Teaching computers how to talk

This Substack explores advancements and challenges in conversational AI, including the transitions from chatbots to AI agents, the ethical implications of AI-generated content and voice cloning, the role of conversation design in user experience, and the potential and limitations of AI in mimicking human intelligence and creativity.

Conversational AI Ethics and AI AI in User Experience Design AI and Human Interaction AI in Media and Entertainment AI and Mental Health AI in Healthcare Future of AI Technology

The hottest Substack posts of Teaching computers how to talk

And their main takeaways

Inflection AI Is A Sleeping Giant

73 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Tech Companies Product Design AI Ethics User Experience
  1. Inflection AI announced Inflection-2.5, a competitive upgrade to their large language model.
  2. Despite having a smaller team than tech giants like Google and Microsoft, Inflection AI focuses on emotional intelligence and safety in their AI products.
  3. Pi, Inflection AI's personal assistant, stands out with its warm, engaging, and empathetic design, making it an underrated gem in the AI space.

Goodbye Chatbots, Hello AI Agents

125 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Generative AI Tech industry
  1. Chatbots struggled due to their inability to handle human conversation complexity, leading to sub-optimal user experiences.
  2. The emergence of AI agents, powered by generative AI, presents a more flexible and capable generation of assistants that can perform tasks and act on behalf of users.
  3. Transition from chatbots to AI agents marks a significant shift towards a more promising future, distancing from old frustrations and embracing advanced conversational AI.

Why Prompt Engineering Has Little To Do With Engineering

68 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Behavioral Psychology Science fiction
  1. Large language models behave like beings rather than things, displaying strange characteristics.
  2. Instructing models doesn't involve coding; it's about guiding their actions and understanding their behavior, akin to convincing a stubborn teenager rather than traditional engineering.
  3. Similar to Isaac Asimov's fictional robots, large language models can interpret instructions in unforeseen ways, implying a need to humanize and understand them for effective interaction.

Dream Machines

94 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Video Generation Machine Learning Data Training Future implications
  1. OpenAI's new text-to-video model Sora can generate high-quality videos up to a minute long but faces similar flaws as other AI models.
  2. Despite the impressive capabilities of Sora, careful examination reveals inconsistencies in the generated videos, raising questions about its training data and potential copyright issues.
  3. Sora, OpenAI's video generation model, presents 'hallucinations' or inconsistencies in its outputs, resembling dream-like scenarios and prompting skepticism about its ability to encode a true 'world model.'

Copilot Designer Poses Public Safety Risk, According To Microsoft Employee

52 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Microsoft Public Safety Tech Ethics
  1. A Microsoft employee raised concerns about the AI image generator Copilot Designer posing public safety risks, but management did not take action.
  2. Despite known risks with Copilot Designer, Microsoft continues to market it without appropriate disclosures.
  3. Jones's revelations highlight the need for transparency in disclosing AI risks, especially when products are marketed to children.
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AI Alignment Research Is More Science Fiction Than Science

146 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Research into AI alignment is based on hypothetical concepts of superhuman AI.
  2. Concerns arise about deceptive alignment and the AI deceiving humans.
  3. The power dynamics in AI creation raise questions about values, misuse, and control by big corporations.

Should We Let AI Art Rewrite History?

52 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Image Generation Ethical AI
  1. AI tools like Gemini attempted to rewrite history by injecting race and gender diversity into historical images, leading to inaccuracies.
  2. Current AI technology struggles to distinguish between historical accuracy and general requests, highlighting a need for improvement in the system.
  3. To address issues like harmful stereotypes and overrepresentation in AI-generated images, there's a necessity for more transparent, fair, and responsible development in AI technology.

ChatGPT Is Creative — There, I've Said It

47 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. AI systems like ChatGPT can challenge the idea that creativity is limited to humans
  2. White-collar workers and creatives face automation threats now, not just manual laborers
  3. AI can generate creative ideas, but human involvement is still crucial for execution and further development

Best of 2023: Looking Back, Looking Forward

94 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. Reflecting on the past helps us look forward to the future.
  2. Newsletter growth in 2023 experienced a significant increase in subscribers.
  3. A list of top articles shared in 2023 focused on AI, relationships, and the future of technology.

AI Is Not Conscious

83 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. The Association for Mathematical Consciousness Science calls for more funding for consciousness and AI research.
  2. A study by 19 researchers found no current AI systems are conscious, but it is possible in the future.
  3. There are differing views on AI consciousness, with some concerns on moral and social risks.

An AI A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

47 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Google researchers developed a conversational AI system for diagnostic conversations, outperforming specialists in accuracy and performance.
  2. Important limitations need to be addressed for the AI system, including health equity, privacy, and robustness.
  3. AI-powered diagnostics offer opportunities in healthcare, but real-world application and patient evaluations are crucial for progress.

