Op-Ed: The Quiet Concern of AI—Reflections on Oprah's Primetime Special

Did you catch "AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special" on Thursday, September 12th? If you did, you might agree that it was a momentous occasion—a national icon like Oprah Winfrey dedicating prime-time television to the topic of artificial intelligence. That alone underscores just how impactful AI has become, both on our world and on the popular imagination. What struck me most about this special wasn’t just the high-profile guests—Bill Gates, Sam Altman, and Tristan Harris, among others—but how it framed the conversation around AI.

As someone deeply involved in business strategy and the rapid deployment of AI, the special felt like a watershed moment. AI has gone from the fringes of public awareness to a mainstream topic of discussion in record time. For those of us navigating this technological revolution, there’s a heightened awareness of the complexities and potential consequences of AI—whether it's the potential to reshape industries, change labor markets, or even alter the very fabric of society. What’s remarkable is how fast AI has moved from something only a select few were paying attention to, to a subject worthy of prime-time coverage.

Oprah approached this topic with her signature style: engaging, informative, and hopeful. Her tone was careful, reflecting both excitement for AI’s possibilities and a tempered concern for its risks. The special was crafted to inform, not alarm. It was clear that Oprah’s goal was to educate the public about AI while threading a delicate balance between optimism and caution. But for all the effort to remain centrist, something felt lacking.

The interviews themselves were enlightening but had an even-tempered quality that, in my view, may have diluted the urgency of the conversation. At one point, Oprah pointed out to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that he appeared calm—reassuring, even—while discussing the profound changes AI might bring. Altman’s response was nuanced: "No, I am concerned," he said. But his words lacked the emotional weight that should have accompanied such a statement. If anything, this "calm concern" may have left viewers with a false sense of security about what’s at stake.

This is no small critique. As someone who works closely with AI, I can tell you that concern is exactly what we need right now. Countries around the world are racing to deploy AI technologies at unprecedented speed. Some hail it as the greatest advancement and increase to productivity since the steam engine, while others warn it could be as dangerous as nuclear proliferation. That divide wasn't fully captured in the special. The even-keeled approach, while important for mainstream consumption, glossed over the intensity of the debate within AI development circles.

This special was, without a doubt, a landmark moment for AI awareness. But awareness alone is not enough. The nuanced questions that Oprah raised, the measured responses from thos interviewed, and the thoughtful tone of the special may have been too moderate for a subject this urgent. AI is not just a topic for academic panels or business boardrooms anymore—it’s shaping our lives, our jobs, and our societies. And while Oprah’s careful moderation prevented panic, it may have left some viewers underestimating the speed and gravity of AI’s impact.

In closing, we must engage more deeply with AI's risks and promises—not just in hour-long specials but in our everyday decisions. AI is not a spectator sport, and it certainly isn’t a neutral force. The special may have opened the door for a broader public conversation, but we need to walk through that door with clear eyes and, yes, a healthy dose of concern.

For those who watched and were introduced to AI for the first time, I urge you not to stop here. Delve deeper into the topic, challenge assumptions, and above all, engage with the decisions that will shape AI’s future. Because AI isn’t waiting for anyone—it’s already here.