AI

Observing these patterns of influence gives clues about how our models generalize from their training data. For instance, if the models responded to user prompts by splicing together sequences from the training set, then we’d expect the influential sequences for a given model response to include expressions of near-identical thoughts. Conversely,... See more

So much of of the existing music, film and TV culture — using 20th century technology — is cookie cutter, lifeless and uninspiring.

The democratization of the AI tools means even more people can pump out content, so context will matter more than ever in order to give meaning to the work.

Novel technologies like artificial intelligence or neurotechnology are expected to have social implications in the future. As they are in the early stages of development, it is challenging to identify potential negative impacts that they might have on society. Typically, assessing these effects relies on experts, and while this is essential, there... See more

In ordinary language, we frequently speak of machinery or ideas ‘doing’ things in our lives. But they do nothing. People – human persons – produce, operate and apply their creations. The problem with assigning agency, even informally, to the nonhuman is that this disguises the strength of human control, limited though it is in other respects. It... See more

In a stunning rebuke of traditional GOP deregulatory instincts, the Senate voted 99–1 to kill the measure. For the first time in decades, conservative priorities placed local cultural guardianship over the absolute freedom to innovate. That vote showed just how unsteady the old coalitions have become, and how powerful the populist realignment... See more

Lawsuits from major publishers against Suno and Udio are not, as libertarian boosters, VCs and Tech Bros would say, an attack on innovation. They are a warning shot against a business model that turns creative labor into raw machine fuel under the pretense of fair use.

When the bubble is big, every idea feels like a billion-dollar idea. I yearn for cheap ideas from strangers.

Altman claimed under oath before Congress that he held no equity in OpenAI. Technically, perhaps. But in substance, he held indirect stakes through vehicles like Sequoia and Y Combinator’s funds. When OpenAI announced a partnership with Reddit, Altman’s 7.5 percent stake in Reddit netted him a $50 million windfall. When OpenAI agreed to purchase... See more