Issue 159: What is Going On in the World of AI?
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about OpenAI. – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
What is Going On in the World of AI?
OpenAI is arguably the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence company. To the shock of investors and even employees at the company, OpenAI announced the ouster of its chief executive, Sam Altman, last week. Since this surprise announcement, the world of artificial intelligence has been in upheaval. Despite the power and promise of AI technology, the situation at OpenAI reminds us the industry is still going through growing pains and is subject to the same pitfalls as other industries.
The bigger picture. There has been a mad rush in the last week to explain the turmoil at OpenAI. According to reporting from Bloomberg, there appears to be a schism over the pace of commercialization of AI technology. On one side of the debate, Google has pushed for a slow and cautious approach to commercial AI technology. OpenAI, on the other hand, has aggressively moved to market advanced AI platforms such as ChatGPT. It’s too early to determine which approach will win, but Sam Altman's ouster demonstrates that this is a serious issue facing the sector's future.
Deep breaths. It’s a good thing that the chaos at OpenAI has received ample media attention. AI has the power to transform society in ways that we can’t predict. Private companies are breaking down barriers with little oversight. The battle of Sam Altman's future gives us a small peak behind the curtain of what’s happening in AI. Sadly, it appears that the significant currents have more to do with making money quickly than the actual ethics of the technology.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
– Bill Nye, American Scientist
CHART OF THE WEEK
This week, we are thinking about generative AI. It’s an AI theme for this issue of Backstory, and for good reason. White-collar jobs are getting swallowed up by AI.
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
Digital well-being: It's time to get serious about well-being. Let’s face it: the world is still a wild place. The pandemic remains an ever-present threat. The global economy is up and down. Complicating matters is that we have never been more addicted to scrolling on our phones. Getting off one’s phone is much easier said than done, but even thirty minutes daily can make a big difference in one’s mental health. This is especially true if that screen time break happens before bed. We explore more tips and tricks in this piece published by Xische about digital health.
How to fix bias in AI: The problem with bias in AI and advanced algorithms is not technical; it’s human. Those gifted programmers and coders who create the algorithms that guide our lives are the root (and solution) of the bias problem. This week, we considered ways to address the challenge of bias. Small states with large technology sectors, such as the UAE, have an advantage in addressing these challenges. Read our piece to find out why.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
The cables that connect our world. Given how much we depend on technology, it’s incredible how easy it is to forget about the real-life infrastructure that connects our world. Cnet takes us inside the internet cables that connect continents. As thick as a garden hose, these cables are marvels of modern technology. The fastest cable is called Amitie and connects Europe and the United States. The cable can carry about 400 terabits of data per second. Imagine having that speed on your home internet.
How meditation helps your daily life. Most of us are tethered to our screens for most of the day. When we aren’t reading and interacting with the online world, we are dealing with the everyday stresses of ordinary life. A simple pause in the form of a quiet reflection can do wonders in resetting our nervous system and calming us down. The Wall Street Journal just published a lengthy piece focused on the value of mediation in everyday life. Even five minutes can do wonders.
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