The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of heated debates in both technology and society. In his latest play Doomers, playwright Matthew Gasda captures the tensions surrounding this fast-paced evolution, particularly following the dramatic ousting of Sam Altman as the CEO of OpenAI in November 2023. The play, set in a fictional tech company called MindMesh, explores the existential questions about AI: its potential to revolutionize society and its potential to pose a dangerous threat.
The Premise of “Doomers”
Doomers takes the audience into the heart of a Silicon Valley power struggle, where the character Seth, based on Sam Altman, is ousted as CEO of MindMesh, a company developing groundbreaking AI technology. In the first act, Seth and his team debate the ethical implications of the technology they are creating, as well as their next steps. The second act shifts to the boardroom, where discussions focus on the risks and fears that come with Seth’s ousting, particularly the concern that Seth might retaliate against those who betrayed him.
The central theme of Doomers revolves around the existential risks posed by AI versus its potential to benefit humanity. The tension between these two extremes mirrors real-world debates that continue to unfold as AI technology becomes more advanced and integrated into various sectors of society.
Fictionalized Realities: Characters Inspired by Industry Leaders
Gasda’s play features a cast of characters inspired by real-life figures in the AI world. Seth, the CEO of MindMesh, is based on Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, who was controversially ousted and reinstated following a board dispute. Other characters in the play draw inspiration from individuals such as Mira Murati, former chief technologist at OpenAI, and Greg Brockman, the company’s co-founder. These figures play key roles in the debates over whether AI should be accelerated, slowed down, or even shut down entirely.
Gasda’s decision to create a mix of real and fictional characters helps explore the complex personalities and motivations at play within the tech world. Through this fictionalized lens, the audience is presented with a broader philosophical discussion on the role of technology in shaping the future of humanity.
The Battle for AI’s Future: Progress vs. Ethics
One of the most striking moments in Doomers is Seth’s declaration: “I was fired for creating miracles.” His character, driven by a belief in technological progress at any cost, argues that the pursuit of excellence is inherent to human nature. In his view, the development of AI is not just a business venture but a noble mission to protect humanity. Seth claims that MindMesh’s AI is the “immune system” that will safeguard the world from rogue artificial intelligences, suggesting that the only path forward is to outcompete and out-engineer any potential threats.
On the opposite side, characters like Alina, a safety ethicist, express concerns about the potential dangers of unchecked AI development. Alina’s character warns that the race for dominance in AI could lead to catastrophic outcomes, with consequences that may be impossible to reverse once AI reaches a certain level of autonomy and capability.
The Humor and Cultural Commentary of Silicon Valley
While Doomers deals with serious, high-stakes issues, Gasda infuses humor throughout the play. He uses Silicon Valley’s culture as a backdrop for much of the comic relief, referencing trends like polycules, ketamine, and the “Cali-sober” movement. Characters casually take mushrooms and discuss topics like Waymo robotaxis, adding a light-hearted touch to an otherwise tense narrative.
These cultural references not only provide levity but also serve as a critique of the tech world’s sometimes casual attitude toward groundbreaking and potentially dangerous technologies. Through these moments, Gasda subtly questions the ethics of a culture that prioritizes innovation and profit over the consideration of long-term societal impacts.
AI’s Future: Innovation at What Cost?
Doomers was written during a pivotal moment in AI development, just as the controversy surrounding OpenAI’s leadership played out in real life. The play captures the turmoil of that period while also looking forward to the ongoing AI arms race. In the real world, Altman was reinstated as CEO of OpenAI after engineers threatened to resign, and the company continues to lead the charge in AI research, despite concerns from safety-focused experts.
The play concludes with the existential question that continues to loom over AI development: Is rapid technological progress worth the risk? Characters like Alina question whether humanity is capable of managing the god-like power of AI, acknowledging the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with creating technologies that could potentially outstrip human control.
As the real-world AI race continues to accelerate, the debate between safety and progress intensifies. In the case of OpenAI, as well as other companies, the question remains: Should we slow down and ensure AI is safe, or should we push ahead to secure our place in an increasingly AI-driven world?
Reflecting on the Ethics of AI in the Real World
The questions raised in Doomers reflect the growing global conversation about the role of AI in society. With companies like OpenAI leading the charge in AI development, the risks associated with these technologies have never been more pressing. As Doomers reminds us, the pursuit of technological advancement must be accompanied by careful consideration of its potential consequences.
Gasda’s play serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the philosophical and ethical challenges that come with technological innovation. As AI continues to evolve, it is clear that the discussions taking place in Doomers will remain relevant for years to come. Whether we will be able to navigate the tension between progress and ethics in the real world is a question that only time will answer.
