The intricate dance between artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics has come to a head in 2023, epitomized by Merriam-Webster's choice for Word of the Year: "authentic." As we grapple with the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of AI, the significance of distinguishing between the "real" and the "fake" is more crucial than ever.
Merriam-Webster's selection of "authentic" resonates with the prevailing theme of the year – a quest for truth and genuineness in a world saturated with ChatGPT, deepfakes, and post-truth dynamics. The heightened interest in the term reflects a broader societal concern about the blurred lines between reality and deception.
The surge in lookups for "authentic" on Merriam-Webster's site underscores a 2023 marked by crises of authenticity, fueled by discussions around artificial intelligence, celebrity culture, identity, and the ever-expanding realm of social media. The increasing value placed on authenticity, as noted by lexicologist Peter Sokolowski, indicates a collective realization of the need to question and affirm the genuine in the face of pervasive misinformation.
In a year dominated by the prominence of artificial intelligence, the struggles within OpenAI offer a poignant example of the delicate balance between innovation and ethical considerations. Originally founded as a non-profit with a mission to develop safe AI technology, OpenAI faced a crucial turning point in 2019 when it shifted to a capped profit structure to attract investment for computing power and talent.
The involvement of big tech giant Microsoft as OpenAI's major investor added a layer of complexity. With a $13 billion investment, Microsoft aimed to maximize returns, putting pressure on OpenAI's non-profit ethos. The clash between profit motives and humanitarian goals reached its zenith when CEO Sam Altman, attempting to navigate both worlds, was ousted by the non-profit board due to perceived compromises on safety.
Altman's subsequent move to Microsoft exemplifies the overpowering influence of money in the AI landscape. OpenAI's employees, owning stock in the company, sent a clear message to the board by pledging allegiance to Altman, emphasizing the financial incentives tied to the company's growth.
The reinstatement of Altman as CEO, accompanied by changes to the board that align more closely with Microsoft's objectives, underscores the prevailing theme of money triumphing over safety in the AI industry. As OpenAI transforms into one of the world's most valuable tech startups, estimated at $80-90 billion, the episode highlights the formidable challenge of preventing greed from corrupting the very enterprises tasked with shaping the future of AI.
The OpenAI saga serves as a cautionary tale, revealing the limitations of private enterprises in mitigating the potential horrors of AI. The real Frankenstein monster, it seems, is not AI itself but the insidious influence of human greed. As we grapple with the ethical dimensions of AI development, the question for the future remains: Can governments, susceptible to the corruption of big money, effectively regulate the AI monster and strike a balance between its benefits and potential horrors?
