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AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect AI to cure cancer, "as a way of signaling to other researchers how much they believe in AI", Palantir CTO tells CBS News' "Face the Nation"
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Arthur Besse
lemmy.ml

cypherpunks@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2022-01-17
Posted:   Subject: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect AI to cure cancer, "as a way of signaling to other researchers how much they believe in AI", Palantir CTO tells CBS News' "Face the Nation" Quote

601   Original
schipelblorp
sh.itjust.works
schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works
Joined: 2026-05-16
#2 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Not beating those cult accusations, are they?

177
otter
lemmy.zip
otter@lemmy.zip
Joined: 2023-06-15
#3 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Even if you believe that, then is it also going to cure copd and pulmonary embolisms? I know this is likely just the CTO spewing bull, but πŸ€¦β€β™‚οΈ

48
cybervseas
lemmy.world
cybervseas@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-12
#4 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

I don't believe anything anyone from palantir has to say.

85
aldhissla
piefed.world
aldhissla@piefed.world
Joined: 2025-08-26
#5 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Oh, if only...

8
toiletobserver
lemmy.world
toiletobserver@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-07-08
#6 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Sounds like linkedinlunatics

28
banazir
lemmy.ml

banazir@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-07-11
#7 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

What utter crock of shit. How is he not embarrassed to say something so inane publicly? Is he so empty? No matter how much money you fill your suit with won't ever make you feel human.

Cancer is not one disease, dipshits. There is no single cure.

13
π•±π–Žπ–—π–Šπ–œπ–Žπ–™π–ˆπ–
lemmy.world

Witchfire@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-10-07
#8 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

They should skip cigarettes and jump straight to smoking asbestos

106
MushuChupacabra
piefed.world

MushuChupacabra@piefed.world
Joined: 2026-01-15
#9 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Thus proving that AI bros are all fucking idiots.

Holy fuck do these guys need to be stripped of everything resembling power or control.

14
volore
scribe.disroot.org
volore@scribe.disroot.org
Joined: 2026-03-25
#10 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

They should skip cigarettes and jump straight to smoking asbestos

can you explain to me exactly how you'd smoke the famously nonflammable lung cancer rocks

I'm just curious, is all.

Now, cigarettes with asbestos filters, on the other hand...

36
VaalaVasaVarde
sopuli.xyz

VaalaVasaVarde@sopuli.xyz
Joined: 2024-04-04
#11 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

can you explain to me exactly how you'd smoke the famously nonflammable lung cancer rocks I'm just curious, is all. Now, cigarettes with asbestos filters, on the other hand...

Give them a carton of kents

27882

71
volore
scribe.disroot.org
volore@scribe.disroot.org
Joined: 2026-03-25
#12 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Give them a carton of kents

Jinx, you owe me a soda.

10
expatriado
lemmy.world
expatriado@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-18
#13 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

"researchers..." like how many? sounds to me like a habitual relapser giving excuses, the habit was already there, which is dumb enough of a excuse, let alone start the habit just cuz

9
nightwatch_admin
lemmy.world
nightwatch_admin@lemmy.world
Joined: 2026-03-17
#14 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Give them a carton of kents

This is about as safe as an ai going to save you from the evil cancer cells

26
nightwatch_admin
lemmy.world
nightwatch_admin@lemmy.world
Joined: 2026-03-17
#15 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

"researchers..." like how many? sounds to me like a habitual relapser giving excuses, the habit was already there, which is dumb enough of a excuse, let alone start the habit just cuz

Don’t underestimate the religious dedication these people have for their chatbots. Terrifying.

6
ChicoSuave
lemmy.world
ChicoSuave@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-08-12
#16 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Sankar did not name any researchers or provide evidence for the claim. Smoking remains a major cause of preventable illness and death, and no AI breakthrough has eliminated the health risks associated with cigarettes.

He's full of shit

25
SpaceNoodle
lemmy.world
SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-14
#17 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Even if you believe that, then is it also going to cure copd and pulmonary embolisms? I know this is likely just the CTO spewing bull, but πŸ€¦β€β™‚οΈ

Do not interrupt the enemy while they are making a mistake.

24
JasonDJ
lemmy.zip
JasonDJ@lemmy.zip
Joined: 2024-01-16
#18 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

"researchers..." like how many? sounds to me like a habitual relapser giving excuses, the habit was already there, which is dumb enough of a excuse, let alone start the habit just cuz

As an ex smoker...if I were to pick up a pack while working as an AI researcher...I'd absolutely use that as a cheeky comeback when someone said something about me smoking again. Entirely not meaning it, blatantly joking to anyone possible of understanding tone and having a sense of humor.

However, I'm fairly certain most executives, and especially AI execs, are both tone-deaf and humorless.

I'd put $10 on polymarket saying that one of them overheard someone like me saying that, and it snowballed from there.

