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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Will Artificial Intelligence Make the Internet "Even Worse"

I've seen a large number of people bemoan the fact that AIs make mistakes, therefore they will make the Internet "even worse," especially if the AI is "hacked" (whatever that means). However, these AIs are simply a distorted reflection of people's writings, the Internet, the media (mainstream and otherwise), etc., so, in my opinion cannot really make the Internet "even worse." We'll see, I guess.

I decided to ask for ChatGPT's opinion (GPT-4):

Large Language Model AIs are known to make mistakes. This is not surprising to me since they are trained on data that contains errors. Indeed, perhaps a significant fraction of the data is erroneous. Some people have claimed that since these AIs make these mistakes and generate a great deal of content, they will make the Internet "even worse." Please respond.

Here's the response:

As a large language model AI, I acknowledge that I am not perfect and can make mistakes, due in part to the imperfect data I have been trained on. It is essential to recognize both the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI-generated content in shaping the Internet.

There are several points to consider:

  1. Quality of AI-generated content: Although AI-generated content can be prone to errors, it has improved significantly over time as models are fine-tuned and updated. As AI technology advances, the accuracy and usefulness of generated content will likely continue to improve.

  2. Human-AI collaboration: AI-generated content should be viewed as a tool to support and enhance human creativity, not as a replacement. In a collaborative environment, users can use AI-generated content as a starting point, refining and correcting errors as necessary. This approach can save time and effort while still maintaining quality.

  3. Diversity of information sources: The Internet is an ecosystem where content from various sources coexists. While AI-generated content might contribute to the pool of available information, it is essential for users to rely on multiple sources and critically evaluate the credibility and accuracy of any content they encounter.

  4. Media literacy and education: To minimize the impact of erroneous AI-generated content on the Internet, it is crucial to emphasize media literacy and educate users about the importance of fact-checking, verifying sources, and recognizing potential biases in information.

  5. Guidelines and policies: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it might be necessary to develop guidelines and policies to govern its use, ensuring that it is employed ethically and responsibly.

In conclusion, while AI-generated content may introduce some errors or lower-quality information to the Internet, it also has the potential to contribute positively by offering new perspectives and enhancing productivity. By fostering collaboration between AI and humans, promoting media literacy, and implementing responsible guidelines and policies, we can work towards maximizing the benefits of AI-generated content while minimizing its potential negative impact on the Internet.

Seems right to me (though I think point 5 will be very hard to enforce).

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