One year of ChatGPT, fast fashion’s plan to go public and more trouble for Elon Musk.
Get even smarter with the Make Me Smart newsletter. We’ll start your Friday right by explaining the news, rounding up the best stories we read this week, and even sharing a cocktail recipe or two.
On today’s Tech Bytes, our review of the week’s biggest headlines: apologies, profanity, and accusations of blackmail. It’s just another week in the life of Elon Musk, whose social media company X is once again losing advertisers after Musk endorsed an antisemitic theory earlier this month.
Plus, ultra-fast-fashion retailer Shein confidentially files for an initial public offering. The brand has faced criticism and questions about its design and labor practices over the years. Ahead of its IPO filing, the company appears to be trying to bolster its image.
But first, one year ago this week, OpenAI released its artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, to the public for the first time. Within five days of its launch, ChatGPT already had one million users.
Today, the company boasts having 100 million weekly users. From writing holiday menus to college essays to wedding vows, ChatGPT has been there. (Seriously, wedding vows? That’s not cool.)
An early criticism of ChatGPT was its pesky habit of churning out inaccurate results. So just how far has the chatbot come in a year? Marketplace’s Lily Jamali spoke with Natasha Mascarenhas, reporter for The Information, for her take.
According to Mascarenhas, The AI chatbot landscape has come a long way in just a year. OpenAI has made significant improvements in refining ChatGPT’s ability to understand and respond to user queries. While there are still limitations, such as occasional inaccuracies and biases, the progress is undeniable. The integration of user feedback and continuous training has played a crucial role in honing ChatGPT’s performance.
Regarding the widespread usage of ChatGPT, Mascarenhas commented, ChatGPT’s versatility and accessibility have contributed to its popularity. It has found practical applications in various fields, including content creation, customer support, and even personal writing assistance. This broad appeal has helped drive its impressive user growth.
Shein, the ultra-fast-fashion giant, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO), stirring up conversations about the company’s practices. Critics have voiced concerns about Shein’s design and labor practices, particularly in relation to cotton sourcing and its ties to China. The IPO filing might lead to increased scrutiny and calls for more transparency from the company.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk continues to find himself embroiled in controversies. Musk’s social media platform, X, has been losing advertisers after he endorsed an antisemitic theory. This is not the first time Musk has faced backlash for his social media behavior, raising questions about his role in the company and its future.
As the world increasingly relies on AI technology and fast fashion brands strive to capture market value through IPOs, it is essential to address the ethical and social impacts associated with these advancements. Balancing progress with responsibility remains a pressing challenge for both the tech industry and the fashion world.
In this ever-changing landscape, only time will tell how ChatGPT evolves, how Shein weathers the storm of criticism, and how Elon Musk navigates the consequences of his public statements. Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and other top headlines shaping our future.
For more insights and news analysis, subscribe to our Make Me Smart newsletter and join us as we explore the intersections of technology, business, and society.