Balancing the Focus on AI and Problem-Solving

Have you noticed that lately people seem more intrigued by the tools being used than the problems they're trying to solve? Last week, a friend of mine approached me seeking investment opportunities in AI companies. His acquaintance was looking to invest in a company that leverages ChatGPT, and this specific requirement for investment struck me as amusing.

It's understandable for investors to narrow down their investments to areas in which they have expertise, as this improves their ability to judge a company's prospects and offer expert advice and support. However, the field of generative AI and its commercial applications, including ChatGPT, is relatively new. It's unlikely that the investor has expertise in it. Why set such a requirement for an investment, then?

Let's broaden this issue from ChatGPT to general AI. It appears every company has an “AI-powered” or “AI-driven” product or solution. Similarly, AI professionals in the industry often talk excitedly about the latest AI tools and technology they are using, such as Large Language Models, or advanced computer vision techniques, or GPU acceleration. Do people's fascination with the latest and greatest in AI skew their approach to problem-solving?

While AI has the potential to positively transform humanity, the fixation on technology can be a double-edged sword. Companies and investors may get so caught up in the latest tools and technology that they overlook solving real problems, leading to outcomes that fail to provide genuine benefit to anyone.

That's why it's important to strike a balance between utilizing technology and addressing real-world problems. Companies should start by identifying a problem that they want to solve, then choose the best tools and technology to solve it. The goal should be to deliver value to customers, not just to use the latest and greatest technology.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the technology being used is not important. It's crucial for companies and investors to stay ahead of the curve and be knowledgeable about the technology they use and invest in. But the focus should always be on solving real-world problems and making a tangible impact.