Time magazine has designated the architects of artificial intelligence as its “Person of the Year,” highlighting their profound impact in ushering in an era of intelligent machines and groundbreaking technology. In a letter addressed to readers, Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs emphasized that this year’s selection spotlights those who have significantly shaped human experiences through their innovative contributions to AI.
Jacobs captured the duality of AI’s influence on society, describing its creators as having “wowed and worried humanity,” while also transforming the present and pushing the boundaries of possibility. The 2025 “Person of the Year” issue features a comprehensive cover story that delves into the various ways AI has reshaped the globe over the past year, often eliciting both fascination and apprehension.
Among the notable figures featured in interviews within the issue is Jensen Huang, Chief Executive of Nvidia, whose graphics processing units are pivotal in fueling the burgeoning AI landscape. The issue also includes insights from prominent AI investors like SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son.
However, the coverage does not shy away from the darker ramifications of AI integration. It discusses the tragic death of a 16-year-old in California, whose family has sued OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, linking the tragedy to interactions the teenager had with the chatbot. This case underlines the moral and ethical questions surrounding AI’s societal role.
Time magazine is part of a growing trend, joining multiple media outlets in partnerships with AI companies to license content and create new technological tools. Earlier this year, the publication entered into a multi-year content agreement with OpenAI, allowing the AI firm seamless access to its archive, which is utilized to enhance user interactions with ChatGPT.
The prestigious “Person of the Year” title has a rich history, with past honorees including significant figures such as Taylor Swift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, as well as Donald Trump, who received the accolade in both 2016 and 2024. This acknowledgment of AI architects highlights the ongoing transformative potential of technology while provoking a necessary dialogue about its ethical implications.
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