OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently revealed in a conversation with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that his most used app is not OpenAI’s cutting-edge language model, ChatGPT, but rather the popular collaboration platform Slack. Altman admitted that he wishes he could say ChatGPT was his most used app, but in reality, he spends most of his time on Slack due to its streamlined communication and team collaboration features.
During their discussion on AI and technology, Gates asked Altman about his daily digital habits, specifically whether he prefers email or other forms of communication. Altman confessed that he is an old-style email guy and relies heavily on his email for communication. He also mentioned using the browser for news, although he didn’t count it as an app. Altman believes that Slack still outweighs his browser usage, as he finds himself on the platform all day.
Another noteworthy app on Altman’s phone is Apple’s iMessage, which he revealed to be his second most used app. This highlights the significance and impact of messaging applications in our daily lives, even for high-profile individuals like Altman.
Altman also reflected on his firing and subsequent rehiring as OpenAI CEO, acknowledging that the team has never felt more productive, optimistic, or better than they do now. This challenging experience served as a moment of growth for the company, motivating them to become better and more prepared for future challenges.
Discussing the impact of AI, Altman emphasized the increasing pace of technological revolution and the potential challenges it poses for society and the labor market. He expressed a degree of concern over the rapid speed at which society will have to adapt to these changes, noting that the labor market will undoubtedly undergo significant transformations.
Overall, Altman’s conversation with Bill Gates shed light on his preference for Slack as his most used app, his reliance on email and the browser for communication and news respectively, and the positive outcome that arose from his rollercoaster experience as CEO of OpenAI. It also underscored the significant role AI will play in shaping the future and the need for society to proactively adapt to its impact.
