Beyond the hype of Generative AI & ChatGPT: 7 things that really matter?

“Should I be concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on myself, my team and my organization? Did we really enter the fifth industrial revolution? And what does this mean exactly?” are some questions I received this past summer. These questions all have to do with the emergence of applications of Generative AI, such as Midjourney MidJourney and ChatGPT .? What comes as no surprise to many is that the world of technological innovation finds itself in yet another whirlwind of progress. Boundaries between our digital and physical continue to blur as we keep pushing boundaries and see opportunities that were previously unthinkable.?

As ChatGPT had more than a million users within five days of its launch by U.S. company OpenAI last November, the media exploded with coverage and analysis. This resulted in a push felt among leaders and decision-makers in business, to start acting upon this new trend. This phenomenon did not surprise me, as it is wonderful and super interesting that there is a tool that “wants” to brainstorm with you, that talks back in a human way and even helps you come up with "creative ideas." However, I also noticed that many people really see it as magic. But is that truly the case? Or is it just a clever way of applying data, statistics and an innovative user interface?

When so many people are starting to use something new, it is also helpful to reflect on what exactly is being used. Whether it is actually magical, or whether there are a number of things to be aware of. To make sure we use it responsibly. During my research this summer, of which I'll share more insights soon, I gained at least 7 insights that I argue really matter if you want to use Generative AI and ChatGPT consciously and responsibly. These things can help you form a humane and responsible opinion on this groundbreaking technology, focused mostly on leaders and decision makers in business.?

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI, is a system technology. It touches organizations in what they do, how they work and even why they perform certain activities.?

The impact of Generative AI extends beyond just adding a new tool to an organization's toolbox. It changes the way companies operate and requires a rethinking of business processes and goals. It is critical to understand that this technology is not just a peripheral, but at the heart of changes in business operations. Be sure to examine how it affects you and your team or organization. Examine the possibilities, but also be sure to consider the impact of the applications you envision. After all, the impact of breakthrough technological innovations like this is often overestimated in the short term, but underestimated in the long run.

2. Generative AI seems magical, but it is not. It is valuable to understand how an application like ChatGPT really works, so that you understand that it is a means to an end. A tool, not a panacea.?

Thanks to Generative AI technology, ChatGPT seems magical to many. Indeed, it is possible for virtually anyone with access to the Internet and a digital device (mobile, tablet or personal computer) to now use AI. The ability to understand natural language and mimic human conversation is fascinating, but it is essential to remember that this is a result of data, algorithms and statistics. ChatGPT is trained to appear human and is shared through a very intuitive interface. Understanding the technology and taking a peek under the hood can help reinforce this understanding. Understanding technology, to a certain extent, is a key step in using it responsibly.

3. ChatGPT is not a strong AI. While an application like ChatGPT is capable of communicating with you in human language, it remains a tool and not a sentient being.?

Within artificial intelligence, a distinction is made between weak and strong AI. Weak AI, also known as narrow AI, refers to artificial intelligence systems that can perform specific limited tasks and mimic human intelligence in a limited area. These systems are designed for specific tasks, such as speech recognition, image recognition or playing a game of chess. They lack general intelligence and awareness and can only function within their limited area of expertise. Unlike weak AI, strong AI is a hypothetical form of artificial intelligence that has the ability to perform a wide range of tasks in a human way, including learning, reasoning and understanding. Strong AI could even achieve self-awareness and be theoretically capable of general problem solving and adaptive behavior in various contexts comparable to human intelligence. It is a goal of the research community focused on AI, but is and remains for now a vision of the future that has not yet been realized.?

So keep in mind that although interacting with Generative AI sometimes feels so natural that it is like talking to a person, it is important to realize that it is not Strong AI. It is not (yet) capable of self-awareness or autonomous thinking. Despite this limitation, however, users can develop a strong emotional attachment to a tool, which brings new ethical considerations. If you want to explore this perspective further, I recommend watching Harari's documentary on YouTube: "AI and the future of Humanity."

