Tech professionals at dreamforce conference focus on ai's practical risks, not existential threats

At Salesforce's Dreamforce conference in September 2026, attendees expressed concerns about AI's impact on labor, mental health, and the environment, rather than existential risks. A Politico poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe AI could destroy humanity. However, many conference participants, including Dean Levita, emphasized that AI-driven extinction is not imminent, comparing it to earthquake warnings. Henry Sandles and Sara Jamison, representing a nonprofit, noted that AI's risks are not new and trust that smart people will manage it. Ashleigh Kaye raised concerns about data centers and AI's pervasive influence, while Deep Karia focused on privacy and mental health. Soumya Nimmu highlighted the need for attention to current issues like deepfakes and military AI use. Valerie Sizemore of Stop AI, meanwhile, advocates for a ban on superintelligent AI, a stance gaining traction with Senator Bernie Sanders' recent proposal. The conference attendees largely dismissed the idea of AI apocalypse, instead emphasizing the need for regulation and awareness of immediate challenges. While some, like Jacob Coxon, warned of AI risks, others, including Karia and Nimmu, argued that human control remains paramount. The discussion reflects a broader debate on how to balance innovation with safety, as AI continues to shape various aspects of life.