Esther Dyson, an investor and founder of Wellville, recently shared her insights on the pros and cons of ChatGPT and the current AI landscape during a panel discussion at the Disruptive Technologists in NYC meetup group. The panel also included founders from Verneek and System, both of which Dyson has invested in, as well as a Microsoft product manager. The discussion, moderated by Ivy Cohen, CEO of Ivy Cohen Corporate Communications, covered various aspects of AI and its potential impact.
Dyson expressed her support for Verneek and System, emphasizing their efforts to apply large language models like ChatGPT to real-world scenarios. She highlighted the accessibility and value that such models provide in understanding complex systems and the world around us. However, Dyson also acknowledged the potential harm that can arise from the misuse of such technology. She emphasized the importance of focusing on training children to be self-aware rather than solely focusing on AI development.
Nasrin Mostafazadeh, co-founder of Verneek, provided a counterpoint to the prevailing concerns surrounding AI. She pointed out that the development of AI has taken many decades and that the current fears may stem from a lack of awareness among the general public. Mostafazadeh stressed the need to maintain the human element in communication, particularly for personal and emotional matters, as opposed to relying solely on AI.
Adam Bly, CEO of System, discussed his company’s use of AI to understand and address complex systems in areas like healthcare and climate change. He also mentioned the launch of an AI-powered search engine that indexes scholarly research. Bly highlighted the rise of generative AI amid an information culture that is increasingly susceptible to misinformation and fake news.
Rushil Vora, a product manager from Microsoft, highlighted the growing recognition of AI and its mainstream appeal, particularly due to technologies like ChatGPT. However, he also emphasized the challenge of educating the public about AI and ensuring responsible use of the technology.
The panelists agreed that better regulatory involvement and understanding of AI could be beneficial. They cautioned against oversimplifying AI and urged regulators not to treat all AI technologies as the same. They stressed that AI can have a positive impact and should not be unfairly categorized.
The discussion also touched on the misconception that AI will lead to widespread job displacement, with truck drivers and blue-collar workers being particularly vulnerable. The panelists argued that AI automation can actually free up time for professionals to focus on higher-level tasks and interactions with clients or patients. They emphasized the transformation of fields rather than the elimination of job functions.
In conclusion, Dyson cautioned against the hype surrounding AI and advised companies to approach it with caution. While acknowledging the potential for financial gains in the short term, she expressed skepticism about the long-term sustainability of the current AI enthusiasm. She predicted an eventual saturation of the market and highlighted the likelihood of duplication in AI ventures.
Overall, the panel discussion shed light on the various perspectives surrounding AI, underscoring the importance of responsible development, proper education, and regulatory involvement. The panelists agreed that AI has the potential for great value, but it must be approached thoughtfully to avoid potential harm.
