In this episode of “Factually,” host Adam Conover and AI expert Ethan Mollick discuss the real capabilities, limitations, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence, balancing skepticism with evidence of AI’s usefulness in fields like education and work. They agree that while AI poses risks such as job displacement and ethical concerns, its future impact depends on thoughtful regulation, ethical use, and active public engagement.
In this episode of “Factually,” host Adam Conover, known for his skeptical stance on artificial intelligence (AI), engages in a thoughtful conversation with Ethan Mollick, a professor at the Wharton School of Business and author of the Substack “One Useful Thing.” Adam opens by explaining his skepticism toward AI, particularly in light of the hype and economic optimism surrounding the technology. He acknowledges, however, that with hundreds of millions of people using tools like ChatGPT, it’s important to explore both the real capabilities and limitations of AI, rather than defaulting to maximal skepticism or uncritical hype.
Ethan Mollick responds to Adam’s concerns by addressing common issues like AI hallucinations—instances where AI confidently gives incorrect answers. He explains that these errors are often due to the specific models or interfaces being used, and that newer, more advanced models have significantly reduced error rates. Mollick emphasizes that while AI is not infallible, it is already providing substantial value in various fields, including education, healthcare, and scientific research. He cites studies showing improved student outcomes with AI tutoring and increased productivity in coding and other professional tasks, arguing that the technology’s usefulness is supported by empirical data, not just anecdotes.
The conversation delves into the nuanced impact of AI on education and work. Mollick acknowledges legitimate concerns about AI enabling cheating and undermining traditional learning, but also highlights research showing that, when used as a tutor rather than a shortcut, AI can significantly enhance learning outcomes. He discusses the transformation of jobs, noting that AI is more likely to change the nature of work by automating certain tasks rather than eliminating entire professions. For example, AI can handle repetitive or low-skill aspects of a job, allowing humans to focus on more complex, creative, or interpersonal tasks.
Adam and Ethan also explore broader societal and economic implications, such as the risk of companies using AI primarily to cut costs at the expense of quality and human connection. Adam expresses concern that capitalism’s profit motive may lead to widespread job displacement and a decline in service quality, while Mollick counters that AI could also be used to augment human work and democratize access to expertise. Both agree that the technology’s trajectory will depend on how it is implemented and regulated, and that there is a need for policies to address issues like deepfakes, job retraining, and ethical guidelines for AI use.
The episode concludes with a call for agency and engagement. Mollick urges skeptics and critics not to ignore AI or assume it will simply go away, but to participate actively in shaping its future—through policy advocacy, ethical use, and the development of open, non-profit AI tools. Both Adam and Ethan agree that while AI presents real risks and challenges, it also offers opportunities for positive transformation if society chooses to steer its development thoughtfully and inclusively. The conversation ends on a note of cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of human values, agency, and collective action in the age of AI.