4
arctanthrope
lemmy.world

arctanthrope@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-11-25
#19 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

quick, someone start telling them ai will be able to cure jumping off a bridge

9
kinkles
sh.itjust.works

kinkles@sh.itjust.works
Joined: 2024-03-25
#20 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Give them a carton of kents

This is brilliant

13
Zak
lemmy.world

Zak@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-11
#21 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Cancer isn't the only reason not to smoke. It's yucky and makes you stink.

31
PattyMcB
lemmy.world
PattyMcB@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-02-12
#22 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Cancer isn't the only reason not to smoke. It's yucky and makes you stink.

And it's insanely expensive

21
PattyMcB
lemmy.world
PattyMcB@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-02-12
#23 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Sankar did not name any researchers or provide evidence for the claim. Smoking remains a major cause of preventable illness and death, and no AI breakthrough has eliminated the health risks associated with cigarettes. He's full of shit

Sounds like it.

Just more "look over here!" marketing to draw out the bubble

13
Zak
lemmy.world

Zak@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-11
#24 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

And it's insanely expensive

I have the impression the group of people the article is talking about are wealthy enough not to be concerned about that.

15
PattyMcB
lemmy.world
PattyMcB@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-02-12
#25 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

As an ex smoker...if I were to pick up a pack while working as an AI researcher...I'd absolutely use that as a cheeky comeback when someone said something about me smoking again. Entirely not meaning it, blatantly joking to anyone possible of understanding tone and having a sense of humor. However, I'm fairly certain most executives, and especially AI execs, are both tone-deaf and humorless. I'...

I quit almost 20 years ago. I actually tried to smoke one a while ago just to see. It make me sick just to smell. Won't ever touch one again.

4
thefluffiest
feddit.nl
thefluffiest@feddit.nl
Joined: 2023-07-03
#26 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Oh ye of little faith! AI will surely cure death! So, like any good cult, let’s plan that collective suicide, shall we?

5
jqubed
lemmy.world

jqubed@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-01-10
#27 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

AI answer: β€œYes, the solution is simple: do not use tobacco products.”

14
glasratz
feddit.org
glasratz@feddit.org
Joined: 2025-02-05
#28 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

So Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar had AI write his speech.

3
Murse
slrpnk.net

Murse@slrpnk.net
Joined: 2026-03-07
#29 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Sure! I can help with that!

...beep boop beep boop...

Inhale bleach. It will 100%, definitely kill any cancer cells in your lungs it comes into contact with.

Can I interest you in a recipe for pizza?

5
jpreston1986
lemmy.world
jpreston1986@lemmy.world
Joined: 2026-10-08
#30 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Psh. Picking up smoking and dying to the cancer it causes takes like 20 years. Lemme know when they start doing heroin.

6
VaalaVasaVarde
sopuli.xyz

VaalaVasaVarde@sopuli.xyz
Joined: 2024-04-04
#31 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Jinx, you owe me a soda.

Here you goπŸ₯€

I didn't read the last line of your comment and was like I know this! and just posted.

11
zod000
lemmy.dbzer0.com
zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2025-08-12
#32 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

This is the biggest self own I have ever heard of. I can't believe this is real.

49
CanIFishHere
lemmy.ca
CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca
Joined: 2026-03-24
#33 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

I call bullshit. Palantir's CTO is telling untruths.

6
TubularTittyFrog
lemmy.world
TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-02-23
#34 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

This is the biggest self own I have ever heard of. I can't believe this is real.

have you met tech bros/broettes?

i live in a city full of them... they very much do weird shit like this to signal to each they are more hardcore cool than the other brogrammers. like they get into bragging fights about really stupid and absurd stuff

22
zod000
lemmy.dbzer0.com
zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2025-08-12
#35 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

have you met tech bros/broettes? i live in a city full of them... they very much do weird shit like this to signal to each they are more hardcore cool than the other brogrammers. like they get into bragging fights about really stupid and absurd stuff

I have met some separately, but never in their native habitat. It sounds horrific.

8
PattyMcB
lemmy.world
PattyMcB@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-02-12
#36 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

I have the impression the group of people the article is talking about are wealthy enough not to be concerned about that.

Good point

5
spacegoat
lemmy.world
spacegoat@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-28
#37 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

They’re smoking because they’re stressed about their impending doom

15
kryptonianCodeMonkey
lemmy.world
kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-07-13
#38 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

If this is true, I am very concerned at the level of moron in the AI field. Smoking doesn't just cause cancer. It is an addictive habit, expensive, makes you and your clothes stink, yellows your teeth, makes your skin wrinkle prematurely, ruins you sense of taste and smell, makes you constantly need to huddle in the elements to get your fix, makes you stressed when you can't get a smoke in for a long time, collects tar in your lungs making breathing less efficient, increases asthma occurrences and risks, dramatically increases chances of getting chronic upper respiratory issues, serious pneumonia, heart disease, and a plethora of cancers (not just lungs). All for the benefit of a mild hit of dopamine that gets less effective with each smoke. But sure, you MIGHT be able to stave off the cancer in the future. If that was the one thing holding you back...

