Internet slams Sam Altman over his 'reminder' to everyone that humans use a lot of ...
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, sparked controversy during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 by downplaying concerns over AI's environmental impact. He argued that the energy used to train AI models is often misrepresented and compared it to the resources required to raise a human being. Altman suggested that while training humans also consumes significant energy, critics overlook this when focusing on AI's energy use. He emphasized that once an AI model is trained, its operational efficiency surpasses that of humans in answering queries.
Altman highlighted the absurdity of comparing single query energy consumption for AI to the cumulative resources spent on human development over decades. He pointed out that training a human involves 20 years of life and sustenance before they become productive, akin to the energy required to train an AI model. However, his analogy drew sharp criticism from social media users, who accused him of dehumanizing people by framing them as "inefficient biological processors." Critics argued that this perspective reduces human development to a resource cost, ignoring the intrinsic value and ethical implications.
The backlash reflects deeper concerns about the ethical and societal impacts of AI. Critics warn that viewing humans through an efficiency lens risks prioritizing technological progress over human flourishing, potentially leading to harmful trade-offs between technology advancement and environmental or social sustainability. Altman's remarks have reignited debates about the role of AI leaders in shaping our future and the importance of considering both the benefits and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.
This controversy highlights the broader challenges of balancing innovation with responsibility in the AI era. While Altman's comments aim to challenge misconceptions about AI's environmental impact, they also raise questions about how we value human life and progress. As AI continues to evolve, such discussions will remain critical for ensuring that technological advancements align with ethical principles and societal well-being.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026