) Can AI Become Sentient?
(41:37) AI Agents and the Next Frontier in Automation
(45:43) Nature-Inspired AI: Lessons from Biology
(50:02) Digital vs. Biological Computation: Key Differences
(54:29) Will AI Replace Jobs?
(57:07) The Future of AI
How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI | Dr. Terry Sejnowski
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills.
We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions.
We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: protocolsbook.com
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski
00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep
00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level
00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function
00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment
00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI
00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage
00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory
00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David
00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs
00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity
00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course
00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media
00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv
01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media
01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function
01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria
01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities
01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia
01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression
01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research
01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes
01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines
01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning
02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning
02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams
02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention
02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
Disclaimer & Disclosures
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#178 Terry Sejnowski on Integrating Human Development Principles into AI Models
This episode is sponsored by Oracle. AI is revolutionizing industries, but needs power without breaking the bank. Enter Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): the one-stop platform for all your AI needs, with 4-8x the bandwidth of other clouds. Train AI models faster and at half the cost. Be ahead like Uber and Cohere.
If you want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic - take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/eyeonai
Join host Craig Smith in episode #178 of Eye on AI for an enlightening conversation with Terry Sejnowski, President of the NeurIPS Foundation and is the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where he directs the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory
In this episode, Terry shares his unique insights into the evolution of neural networks, the monumental impact of models like GPT-4, and the intricate relationship between AI technologies and societal norms. Learn about the future trajectory of AI development, as Terry highlights the importance of integrating human brain development aspects into AI to foster models that better understand and integrate into human culture.
Discover Terry's perspective on the role of reinforcement learning in AI, the challenges of aligning AI with ethical considerations, and the potential of neuromorphic engineering to revolutionize energy-efficient computing. This discussion also touches on the implications of AI in reshaping industries, science, and the global workforce.
An essential listen for those fascinated by the ethical dimensions of AI, the potential of neuroscience to inform AI development, and the broader societal impacts of technological advancement.
If you're drawn to the complexities of AI and its potential to redefine our future, don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Stay Updated:
Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss
Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI
(00:00) Introduction to Terry Sejnowski
(01:54) Bridging Computational Neuroscience with AI Development
(05:24) Biological Principles in AI: Learning and Adaptation
(07:07) The Crucial Role of Reinforcement Learning in AI
(10:12) Breakthroughs in AI: Scaling Models and Language Processing
(13:38) The Rapid Pace of AI Evolution: Implications and "AI Time"
(16:58) Ethical Considerations and AI Alignment Challenges
(20:23) Neuromorphic Engineering and Energy Efficiency
(25:42) Real-world Applications: AI's Expanding Role in Society
(29:04) The Developmental Approach: Training AI with Human Nuances
(33:32) The Impact of AI on Science and Discovery
(40:19) AI Education and Lifelong Learning: Overcoming Barriers
(43:20) MOOCs and the Democratization of Learning in the AI Era
(47:08) Balancing Innovation and Safety in the Accelerating AI Landscape
The AI Timeline: A Neuroscientist's Perspective with Terrence Sejnowski
In this episode, Neuroscientist Terrence Sejnowski provides a comprehensive overview of the AI timeline, discussing key milestones, current trends, and future directions in the field.
Invest in AI Box: https://Republic.com/ai-box
Get on the AI Box Waitlist: https://AIBox.ai/
AI Facebook Community
Learn more about AI in Music
Learn more about AI Models
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Terry Sejnowski: NeurIPS and the Future of AI
In this episode, Terry Sejnowski, an AI pioneer, chairman of the NeurIPS Foundation, and co-creator of Boltzmann Machines, delves into the latest developments in deep learning and their potential impact on our understanding of the human brain. Terry Sejnowski begins by discussing the NeurIPS conference - one of the most significant events in the field of artificial intelligence - and its role in advancing research and innovation in deep learning. He shares insights into the latest breakthroughs in the field, including the repurposing of the sleep-wake cycle of Boltzmann Machines in Geoff Hinton's new Forward-Forward algorithm. Throughout the episode, Terry Sejnowski shares his expertise on the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience, exploring how advances in deep learning may help us better understand the complexities of the human brain. He discusses how researchers are using AI techniques to study brain activity and the potential implications for fields such as medicine and psychology. Overall, this episode will be of particular interest to those interested in the latest developments in artificial intelligence and their potential applications in neuroscience and related fields. Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigssEye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI
Episode 31 - Terry Sejnowski
Terry Sejnowski, author of the book Deep Learning Revolution, who together with Geoff Hinton created Boltzmann machines, a deep learning network that has remarkable similarities to learning in the brain, talks about whether machines dream and the algorithms of the brain, whether Marvin Minsky was the devil and how deep learning is shaping the future of education.
Spiking Neural Networks: A Primer with Terrence Sejnowski - #317
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Terrence Sejnowski, to discuss the ins and outs of spiking neural networks, including brain architecture, the relationship between neuroscience and machine learning, and ways to make NN’s more efficient through spiking. Terry also gives us some insight into hardware used in this field, characterizes the major research problems currently being undertaken, and the future of spiking networks.
How supercharged plants could slow climate change | Joanne Chory
Plants are amazing machines -- for millions of years, they've taken carbon dioxide out of the air and stored it underground, keeping a crucial check on the global climate. Plant geneticist Joanne Chory is working to amplify this special ability: with her colleagues at the Salk Institute Plant Biology Laboratory, she's creating plants that can store more carbon, deeper underground, for hundreds of years. Learn more about how these supercharged plants could help slow climate change. (This ambitious plan is a part of The Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.