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Paul Welty, PhD AI, WORK, AND STAYING HUMAN

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The limitations of generative AI

The limitations of generative AI

Explore the emerging limitations of generative AI, from false information to potential job displacement, as expectations shift in 2024.

The year 2023 saw widespread hype around generative AI, with expectations of AI-powered advancements becoming common. However, in 2024, there will be a need to readjust expectations as evidence emerges showcasing the limitations of generative AI. These models are prone to providing false information and hallucinations, making it difficult to anchor predictions to known truths. Anticipation of exponential productivity improvements and artificial general intelligence will prove unfounded, leading to a shift in focus towards identifying human tasks that can be augmented by these models. Moreover, the adoption of generative AI will result in job displacement without significant productivity gains. ChatGPT and similar models will dominate social media and online search, leading to increased manipulation, misinformation, and mental health issues. The industry will experience a duopoly with Google and Microsoft/OpenAI as dominant players, sparking calls for antitrust and regulation. However, meaningful regulation is not likely to arrive until the US government catches up with the technology in subsequent years.

https://www.wired.com/story/get-ready-for-the-great-ai-disappointment/

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