What is artificial intelligence?  The Oxford dictionary defines it as the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.  The development of AI has been newsworthy lately because now they’re talking about complex systems capable of intelligent behavior such as reasoning, natural communication, problem solving, and learning.  So, dozens of industry leaders and academics in the field of AI are calling for greater global attention to the possible threat of “extinction from AI”.   That’s a scary word, extinction, which in simple terms means the dying out or extermination of a species.  I’ve been a Sci-fi fan since I was a boy so I’ve seen a lot of Science Fiction movies that have intelligent computers including those in the Terminator and Matrix franchises.   But the key word there is “fiction”.    Now in 2023 we see leading AI industry experts voicing wide-ranging concerns about the ultimate danger of unchecked AI.  These experts say AI is still a ways off from the prospect of science-fiction-like AI overlords, but the flood of hype and investment into the AI industry has led to calls for regulation now before any major mishap occurs.  There are immediate concerns about the potential for AI-powered language models like ChatGPT to spread disinformation and displace jobs. Maybe politicians can cease squabbling with each other long enough to enact some regulations before they’re replaced by Artificial Intelligence.