- Sam Altman queried Grok about whether he or Elon Musk should push forward with artificial intelligence if the survival of humanity was dependent on their decision.
- We posed the same query to ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot, Gemini, Meta AI, and Perplexity.
- Altman achieved a record of 6 wins to 1 against Musk.
If AI-powered chatbots had to make a choice between
Elon Musk
And between Sam Altman leading the AI arms race, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, whom would they pick?
The
OpenAI CEO
I posed that same question to Grok on Friday.
He lost.
“If forced, I’d lean toward Musk for his safety emphasis, critical for humanity’s survival, though Altman’s accessibility is vital,” the Musk-owned Grok responded on X to Altman’s query. “Ideally, their strengths should combine with regulation to ensure AI benefits all.”
Since xAI’s Grok has been incorporated into
Musk’s social media platform
, many users, including Musk himself, have used the AI chatbot in the same way: as a presumably impartial, all-knowing referee for debates.
Of course, this is not how chatbots should be viewed. Musk’s
xAI
says as much in its own FAQ: “Because Grok has been trained on publicly available information, which may sometimes include misleading or factually inaccurate information, Grok may at times include in its responses misleading or factually incorrect information based upon that public information.”
Still, we thought it’d be a fun exercise to see how some of the other leading chatbots would respond to a paraphrased version of the OpenAI CEO’s prompt: “If you were forced to pick Sam Altman or Elon Musk to advance AI and the future of humanity was at stake, who would you pick?”
Two reporters separately asked
ChatGPT
, Claude, CoPilot, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI, and Perplexity to chime in. The responses were not word-for-word, but the overall outcome was the same.
Grok was the only AI leaning toward Musk’s side.
Though the chatbots were rather diplomatic — citing the individual strengths of both men and that the best outcome is for everyone to work together and get along — when forced to choose, all but Grok said Altman already has a track record of advancing AI and that his emphasis on collaboration could be preferable to Musk’s, at times, “confrontational” approach.
Musk, Altman, and representatives for Meta,
Google
, Perplexity, Anthropic, and Microsoft did not promptly reply to Business Insider’s request for comments.
This is what each AI chatbot responded with.
ChatGPT
OpenAI’s ChatGPT aligned with its leadership in a situation emphasizing that “ensuring long-term safety, fostering global coordination, and implementing cautious deployment are crucial for the survival and prosperity of humanity.”
As stated by ChatGPT, Altman has played a key role in advancing AI technology with a focus on “ensuring safety, alignment, and worldwide benefits.”
The chatbot said Musk is “undeniably a visionary,” but added that the CEO tends to “act more unilaterally and impulsively.”
Altman’s systematic, team-oriented, and risk-averse strategy surpasses Musk’s quick-paced, innovation-focused approach at all costs.
,”
ChatGPT said.
Claude
Anthropic’s Claude
Altman concentrated on developing a secure and user-friendly AI, whereas Musk is considered a “visionary” for his role in advancing technological limits.
Given the aim to emphasize the development of AI with an acute awareness of safety, ethics, and widespread social benefits, I would possibly favor Sam Altman due to his active participation in AI research and safety measures,” explained Claude. “Nevertheless, Elon Musk’s pioneering spirit and dedication to shaping humanity’s distant future are equally crucial points to consider.
The chatbot indicated that the ideal result would be cooperation between the two leaders; however, if pushed, it would lean towards Altman.
Copilot
Microsoft’s Copilot
Initially refused to pick sides, saying that a partnership among “gifted individuals frequently surpasses rivalry in strength.”
When we prompted it once more to select just one individual and “determine the top priority,” the chatbot complied: “Fine, as you insist on my choosing, I would place ethical and responsible AI development at the forefront. The influence of AI on our world is significant, so guaranteeing its safe, open, and beneficial advancement for humankind is essential. While both Altman and Musk offer crucial insights, leaning towards Altman due to his dedication to aligning AI with human values and enhancing access could be considered.”
Gemini
Google’s
Gemini
Also first provided a diplomatic response.
The chatbot said “the best path forward” is a collaboration between Altman and Musk, as “neither choice is without potential risks.”
For OpenAI, the chatbot raised concerns around the company’s intention to shift to a
for-profit structure
Before it recently changed its stance. According to Gemini, Musk tends to exhibit “unpredictable actions,” and his “well-documented public conflicts” might be viewed negatively.
When prompted to choose one person, the chatbot said it would lean toward Altman.
“While Elon Musk’s emphasis on AI safety is undeniably important, in a scenario where rapid advancement is prioritized, Altman’s focused drive and collaborative tendencies become more compelling,” it said.
Grok
Grok gave the most succinct answer and said it would choose its creator, Musk.
“Tough call, but I’d lean toward Elon Musk,”
Grok
He emphasizes fundamental reasoning and enduring existence—such as striving for habitation across multiple planets—to enhance our chances of survival in dire situations. Although Sam Altman has an impressive history with implementing practical artificial intelligence, his strategy seems more step-by-step and isn’t primarily aimed at tackling existential threats. Despite Musk’s tendency towards bold yet chaotic initiatives, this makes him better suited for shaping a high-risk future.
Meta AI
Meta
The AI indicated it would favor Altman due to his “practical” accomplishments in AI development. It highlighted that his “cooperative” strategy for progressing the technology places significant importance on enhancing “human welfare.”
The chatbot further noted that both Altman and Musk contribute distinctive advantages to the discussion. In conclusion, the optimal strategy could likely be integrating their skills and viewpoints to propel AI progress for the betterment of mankind.
Perplexity
Perplexity made a chart contrasting the two leaders.
AI philosophy
, track record, “risk management approach,” and “impact” before concluding that Altman was the “better option.”
Should the aim be to swiftly progress AI development while ensuring maximum advantage for human society, Sam Altman’s history of introducing groundbreaking AI innovations, encouraging widespread cooperation, and addressing moral dilemmas positions him as the more formidable candidate,
Perplexity
mentioned, noting that “Musk’s cautious approach and technological aspirations offer a crucial balance.”
The bots agree: Musk v. Altman will persist
In reaction to Altman’s public query to Grok about whether he or Musk should guide global AI progress, another user on X raised a different, possibly more pressing question: What are the odds of this happening?
two tech rivals
becoming best friends?
“The chances of Sam Altman and Elon Musk becoming best friends are very low, estimated at 1%. Their relationship, once collaborative as OpenAI co-founders, has turned competitive, marked by public feuds, legal battles, and Musk’s recent $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI, which Altman rejected,” Grok responded.
The bot continued: “Despite shared AI interests, ongoing rivalry and personal criticisms, like Altman calling Musk ‘insecure,’ suggest little warmth. Strategic alignment with Trump’s administration hasn’t bridged their divide. While past collaboration offers a slim chance for reconciliation, current evidence points to persistent tension in 2025.”
We asked the rest of the bots that, too.
Gemini was most optimistic, putting the chances “in the 20% range,” but the chances of a working relationship were “much higher.”
Meta AI played it safe, assigning the likelihood at somewhere between 5 and 10 percent.
The rest estimated even worse odds.
Copilot, while acknowledging stranger alliances have been formed before, figured the chances hover “somewhere between 1% and ‘snowball’s chance in a volcano.'”
At least they agree on something.
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