Because that statement is simply false. Researchers do deal with real world problems and datasets. There is a huge overlap between research and practice. There is little or no overlap between AI risk/safety research, and current machine learning research. The only connection I can think of, is that people familiar with reinforcement learning might have a better understanding of AI motivation. [...] I didn't say there wasn't dissent. I said it wasn't an outlier view, and seems to be the majority opinion. [...] Look I'm sorry if I came across as overly hostile. I certainly welcome any debate and discussion on this issue. If you have anything to say feel free to say it. But your above comment didn't really add anything. There was no argument, just an appeal to authority, and calling GP "extremist" for something that's a common view on this site. At the very least, read some of the previous discussions first. You don't need to read everything, but there is a list of posts here.