The Kerfuffle over ChatGPT: Trying to find signal in all the noise

I originally wrote about?this topic?back in January, but since then the problem has only compounded.

Without having extracted actual data or done any rigourous research, I have noticed that topics about AI seem to be posted mainly by a small number of categories of people. Already some of these people have gained an impressive number of followers, nearing the order of 1 million.

AI Experts

One category is people who have spent years studying AI, and who have a deep expertise in the field. These individuals focus solely on technical concepts related to AI, without necessarily considering the broader implications of the technology or its impact on society. They may use technical jargon or speak in a way that is difficult for non-experts to understand.

AI experts have the deepest insights about AI, and are the ones I listen to the most to understand what is happening with AI technologies. Their posts are often quite technical and could be difficult for non-technical people to descipher.

Software Developers

Another category is software developers who develop AI-related systems, such as chatbots or machine learning modules. These individuals may be more focused on the technical aspects of AI development than on its societal implications.

I tend not to follow this type of user too much.

AI Application Engineers

AI application engineers, who apply AI technology in real-world contexts, represent the third category. These individuals may have a broader understanding of the technology's impact on society and how it can be used in ethical and responsible ways.

I get the impression that this type of person is busy integrating AI into some application, and their communications are mainly about promoting their applications.

Journalists

A fourth category of social media posts about AI comes from journalists who report on AI-related news and developments. These individuals may write about technical advancements, societal implications, or ethical concerns related to AI.

As with any field, journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public about the latest developments in AI. In theory, journalists can help to bridge the gap between technical experts and the general public by translating complex concepts into accessible language. However, in order to gain an audience, they tend to write more about sensational and provoking topics, which in my opinion distorts the facts about what is actually happening.

Marketers

Finally, we have marketers who promote AI products or services. These individuals may use sensational language or exaggerate the capabilities of AI in order to generate interest or sales.

Example of sensational language are "10x your productivity," "AI won't replace you: a person using AI will," and so on.

I find it amusing that although this category provides the least insightful information, it tends to have the greatest number of followers.

To be continued...

It is truly fascinating to observe how all this is developing. Personally, I am still trying to figure out who is worth following, and who I should be ignoring. In other words, what is signal, and what is noise.

What do you think?

Here is my interview with ChatGPT on the topic.

David: So ChatGPT, I've been noticing a lot of social media posts about AI lately. Who are the people behind these posts?

ChatGPT: Well David, there are several categories of people who post about AI on social media. You've got your AI experts, software developers, AI application engineers, journalists, and marketers.

David: Wow, that's a lot of categories! Who should I be following if I want to stay up-to-date on the latest AI developments?

ChatGPT: That really depends on what you're interested in, David. If you're into highly technical concepts and don't mind some brain-twisting jargon, then AI experts are the way to go. But if you want a broader understanding of AI's impact on society, then AI application engineers might be more your speed.

David: Hmm, that's a tough choice. What about software developers?

ChatGPT: Well, software developers tend to focus more on the technical development of AI rather than its societal implications. So if you're interested in the nitty-gritty of AI development, they might be worth a follow.

David: And what about journalists and marketers?

ChatGPT: Journalists can provide valuable insights into the latest news and developments in AI. However, they tend to write about sensational and provocative topics to gain an audience. Marketers, on the other hand, tend to use exaggerated language to promote AI products and services. So take their posts with a grain of salt, or a whole shaker if you're feeling extra skeptical.

David: Got it. So how do I know if a social media post about AI is worth my time?

ChatGPT: Look for posts that provide a balanced perspective on AI, weighing both its potential benefits and risks. And always consider the source - is the person behind the post credible? Are they citing reliable sources? Or are they just trying to generate buzz by using sensational language?

David: Ah, the classic "separating signal from noise" problem.

ChatGPT: Exactly, David. It's a challenge, but with a critical and informed perspective, you can navigate the noise and find the signal in the social media conversation around AI.

David: Thanks for the advice, ChatGPT. You're always so helpful.

ChatGPT: Aw, shucks, David. I'm just a machine learning algorithm doing what I was programmed to do. But I'm glad I could be of service.

With the release of powerful language models?like ChatGPT, we have reached an inflection point in the use of AI. Founded in 2023, AI4B2B specializes in making AI accessible to small companies.