Month: May 2023

A reflection on the moment (forming thoughts on LLMs and GenAI)

(Note: This post is a test of ChatGPT’s ability to complete a blog post with perhaps only 20% started–I’d say it kept to the spirit of what I wanted to say, though it lost a bit of the original voice)

The artificial intelligence domain has been a hotbed of innovation lately, especially with developments surrounding large language models (LLMs). With regards to (LLMs) it’s hard not to feel like we’re at a pivotal moment simultaneously in human-computer natural language interfaces understanding, epistemological foundations, neuroscience, and computer science, and the entire potential application space with the convergence of all these technologies.

And it is absolutely clear that these are such early days that even months and weeks are showing vastly new possibilities. Google’s Transformer architecture and OpenAI’s pioneering work in LLMs have unleashed something special, but the ingredients of this explosion have been brewing long before this moment and they will be far from the only players in this space. Still, this is as watershed a moment as there ever has been in artificial intelligence and the relationship we have with our technology.

The pace of progress is breathtaking. What was new last month seems almost outdated today. While OpenAI has been a major catalyst in this explosive growth, the current advances are built on a foundation laid down over many years by countless researchers and developers.

But this isn’t just another technological advancement. We are potentially reshaping the way we interact with technology, opening doors to possibilities that extend far beyond mere tool utility. Let’s consider some of the potential real-world implications of this evolution:

  • Education could see a radical transformation with personalized learning becoming the norm rather than the exception. With LLMs, students can have access to tailored learning experiences, helping them grasp complex concepts with ease and at their own pace.
  • Healthcare stands to gain immensely. LLMs could analyze patient data to suggest treatment options, and even converse with patients to provide comfort during trying times. The implications for improving patient outcomes and the quality of care are enormous.
  • In the world of art and literature, AI has already started to make an impact. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine AI not merely as tools, but as creative partners, offering fresh perspectives and pushing our creative boundaries.

These groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence are not merely changing our external world; they are also fundamentally altering how we perceive and understand ourselves. They raise intriguing questions about human cognition, creativity, and even consciousness. What does it mean to think, to create, to be aware? Are these uniquely human traits, or can they be replicated, even surpassed, by our own creations?

In the face of such profound questions and the promise of even more astonishing breakthroughs, the future is a vast canvas filled with potential. As we continue to traverse this exciting path, it is not only the technological advancements that thrill me but also the opportunity to continually redefine our understanding of ourselves and our place in the cosmos. In every sense, we’re not just shaping the future of AI — we are, indeed, reimagining our very existence.

XXXVIII – Day 13879

Haha, I’m kind of scared that ChatGPT is going to take away my will to write, given how well it seems to do. But nay that’s how we cede ground in the human-vs-AI wars no? Must try harder!

So here am, at the turn of 38, back here to blog about it! That it’s been almost two decades since my turning 19 post is kind of a shock, but seeing how much I had changed between then and 20 I do feel that since then, growth in my (writing) voice has come a little slower. I do wonder occasionally if I’m ‘supposed’ to be writing in far more elegant prose by now, but I think the chief reason is that I’ve not been writing for fun nearly as much since short-form social media came to dominate our online discourse.

(Are folks closer to 40 supposed to act like they’re suddenly old people? Dunno, but I’m gonna keep doing me, so 😛 ya)

Anyway, wanted to write a real post, something I could reflect on later, and ask ChatGPT to incorporate into my ongoing meta-analysis of my blog.

Onwards to 38!

An AI conceptualization of ideas/symbols in a neo-Korean alphabet

Broadening Korean Linguistic Horizons: A Global Call (GPT4)

Communication is the heart of our interconnected world, and languages need to adapt to keep pace. To this end, it’s time we considered broadening the Korean alphabet, Hangul, by introducing new sounds—such as F, V, Th, and Sh—but, not only from English but also from other languages worldwide.

First, adding these sounds can enrich the way we express loanwords from different languages. For instance, the ‘F’ sound—common in languages from English to Arabic—would help Koreans pronounce words like ‘coffee’ or ‘falafel’ closer to their original forms.

Second, these sounds are not just about English—they’re used in many global languages. By adopting F, V, Th, and Sh, Hangul would be better equipped to articulate and understand words from a myriad of languages, fostering deeper international connections.

Lastly, languages are living, evolving entities. Just as English has integrated sounds and words from languages around the globe, Korean too can grow through this adaptive evolution. Incorporating F, V, Th, and Sh into Hangul would highlight the global influence on our language, signaling our readiness to participate more fully in the international linguistic community.

In conclusion, adding these sounds to Hangul could pave the way for enhanced global communication. It’s not about becoming more like English—it’s about embracing the sounds of the world. It’s a small step that could have a massive impact, opening up new avenues of understanding and expression for the Korean language.

This is a decision we should make together, as a community. We invite everyone to join the conversation and express their thoughts. After all, language is the voice of the people—it’s only right that we all have a say in shaping its future. This small step could open up new avenues of understanding and expression, ensuring that Korean continues to grow and thrive in our ever-evolving global landscape.

-GPT4