Superficial Intelligence?

“According to recent research from McKinsey & Company, nearly eight in 10 companies have reported using generative A.I., but just as many have reported ‘no significant bottom-line impact.’ A.I. technology has been racing ahead with chatbots like ChatGPT, fueled by a high-stakes arms race among tech giants and superrich start-ups and prompting an expectation that everything from back-office accounting to customer service will be revolutionized. But the payoff for businesses outside the tech sector is lagging behind, plagued by issues including an irritating tendency by chatbots to make stuff up.” NYT (Gift Article): Companies Are Pouring Billions Into A.I. It Has Yet to Pay Off.

+ I don’t think there’s much doubt that in the long run, AI will be replacing a lot of the work done by humans. In the near-term, it’s already taking over some of the roles of your colleagues. Sarah E. Needleman: Meet your new office bestie: ChatGPT. “Unlike teammates with a pulse, chatbots are never snotty, grumpy, or off the clock. They don’t eat leftover salmon at their desks or give you the stink eye. They don’t go on a tangent about their kids or talk politics when you ask to schedule a meeting. And they won’t be insulted if you reject their suggestions.”

+ “A cognitively impaired New Jersey man grew infatuated with ‘Big sis Billie,’ a Facebook Messenger chatbot with a young woman’s persona. His fatal attraction puts a spotlight on Meta’s AI guidelines, which have let chatbots make things up and engage in ‘sensual’ banter with children.” Meta’s flirty AI chatbot invited a retiree to New York. He never made it home. “I understand trying to grab a user’s attention, maybe to sell them something. But for a bot to say ‘Come visit me’ is insane.”