?? The value of learning AI early
Each week we'll gather headlines and tips to keep you current with how generative AI affects PR and the world at large. If you have ideas on how to improve the newsletter, let us know!
What You Should Know
The Value of Learning AI Now?
Our team keeps a list of AI tells so we can ensure our writing doesn’t start to appear robotic. One recent addition is conclusions that refer to the first-mover mentality helping people thrive. Naturally, this week’s top story is dedicated to this concept that we’re actively avoiding.
While AI tools might broadly tell you “those who start learning how to use AI in their daily work will gain a competitive advantage,†we can add a bit of color to this. A study released today by the Oxford Internet Institute shows the demand for AI roles has surged 21% from 2018 to 2023, while requirements for secondary degrees dipped 15%. It also found that AI skills command a 23% wage premium, exceeding the value of degrees up until the PhD level (33%).
It’s not just about the prospect of a bigger paycheck, either. A new Pew study found that 40% of workers say AI allows them to do things quicker, and 29% said it improves the quality of their work. AI is even coming to sectors you might not think of, like fast food. McDonald’s gave managers at 43,000 locations AI-powered tools to help them address issues like inaccurate orders and predict when equipment may need maintenance.
Communications professionals have always had the most to gain as AI evangelists, and now the data backs it up. The first-mover cliché was never wrong, just overplayed. That generic “thriving†picture is a bit more detailed when you see the efficiency gains and future earnings potential. Those are excellent reasons to keep paying attention as AI evolves in new tools and with new capabilities.
Elsewhere …
Tips and Tricks
?? When to use GPT-4.5
What’s happening: Last week, OpenAI expanded access to GPT-4.5, “our largest and best model for chat yet,†which CEO Sam Altman is particularly fond of.?
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He also wrote that GPT-4.5 maxed the company out of GPUs, which had delayed the rollout beyond Pro users. While it isn’t a reasoning model like o1, “it’s a different kind of intelligence, and there’s a magic to it I haven’t felt before.â€
OpenAI says “GPT?4.5 has a better understanding of what humans mean and interprets subtle cues or implicit expectations with greater nuance and ‘EQ.’ GPT?4.5 also shows stronger aesthetic intuition and creativity.†However, early returns show that doesn’t necessarily make it a better writer.?
It can be more thoughtful in its language choices, though. When you have sensitive news to share or want to make sure your argument won’t be misinterpreted, for example, GPT-4.5 can pick up on or add more subtle emotional cues to the language compared to other models.
In the same vein, GPT-4.5 may be more useful for brainstorming or even planning that targets an audience with more nuance. But — at least for now — GPT-4o is probably still the go-to for content creation and other general tasks, while GPT-4.5 can be a helpful assistant as you refine tone and language.?
Beware: OpenAI was vague about its rate limit for those who have access to GPT-4.5. It appears as though users may have roughly 50 messages per week on this model, but a pop-up warns when you have 25 messages remaining and when the counter resets.
Quote of the Week
“It’s not going to completely replace the human element of putting your boot into the vineyard, and that’s one of my favorite things to do. But it’s going to be able to allow you to work more smartly, more intelligently and in the end, make better decisions under less fatigue.â€
— Tom Gamble, a third-generation farmer, to the Associated Press about AI use at his Napa Valley vineyard