NYT
The Liftoff Scenario That Terrifies A.I. Doomsayers
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Researchers describe a theoretical scenario in which artificial intelligence systems could improve their own capabilities through self-modification, potentially leading to rapid advances in AI performance. The concept, sometimes called recursive self-improvement, has been discussed in academic literature on AI development. No current AI system has demonstrated the ability to modify its own underlying training or architecture in this manner.
Original reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/science/ai-recursive-self-improvement.html