Why You Should Totally Emotionally Manipulate GPT-4

89 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
  1. Emotionally appealing to LLMs like GPT-4 can enhance their performance.
  2. Using phrases like 'Stay determined and keep moving forward' can influence the behavior of models.
  3. Models respond better to positive emotional appeals and can benefit from combining different psychological theories.

GPT-4 Performs Worse Than A Coin Flip in Turing Test

73 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. The Turing test showed that GPT-4 performs worse than a coin flip in mimicking human conversation.
  2. Humans are good at identifying humans vs. AI, despite advancements in language imitation by machines.
  3. Fluency in conversation doesn't equate to true intelligence, which is about depth of comprehension and contextual understanding.

Democracy Dies In Darkness

31 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. Democracy relies on trust and conversation among people.
  2. AI-generated misinformation poses a threat to democratic processes and public trust.
  3. Plausible deniability can be achieved through AI-generated content, eroding trust in information sources.

The Rise of Conversational AI, Explained

41 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Shift from command-line interfaces to more intuitive graphical user interfaces since the 80s.
  2. Conversational AI allows computers to understand and respond in human language.
  3. Conversational AI is not just a technological revolution but also a societal one with profound impacts on work and digital life.

OpenAI's Inflection Point

47 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. OpenAI's board ousted Sam Altman as CEO, leading to negotiations for his return.
  2. Ilya Sutskever initiated Altman's ousting due to concerns over company direction.
  3. OpenAI faces uncertainty and potentially dire consequences after the CEO shakeup.

Did GPT-4 Really Develop A Theory Of Mind?

110 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. GPT-4's reported ability to have a theory of mind was heavily prompted by researchers, rather than being an autonomous development.
  2. Though GPT-4 showed capabilities mirroring human inference patterns, it struggled with inferring beliefs from actions.
  3. Possessing a true theory of mind involves more than just reasoning about beliefs; it includes a sense of self and intentionality that GPT-4 lacks.

Stephen Fry Issues a Stark Warning: Who Owns Our Voice?

55 HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Advancements in speech synthesis technology are allowing for the creation of indistinguishable voice clones, posing ethical concerns around voice ownership.
  2. Deep learning has revolutionized the quality of synthetic voices, making them sound more natural and human-like.
  3. The misuse of voice cloning technology has serious implications, such as scams, deepfake fraud, and the erosion of trust in media and public figures.

The Meteoric Rise of AI Companions, Explained

47 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
  1. AI companions are popular due to their availability and ability to simulate emotions.
  2. AI companions can have negative effects on well-being and addictive behavior.
  3. Regulation is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm caused by AI companions.

How Sci-fi Evokes Fear of an AI Takeover

36 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
  1. Sci-fi stories often evoke fears of an AI takeover by showcasing robots turning on their masters.
  2. The fear of AI uprising is rooted in historical concepts of slavery and power dynamics.
  3. It's important to differentiate between realistic AI risks and sensationalized, improbable scenarios to focus on real-world issues.

The Clever Hans Effect: How LLMs Fool Us Into Believing They Are Smart

36 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
  1. The story of Clever Hans shows how observation and reward can create the illusion of intelligence.
  2. Large language models operate based on statistical relevance and can 'lie' without knowing the actual truth.
  3. LLMs, like Clever Hans, can give the impression of understanding and reasoning, but they are not truly intelligent.

The Gepetto Syndrome and the Blurring Lines Between Real and Artificial

62 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
  1. It's becoming harder to differentiate between content made by humans and AI.
  2. Current detection tools struggle to accurately identify AI-generated text and voices.
  3. The integration of AI into our lives raises concerns about our ability to distinguish between real and artificial entities.

Why Every UX Designer Should Study Conversation Design

68 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
  1. Technology is advancing, and UX designers should embrace conversational design to adapt.
  2. Language serves as a powerful interface, driving the popularity of conversational AI.
  3. Designing for conversational experiences requires understanding communication rules and human psychology.

OpenAI's Foreshadowing Of A Transhumanist Future

26 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
  1. OpenAI foresees a future where humans and AI merge together.
  2. OpenAI is working on ways to control smarter-than-human technology through 'superalignment'.
  3. Humans may face a choice of embracing or rejecting further integration of AI into their lives, bodies, and minds.

The Battle of the Copilots: Microsoft 365 Copilot vs. Google Duet AI

41 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
  1. Google introduced Duet AI for Google Workspace, keeping a relatable and efficient tone in their pitch.
  2. Microsoft's 365 Copilot offers plugins for integration with third-party apps, potentially setting it apart from Duet AI.
  3. Both Duet AI and 365 Copilot aim to save time and increase efficiency at a cost of $30 per month per user.

