There’s More To AI Than ChatGPT

ChatGPT has captured the hearts and minds of many due to its nuanced conversational abilities. A person’s interaction with ChatGPT could've been their first foray into artificial intelligence (AI). And while Chatbots are not new, the novelty and uniqueness of ChatGPT is what makes the experience memorable. And the digital traffic surrounding this new AI has been monolithic. Microsoft has poured billions of investment dollars into OpenAI, the organization responsible for ChatGPT's creation. The bump in spending has led to further investigation and interest in AI. However, this newfound interest doesn't mean ChatGPT is AI's sole advancement. Organizations across the globe have been hard at work developing AI solutions. This work has been occurring for decades. And if we're talking about creations somewhat similar to ChatGPT, the focus should be on generative AI. We'll define that term and then expand on a few iterations with similar traits to ChatGPT.

There Are Different Types Of AI?

Yes, several, in fact. However, it's essential to understand the umbrella this term fits under. True AI, something you'd see in movies like Terminator or Iron Man, doesn't exist yet. It likely won't for several decades. The AI referenced in discussions about ChatGPT and other current AI iterations is more aptly titled Assisted AI. An algorithm is created, handed a specific data set, and then the AI learns how to mimic patterns in the data. The more nuanced the dataset, and algorithm, the more capable the AI. ChatGPT, Meta's Cicero, and Google's LaMDA are generative AIs. This means they can comb through human data and create a product independently. ChatGPT, LaMDA, and Cicero can participate in free-flowing conversations. This is thanks to natural language processing (NLP) and natural language generation (NLG). A deep dive into that technology is a different conversation for another day. Still, because of the tech, these AI can replicate human speech patterns in ways never seen before. The technology is incredible, but not all platforms receive the same attention. So, let's look at some other versions of generative AI aside from the wildly popular ChatGPT.

Cicero And Its Capabilities

Cicero was created by Meta, the organization that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and several other organizations. Cicero is a capable AI when it comes to human interaction and conversation. The "agent" was tested and found success in the strategy game Diplomacy. The combination of Strategic Reasoning and NLG enabled Cicero to communicate effectively with other players. It has the ability to have rational discussions with opponents. At the same time, it can formulate a winning strategy. Just like ChatGPT and every other current AI, the foundation of Cicero's success comes from the data it utilizes. According to an article on Meta's website, the creators "started with a 2.7 billion parameter BART-like language model pre-trained on text from the internet and fine-tuned on over 40,000 human games on ebDiplomacy.net." Essentially, A LOT of data was utilized. Meta's team then used language filters to create Cicero's dialogue model. Following its creation, the model was combined with several planning algorithms. Harnessing these technologies simultaneously enabled Cicero's nuanced dialogue and strategic planning ability. Cicero only exists within the realm of Diplomacy, but the technology behind it can be useful. Like all AI, Cicero's future contains the possibility of improvement and innovation. It's not perfect, but neither is it at the end of its leash. There's more to be discovered here. Over the coming years, we'll hear more from Meta about Cicero and other AI creations.

The Story Of LaMDA

Google has been on the AI grind for a long time, even creating some of the technology used in ChatGPT. LaMDA, or "Language Model for Dialogue Applications," is Google's conversational AI. Like ChatGPT and Cicero, LaMDA is unique in its ability to have discussions with a humanlike tone. This is a far cry from the stilted, lifeless conversations of most chatbots. Transitions from topic to topic are seamless and sensible, and enormous potential resides within LaMDA. LaMDA's evolution is still ongoing, and a large part of that process is the idea of responsible development. There are plenty of ethical complexities when it comes to developing AI. This quote from Google's article about LaMDA makes that quite clear. "But the most important question we ask ourselves when it comes to our technologies is whether they adhere to our AI Principles. Language might be one of humanity's greatest tools, but like all tools it can be misused… We're deeply familiar with issues involved with machine learning models, such as unfair bias, as we've been researching and developing these technologies for many years." This hints at a more complex discussion around AI and how to push its development while innovating responsibly at the same time.

AI Popularity And The Paranoia It Brings

AI development and its effect on humanity has been a hot topic for decades. Movies, books, and other mediums hypothesize and discuss artificial intelligence in various ways. AI as a whole is a complex, confusing topic. This lack of knowledge can lead to fear and catastrophizing. ChatGPT's popularity has seen some conspiracy theories and doomsday scenarios again rise to prominence. But, maybe there's a positive way to guide this newfound interest into educational opportunities. If we work to remove the mystery of AI, then more people will understand its capabilities. And, more importantly, what it can't do. Cicero, LaMDA, ChatGPT, and other AI iterations can improve the world. Work can be more efficient, creativity more expansive, and innovation expedited. There's plenty of good to be had; there just needs to be enough conversation about the umbrella term of AI. These discussions can reveal its solid foundation and truly incredible possibilities.