TIME magazine’s latest issue has stirred controversy by excluding tech titan Elon Musk from its annual list of “100 Most Influential People in AI,” while featuring actress Scarlett Johansson on cover. magazine’s 2024 TIME100 AI edition, unveiled Thursday, showcases a composite image of prominent AI figures, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, but notably omits Musk, founder of xAI.
AI Leaders and Industry Giants Featured
TIME100 AI edition highlights several influential figures in field of artificial intelligence. This year’s cover prominently features Johansson alongside AI industry leaders like Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and or key CEOs and founders. list reflects dynamic and fast-evolving nature of AI, spotlighting leaders from both established tech giants and emerging startups.
Musk’s Notable Absence
Elon Musk, who launched xAI last summer and has seen its chatbot Grok compete with rivals like ChatGPT, was conspicuously absent from TIME’s list. Musk’s exclusion has sparked significant backlash on social media. Critics argue that Musk’s contributions to AI through xAI and his or ventures, including Neuralink, should have earned him a spot on list.
Neuralink, Musk’s neurotechnology company, gained attention earlier this year when it successfully implanted a brain chip in a paralyzed patient, enabling him to browse web and play online games using his mind. Musk also recently introduced Colossus, described as world’s most powerful Nvidia GPU supercomputer.
TIME’s Rationale and Reactions
TIME, now owned by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who has invested heavily in AI through a $500 million fund supporting startups like Anthropic, has faced scrutiny over its editorial choices. A TIME spokesperson noted that magazine includes disclosures about companies backed by Salesforce Ventures, highlighting potential conflicts of interest.
Social media users have expressed disbelief and frustration over Musk’s omission. One user tweeted, “Every person on this top 100 list if asked would say Elon should be on this list,” while anor criticized TIME for alleged bias, stating, “This is proof of Time’s bias and lack of integrity.”
inclusion of Johansson, who has had disputes with OpenAI regarding use of her voice to train chatbots, has also drawn criticism. Some questioned her presence on list, comparing it to omission of Musk.
Editor’s Explanation
In a statement, TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs explained selection process for this year’s list. Jacobs emphasized rapid changes in AI field, noting that 91 of 2024 list members were not featured in previous year’s edition. “This year’s list offers examples of possibilities for AI when it moves out of lab and into world,” Jacobs said.
TIME’s decision reflects magazine’s focus on shifting landscape of AI, highlighting new leaders and innovations in industry. As field continues to evolve, so too does list of influential figures shape its future.
