2.5 AI in the Spotlight

ChatGPT and similar large language models (LLMs) have brought AI into the public eye like never before. When OpenAI released ChatGPT, it quickly became a sensation, demonstrating AI’s potential in a highly accessible and engaging way. People across the globe marveled at the model’s ability to generate coherent text, answer questions, and even engage in creative writing. This widespread visibility has helped to solidify AI’s place as an indispensable part of modern life and work.

With AI now embedded in the routines of billions, a new AI winter seems increasingly unlikely. Unlike previous decades, where enthusiasm for AI waned due to unmet expectations and technical limitations, today’s AI has proven its utility in real-world applications. AI technologies like ChatGPT are no longer experimental; they are integral tools in education, business, healthcare, and entertainment. This widespread adoption and reliance on AI ensure ongoing investment and development, reducing the risk of stagnation.

ChatGPT and other LLMs excel in various tasks. They can generate human-like text, making them useful for drafting emails, writing essays, and even coding. They assist with language translation, allowing seamless communication across different languages. In customer service, these models provide instant, accurate responses to queries, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

However, despite their impressive capabilities, LLMs like ChatGPT have their limitations. They can sometimes confidently generate incorrect or nonsensical answers, especially when asked about obscure or highly niche topics. These models also struggle with understanding context over long conversations, which can lead to inconsistent or irrelevant responses. They are also prone to biases present in their training data, which can result in unfair or inappropriate outputs.

While AI, especially ChatGPT, has made remarkable strides, it is crucial to understand both its strengths and weaknesses. By recognizing what these models can and cannot do, users can better leverage their capabilities while remaining mindful of their limitations.