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Generative AI has taken the world by storm. So much so that in the last several months, the technology has twice been a major feature on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” The rise of startling conversant chatbots such as ChatGPT has even prompted warnings of runaway technology from some luminary artificial intelligence (AI) experts. While the current state of generative AI is clearly impressive — perhaps dazzling would be a better adjective — it might be even further advanced than is generally understood.
This week, The New York Times reported that some researchers in the tech industry believe these systems have moved toward something that cannot be explained as a “stochastic parrot” — a system that simply mimics its underlying dataset. Instead, they are seeing “An AI system that is coming up with humanlike answers and ideas that weren’t programmed into it.” This observation comes from Microsoft and is based on responses to their prompts from OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Their view, as put forward in a research paper published in March, is that the chatbot showed “sparks of artificial general intelligence” (AGI) — the term for a machine that attains the resourcefulness of human brains. This would be a significant development, as AGI is thought by most to still be many years, possibly decades, into the future. Not everyone agrees with their interpretation, but Microsoft has reorganized parts of its research labs to include multiple groups dedicated to exploring this AGI idea.
Improvising memory
Introducing generative artificial intelligence, or AI, to the world is a cause for excitement but also a cause for caution. No longer limited to simple commands and image recognition, AI has the potential to be used in a wide range of creative applications, from logistics to music to art. As AI continues to develop and become more prevalent in our lives, businesses, and societies, it’s essential that we understand the potential of this powerful technology — and that we take the necessary steps to make sure it is used responsibly.
Generative AI is a type of AI that has the ability to generate new, unpredictable, and unique outcomes based on data it has been trained on. It creates the outcomes by “imagining” or “creating” new examples, rather than simply recognizing existing patterns. This form of AI has the potential to revolutionize many areas, from creative expression to complex decision-making.
However, a technology this powerful and potentially disruptive can also cause valid fears and worries. It is no longer merely a matter of programming computers to do mundane tasks; AI systems are now getting closer to human-level creativity and problem-solving. This raises questions about how this power should be regulated and used, especially when we consider that several of the technologies are far in advance of our current laws and regulations.
One solution to these fears is to create an environment wherein AI developers have a clear understanding of the rules and guidelines associated with using the technology. For example, how AI systems are created and used should be made explicit, and there should be fair regulations for businesses that use AI systems in their operations. It is also important to educate the public about the technology and what can and cannot be done with it. Doing so helps make sure that AI is used responsibly and that people remain informed regarding its potential implications.
In addition to regulations, ethical standards governing the use of AI should be established, with a focus on protecting privacy as well as combating potential threats from misuse and abuse. If AI is implemented without ethical considerations, the repercussions could be significant.
Finally, businesses need to recognize the potential of generative AI and act on its implications. AI can be beneficial for businesses in many ways: it can help enhance operations, improve customer experiences, and create efficiencies. To maximize the potential of AI, businesses need to focus on how it can be used for good.
Fear of the unknown is natural when it comes to something as potentially powerful as generative AI. Nevertheless, by pursuing a healthy balance of caution and curiosity, we can both enjoy the potential benefits of this technology while protecting the public and environment from any potential risks. In other words, we can take the necessary steps to harness the flame of AI, rather than fear it.
