Artificial intelligence (AI) reached new heights on 30 November 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. This marked a breakthrough year for AI, capturing the attention of millions worldwide. ChatGPT quickly went viral, garnering significant social media engagement and amassing an astonishing 13 million unique daily users by January. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, experienced unexpected success, setting a record for the fastest-growing user base of a consumer application. While the technology itself is impressive, the influence of ChatGPT in society can be attributed, in part, to how people perceive and utilize it. As an expert in technology and human information behavior, I believe that the power of a good interface and the dangers of hype play a crucial role in shaping the impact of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems.
Since its release, ChatGPT has become increasingly prevalent. From casual home use to adoption by employees at all levels, including executives, in businesses, the AI chatbot has permeated various sectors. In the tech industry, generative AI is heralded as the most significant platform since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, sparking a surge of AI investments in startups. However, the widespread adoption of ChatGPT has sparked concerns regarding disinformation, fraud, intellectual property issues, and discrimination. In the field of higher education, the focus has been on the potential for cheating, which has become the subject of my own research.
The resounding success of ChatGPT can be credited, in large part, to its user interface. Although AI has been integrated into everyday products for over a decade, it was the chat-based interface that launched AI into the mainstream consciousness. Human beings have a natural affinity for conversation, as it serves as a primary mode of communication and an indicator of intelligence. The chat-based interface enables users to have an interactive experience that feels akin to conversing with an intelligent being. This connection with users, driven by an intuitive design, demonstrates that user interfaces are pivotal in fueling the widespread adoption of technology, as exemplified by the Macintosh, web browsers, and the iPhone.
While generative AI systems like ChatGPT possess the ability to generate realistic language, this strength also makes them susceptible to producing false or misleading information. The potential for criminals and propagandists to exploit human vulnerabilities using ChatGPT and similar tools intensifies concerns about fraud and misinformation. To address these risks, there is a growing demand for the regulation of AI. The power of hype compels us to balance the potential promises and perils of generative AI. Amidst the media’s tendency to amplify AI’s influence and the current climate of substantial venture funding, anxiety emerges, hindering wise decision-making.
As we move into 2023, it is likely that AI development will encounter technical limitations and infrastructural hurdles. This projected slowdown will coexist with the emergence of AI regulation. Consequently, it will provide an opportunity for norms in human behavior to form regarding when and where it is socially acceptable to use ChatGPT, as well as its most effective applications. Over time, ChatGPT and other generative AI systems will integrate into people’s workflows, allowing for faster task completion and reduced errors. Similar to “Googling” for information, individuals will need to adopt new practices when working with generative AI tools. However, 2024 presents a challenging landscape with historic elections worldwide. The likelihood of AI-generated content being used to manipulate public opinion and propagate misinformation is high. Despite efforts to combat this issue, such as Meta’s ban on generative AI in political advertising, the use of ChatGPT and similar products to create and disseminate false or misleading content remains inevitable. The risk of misinformation extends beyond social media, with conversations involving ChatGPT itself becoming a potential source of false information. Therefore, vigilance in consuming digital media becomes paramount for all individuals, whether they use ChatGPT or not.
The unprecedented rise of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of technology. The impact of ChatGPT extends far beyond its technical capabilities, highlighting the significance of user interfaces and the perils of hyperbole. As society grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI, it is crucial to navigate this transformative landscape with caution, seeking a delicate balance between innovation and regulation to harness the true potential of AI for the betterment of humanity.
Leave a Reply