Time magazine has named the architects of artificial intelligence as its “Person of the Year,” recognizing their pivotal contributions to the emergence of intelligent machines and transformative technological advances. In a letter to readers, Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs noted the remarkable impact these innovators have had, remarking that “no one had a greater impact than the individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI.”
Jacobs elaborated on the dual nature of AI’s influence, describing it as a phenomenon that both “wows and worries humanity,” effectively reshaping our reality and expanding the limits of what is achievable. The forthcoming 2025 “Person of the Year” issue will feature a comprehensive cover story that delves into the various ways AI has transformed the world over the past year, portraying this exploration as both groundbreaking and at times, unsettling.
The issue highlights interviews with pivotal figures in the AI landscape, including Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, whose company’s technology plays a crucial role in the current AI revolution, and influential investors like SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son. The narrative does not shy away from exploring the troubling aspects of technological advancement, mentioning a recent unfortunate incident involving a 16-year-old from California who tragically took his life, leading his parents to sue OpenAI, citing harmful interactions with the AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
Time’s engagement with AI is not limited to its editorial coverage; the magazine has also formed strategic partnerships with AI companies aimed at improving content delivery and enhancing innovation. In June 2024, Time signed a multi-year agreement with OpenAI, allowing the AI firm access to its vast archival content, which will enable ChatGPT to generate accurate citations and direct users to Time.com for more information.
This recognition aligns with Time’s tradition of honoring influential figures, previously selecting key personalities like then-President-elect Donald Trump, pop icon Taylor Swift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk. By focusing on the architects of AI, the magazine underscores the increasing interconnection between technology and society, acknowledging both the opportunities that arise and the challenges we must face as we progress into this new technological era.