Nokia & WIRED Announce First Ever reddit AMA With Stephen Hawking; Continue #maketechhuman Conversation With The Iconic Theoretical Physicist

NEW YORK, July 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Submit questions to Hawking on reddit from July 27 – August 4

While advances in artificial intelligence are poised to solve some of humankind's most difficult problems, iconic theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking cautions that the technology could spell the end of the human race if left unchecked. Hawking is an early adopter of communications technology—a primitive form of AI—but he fears the consequences of machines that could supersede humans. 

"We must build safeguards into AI research and development to be sure that we use it for beneficial purposes versus it controlling us," Hawking said.  

Along with tech luminaries Elon Musk and Bill Gates, Hawking signed an open letter earlier this year imploring researchers to balance the benefits of AI with the risks. The letter acknowledges that AI innovations could help eradicate disease and poverty, but it puts the onus on scientists on the front lines of artificial intelligence R&D to keep the human factor front and center in their research. 

Hawking plans to discuss his concerns about AI and answer questions on other topics in his first ever reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA), as part of the Nokia & WIRED #maketechhuman initiative.  

"The #maketechhuman debate that Nokia has enabled is all about ensuring that technology serves humanity, in the right way," said Barry French, Chief Marketing Officer, Nokia.  "I cannot imagine a better person to add value to this discussion than Professor Hawking.  Nokia is honored, and I am personally honored, by the fact that he will join us on his first ever reddit Ask Me Anything conversation."

The AMA will take place over several days, which is a first for reddit. Hawking will be accepting questions from Monday, July 27 through Tuesday, August 4 at reddit.com/r/science and will provide answers in the next few weeks.     

For more information on the AMA and #maketechhuman, visit WIRED.com/maketechhuman. WIRED & Nokia first launched the initiative back in March with an AMA hosted by World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee. 

About Nokia
By focusing on the human possibilities of technology, Nokia embraces the connected world to help people thrive. Our three businesses are leaders in their fields. Nokia Networks provides broadband infrastructure software and services, HERE provides mapping, navigation and location intelligence, and Nokia Technologies provides advanced technology development and licensing. www.nokia.com

About WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to business, science to design. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, our digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events. 

Corey Wilson
Senior Director, Communications
WIRED | New York 
212.286.2419
@coreypwilson

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SOURCE WIRED

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