Artificial intelligence has the potential to drive substantial economic growth in American communities, but John Johnson, CEO of Patmos, cautions that if too few companies dominate this technology, it could lead to negative consequences.
During an appearance on FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.,” Johnson talked about the ongoing competition in AI development, raised concerns over centralized technological control, and emphasized the infrastructure he believes the U.S. needs to stay competitive.
“I think as long as we can continue to build our infrastructure, we’ll be okay competing against China. But honestly, the bigger issue isn’t just China; it’s about the concentration of technological power right here in the U.S.,” Johnson explained.
He suggested that instead of letting AI development become more centralized among just a few large tech firms, the U.S. should prioritize enhancing local AI infrastructure.
“Right now, we really need to build out infrastructure as quickly as we can, spreading it across the country and decentralizing power from Silicon Valley to places like the Silicon Prairie and beyond,” he stated.
He believes that by broadening development efforts, more communities can economically benefit from the growth of AI.
“The truth is AI can be a remarkable economic driver for communities if we’re willing to partner with them, rather than working over them,” Johnson remarked.
He raised serious concerns about the way AI systems can mimic human behavior, noting that while the technology lacks its own will, the risks associated with its ability to imitate people could still be significant.
“What AI does exceptionally well, which can be unsettling, is produce a counterfeit version of human behavior. I think that’s what these technocrats might use to try to exert control, which seems to be their ultimate aim,” Johnson warned.
He expressed that Americans should actively push back against a future where they’re expected to yield to increasingly dominant machines.
“That’s simply something that Americans will not accept,” he declared, urging individuals to do everything possible to resist such a scenario.