4. The industry is making tremendous progress on Generative AI and understanding how it affects you and your industry is invaluable?

The speed at which the industry is advancing is remarkable. In the first six months of 2023, USD 15.2 billion was invested in the industry. Whereas the market was worth USD 8.2 billion in 2021, it is predicted to be worth USD 126.5 billion by 2031 (CNN & PR Newswire, 2023). Innovations are happening at a rapid pace, and if your company does a lot with voice or text, there is a good chance that there is a great opportunity for you. Finding internal information, improving a chatbot and communication with your customers, staying up-to-date on developments inside and outside your own organization or innovating products based on customer needs are among the possibilities. Be aware that simply implementing all kinds of Generative AI tools can lead to resistance or lack of understanding from your employees. Where someone gets great satisfaction from planning or researching topics, the feeling of adding value to a team or organization may fall away. Since we find ourselves in a tight labor market, it is smart to think carefully about which tools you implement, why, when and with whom. Also consider good communication around the actions you take. Involve your employees and look at the implementation from multiple disciplines and perspectives.

5. There are worldwide differences in perceptions of Generative AI. Cultural background plays a role in how people approach technology and the differences should be embraced.?

Where people in China are most open to this technology, this can be explained by the cultural deep-seated appreciation for technological advancement and innovation. Also, there is a lot of investment and direct application by the government there, so people do not really have a choice. Left or right, they come into contact with it as a result. In the U.S. with a historical focus on growth and entrepreneurship, Generative AI is often approached with a mixture of excitement and business pragmatism. American companies tend to innovate quickly, placing speed over efficiency and ethical behavior. New technology is quickly embraced to gain competitive advantage. In Europe, on the other hand, there is more emphasis on ethical considerations and privacy issues leading to stricter regulations and a more critical approach to AI implementation.

What is considered groundbreaking in one region may be viewed with skepticism elsewhere. Understanding cultural nuances is important when implementing Generative AI in national and international contexts. In addition, I recommend engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds or education. Since, as mentioned earlier, AI is a system technology and the impact of its applications extends beyond merely gaining greater efficiency or revenue, it is very valuable to also engage with a biologist, lawyer, psychologist or economist. What is the impact of the application on the people around you? Or in the environment in which you operate?

6. Policies around ethical use of Generative AI are emerging more slowly than companies are applying them. Organizations therefore have a responsibility to use it carefully.?

As organizations implement Generative AI on a large scale, the question is whether policymakers can react quickly enough to ensure that the technology is applied responsibly. Whereas you can be very grateful to your customers or consumers for choosing you, it is then also up to you to deal with and care for them responsibly. Applying a new technology brings new responsibilities and it is therefore important that companies think carefully about ethical guidelines and standards. Does this sound interesting? Then check out the Center for Humane Technology for inspiring examples.

7. It is necessary to consider secondary and tertiary implications of using Generative AI.?

Where technology has the potential to bring about profound changes in society, both positive and negative, it is crucial to not just consider its immediate implications. This is tempting as organizations tend to divide our year into quarters and are primarily concerned with how to meet short-term sales targets. The broader impact of Generative AI implications on human behavior, the economy and society as a whole should not be overlooked. This is not easy, but dynamic and requires constant reflection and ethical considerations. So always ask yourself: what is the impact of my idea or application on myself, my team and my organization? This will also give you an answer to the impact on society.

So, what do you think?

What are your thoughts? And what questions come to your mind? In case you want to learn more about how this technological innovation relates to AI as a whole, or when you are curious about its impact on you, your team and society, consider participating in the training I'm giving with Nick Mastenbroek at nlmtd on October 26!?

Here we will explore together what user obstacles ChatGPT poses, take a look under the hood of the foundational technology behind Generative AI and engage in an interactive way to form responsible opinions.?

Link to sign up can be found in the comments below this article!