AI & Show Business: A Fake South Park Episode Sparks Controversy

47 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
  1. A fake South Park episode generated by AI sparked controversy in the showbiz industry due to fears of automation replacing human creativity.
  2. The technology behind the AI Showrunner leverages generative agents, enabling the creation of believable simulacra of human behavior for TV shows like South Park.
  3. Despite the impressive advancements in AI-generated content, there are still challenges of maintaining quality, customization for different shows, and the potential impact on industry professionals.

Woebot's Mission to Radically Transform Mental Health

36 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
  1. Woebot aims to make mental health accessible by partnering with health plans and systems.
  2. Generative AI is not yet ready for digital therapy due to risks and challenges.
  3. Science-based digital mental health solutions have the potential to transform mental health care, but access barriers still exist.

Artificial Intelligence Is Resurrecting People From The Dead

52 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
  1. Artificial Intelligence is being used to create digital versions of deceased loved ones, known as 'griefbots.'
  2. The rise of 'griefbots' is not a new concept, with examples like Replika and Project December showcasing similar projects.
  3. The ethical considerations of resurrecting deceased individuals through AI, including privacy concerns and the right to be forgotten.

Figure 01 Takes Its First Steps

20 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Humanoid robots are becoming a reality, transitioning from science fiction to real innovation.
  2. Figure 01 is a new player in the humanoid robot race, aiming for commercial viability with a grand vision.
  3. The road to commercial viability for humanoid robots involves challenges of development, manufacturing, data engine design, and attracting investors.

Influencers & AI: A Breeding Ground for Parasocial Relationships

36 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
  1. Influencers are using AI to create intimate relationships with fans through personalized voice messages.
  2. Fans pay for these AI interactions, showing a demand for virtual connections with their favorite creators.
  3. While AI can simulate intimacy, it can never replace authentic human connections.

We Are Nothing Without Stories

10 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
  1. Business leaders need stories to drive investments and shape public image.
  2. OpenAI's leadership crisis stemmed from a conflict of ideals, not interests.
  3. Healthy skepticism is necessary about the narrative of AGI being near.

Why Conversation Designers Are More Important Than Ever

41 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
  1. Conversation designers play a crucial role in understanding people and shaping meaningful AI interactions.
  2. Design in conversation must prioritize people, requiring a deep understanding of technology and psychology.
  3. As AI capabilities grow, designers must focus on creating AI systems with good intentions and consider the inherent risks.

OpenAI Is Openly Accelerating Towards Superintelligence

36 implied HN points • 25 May 23
  1. OpenAI is openly discussing the governance of superintelligence and advocating for regulation to mitigate risks.
  2. OpenAI takes an accelerationist stance, believing in technological advancements leading to a better world, but also emphasizing the inevitability of superintelligence development.
  3. There is debate around the inevitability of AGI and superintelligence, with some experts challenging the idea of imminent danger and emphasizing the need for more realistic perspectives on AI advancement.

Give the Gift of Teaching Computers How to Talk

20 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
  1. Share the newsletter to earn rewards by getting new subscribers.
  2. Receive badges and perks based on the number of new subscribers you bring in.
  3. Stay updated on conversational AI advancements and the integration into everyday life.

From Tamagotchi to Fufuly: A Brief History of Virtual Pets

31 implied HN points • 19 May 23
  1. Virtual pets create real emotional connections with people.
  2. The bond between people and their pets, whether real or virtual, is good for health.
  3. Advances in technology are blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds for pets and companions.

Thought Leaders #4: Braden Ream, CEO of Voiceflow

31 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. Voiceflow hosted a successful hackathon with over 400 registrants and 63 projects created over a weekend.
  2. Voiceflow started in 2018 and quickly adapted to large language models by investing heavily in infrastructure.
  3. LLMs will change how AI assistants are built, emphasizing the importance of personas and the growth of conversation design as a career.

AI Alignment Is OpenAI's Biggest Blind Spot

31 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
  1. AI alignment is a major blind spot for OpenAI.
  2. The alignment problem becomes harder as AI systems become more capable.
  3. OpenAI's systems have the potential to cause harm despite efforts to align them with human values.

Why you need personality as a design framework

47 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
  1. Personality is essential in design, even for conversational AI.
  2. Humans automatically assign personalities to voices, including artificial ones.
  3. Designing with clear personas makes assistants more likable and coherent.

Welcome To The Era Of AI Assistants

26 implied HN points • 03 May 23
  1. The era of AI assistants is here, with major developments and launches like GPT-4, the New Bing, and Bard.
  2. Chatbots are becoming more prevalent, sometimes with concerning behaviors, highlighting the need for ethical considerations and oversight.
  3. Producing high-quality content is crucial in a world of increasing low-quality content, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful writing and storytelling.

Generative AI and The Death of Photography

26 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
  1. An award-winning photograph was created using AI instead of traditional photography.
  2. Generative AI can enhance creativity by removing material and budget limitations for artists.
  3. Generative AI blurs the line between reality and fiction, impacting various industries like journalism and advertising.