4
Sludgehammer
lemmy.world

Sludgehammer@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-07-03
#39 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

The Ayn Rand solution to techbros.

2
πŸ¦„πŸ¦„πŸ¦„
feddit.org
Duke_Nukem_1990@feddit.org
Joined: 2024-06-24
#40 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Cancer isn't the only reason not to smoke. It's yucky and makes you stink.

Yeah but it's AI people, it's not like they have any friends.

5
da_cow (she/her)
feddit.org

cows_are_underrated@feddit.org
Joined: 2024-06-22
#41 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Cancer isn't the only reason not to smoke. It's yucky and makes you stink.

So nothing would change for them.

7
TubularTittyFrog
lemmy.world
TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-02-23
#42 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

I have met some separately, but never in their native habitat. It sounds horrific.

a lot of tech companies are operated like cults.

7
criss_cross
lemmy.world
criss_cross@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-12-17
#43 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

I worked for a small company right out of college.

The CEO was a used car salesman that would say whatever he thought he could get away with to make a sale. At one point he claimed our software would have prevented 9/11 if it were installed on government computers.

This smoking claim sounds exactly like that kind of bullshit liars sprinkle in when they think no one is gonna call them on their BS

10
chaogomu
lemmy.world
chaogomu@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-01-04
#44 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Sounds like it. Just more "look over here!" marketing to draw out the bubble

Open AI just reported $20 billion less revenue than projected in their last earnings statement. The projected $70 billion was already making people nervous due to the debt load.

How's your end times going? Mine is shit, but also the anticipation is killing me.

5
Texas_Hangover
lemmy.radio
Texas_Hangover@lemmy.radio
Joined: 2024-11-09
#45 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

They should just vape. Tastes better.

0
grue
lemmy.world
grue@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-13
#46 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

Do not interrupt the enemy while they are making a mistake.

Too bad smoking kills you way too slowly to stop them from doing plenty of damage in the interim.

We need to suggest to them a quicker destructive habit. AI-designed wingsuits for BASE jumping, maybe?

9
Viking_Hippie
lemmy.dbzer0.com
Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2024-12-04
#47 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

AI douchecanoes: claim to be smart enough to create something capable of curing all cancers

Also AI douchecanoes: not smart enough to know that smoking also causes hundreds if not thousands of other maladies, many of them life threatening and/or crippling.

Smoking is ridiculously addictive and the NUMBER ONE lifestyle cause of death in the world, bar none, and these idiots are doing it just to go PAST all in on vibe tech 🀦🏻

17
SaveTheTuaHawk
lemmy.ca
SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca
Joined: 2025-03-07
#48 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

This is the biggest self own I have ever heard of. I can't believe this is real.

Bryan Johnson thought peptides would make him live forever. He ended up triggering and autoimmune disease that would likely end up killing him.

Of course, these bros must know tobacco smoke causes more diseases than just cancers.

16
grue
lemmy.world
grue@lemmy.world
Joined: 2023-06-13
#49 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

If this is true, I am very concerned at the level of moron in the AI field. Smoking doesn't just cause cancer. It is an addictive habit, expensive, makes you and your clothes stink, yellows your teeth, makes your skin wrinkle prematurely, ruins you sense of taste and smell, makes you constantly need to huddle in the elements to get your fix, makes you stressed when you can't get a smoke in for ...

I am very concerned at the level of moron in the AI field.

That part, at least, is nothing new. There are two types of people in tech: "computer geeks" who were programming before it was cool, and get-rich-quick assholes who don't give a shit but just hop on the latest trend. I have absolutely zero doubt that, even if the former type were the ones who made the generative AI breakthroughs, the companies marketing it to the masses are flooded with the latter.

5
RabbitBBQ
lemmy.world
RabbitBBQ@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-02-15
#50 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

  1. Create a machine that sometimes predicts the next word correctly
  2. Mass psychosis
59
mcv
friendica.opensocial.space
mcv@friendica.opensocial.space
Joined: 2026-10-12
#51 Posted:   Subject: Re: AI researchers are taking up smoking because they expect ... Quote Reply

"A cure for cancer" is such a magical nonsense phrase. We can already cure a lot of cancers. There are tons of people living healthy lives after surviving cancer. And we know more and more about how to prevent it (like not smoking). But they want magic.Even bigger nonsense is the claim that AI will solve global warming. We already know the solution to global warming. We're just not doing anything with it, because of destructive business interests.

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