Episode 2534: Why Generative AI is a Technological Dead End


Author: Andrew Keen May 15, 2025 Duration: 36:13
Podcast episode
Episode 2534: Why Generative AI is a Technological Dead End

Something doesn’t smell right about generative AI. Earlier this week, we had a featuring a former Google researcher who described large language models (LLMs) as a “con”. Then, of course, there’s OpenAI CEO Sam Altman who critics both inside and outside OpenAI, see as a little more than a persuasive conman. Scam or not, the biggest technical problem with LLMs, according to Peter Vos, who invented the term Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is that it lacks memory and thus are inherently incapable of incremental learning. Voss, the current CEO of Aigo.ai, argues that LLMs therefore represent a technological “dead end” for AI. The industry, Voss argues, has gone “fundamentally wrong” with generative AI. It’s a classic economic mania, he says. And, as with all bubbles in the past - like Dutch tulips, internet DotComs or Japanese real-estate - it will eventually burst with devastating consequences.

Peter Voss is a pioneer in AI who coined the term 'AGI' (Artificial General Intelligence) in 2001. As an engineer, scientist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, he developed a comprehensive ERP package, growing his company from zero to a 400-person IPO in seven years. For the past 20 years, he has studied intelligence and AI, leading to the creation of the Aigo engine, a proto-AGI natural language intelligence that is revolutionizing call centers and advancing towards human-level intelligence.

Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.

Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

More episodes

Duration: 32:58
EPISODE 1973: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the LA Times book critic, Bethanne Patrick, about six intriguing new fiction and non-fiction books to read in February.Bethanne Patrick maintains a storied place in the…

Duration: 34:54
In episode 1971, Andrew talks to Charan Ranganath, author of WHY WE REMEMBER, who unlocks memory's power to hold on to what matters about our lives.CHARAN RANGANATH is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and direc…

Duration: 39:11
In episode 1970, Andrew talks to Debby Irving, author of WAKING UP WHITE, about how she discovered herself and the story of American racial injustice.Debby Irving brings to racial justice the perspective of working in no…

Duration: 40:53
In episode 1968, Andrew talks to Peter McGraw, author of SOLO, about how remaining single offers the promise of a remarkable life.Dr. Peter McGraw is a bachelor, behavioral economist, and business school professor at the…

Duration: 31:29
In episode 1967, Andrew talks to Matt Gatton, author of THE SHADOWS OF SOCRATES, about the heresy, war and treachery behind the trial of Socrates. Matt Gatton is a scholar based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a pioneer o…

Duration: 36:20
In episode 1964, Andrew talks to Marshall Poe, founder of theNew Books Network, about why there's no such as intellectual objectivity but why we are going to miss it when it's gone.Marshall Poe is former history professo…

Duration: 38:23
In episode 1963, Andrew talks to Gary S. Cross, author of FREE TIME, about the history of the elusive ideal of leisure time.Gary S. Cross is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Modern History in the Department of History…

Duration: 32:29
EPISODE 1962: In our weekly KEEN ON wrap of tech news with Keith Teare, author of the THAT WAS THE WEEK newletter, Keith explains how A.I. is about to revolutionize not just Hollywood but also the art (and science) of ma…

Duration: 35:49
In episode 1961, Andrew talks to David Kirkpatrick, author of THE FACEBOOK EFFECT, about Facebook's unique economic profitability and equally historic moral unprofitability. David Kirkpatrick is a journalist, commentator…

Duration: 41:20
n episode 1960, Andrew talks to Paul Starobin, author of PUTIN'S EXILES, about the Russians fighting to build a better country.Journalist and author Paul Starobin is a former contributing editor of The Atlantic and a for…

Duration: 38:11
In episode 1959, Andrew talks to Jeffrey Rosen, author of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, about how classical writers inspired the lives of the Founders and defined the ideals of the American Republic.Keen On is a reader-suppo…

Logo
Select station
VOL