One Useful Thing

One Useful Thing, authored by Prof. Ethan Mollick, explores the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on various facets of life including work, education, and creative processes. It delves into how AI technologies like GPTs and LLMs can enhance human performance, alter organizational structures, and introduce ethical considerations amidst rapid technological advancements.

Artificial Intelligence Workplace Innovation Educational Technology Creative Processes Ethics in Technology Organizational Change Technological Advancements

The hottest Substack posts of One Useful Thing

And their main takeaways

A new generation of AIs: Claude 3.7 and Grok 3

1968 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Research
  1. New AI models like Claude 3.7 and Grok 3 are much smarter and can handle complex tasks better than before. They can even do coding through simple conversations, which makes them feel more like partners for ideas.
  2. These AIs are trained using a lot of computing power, which helps them improve quickly. The more power they use, the smarter they get, which means they’re constantly evolving to perform better.
  3. As AI becomes more capable, organizations need to rethink how they use it. Instead of just automating simple tasks, they should explore new possibilities and ways AI can enhance their work and decision-making.

The End of Search, The Beginning of Research

2047 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Software Innovation Automation
  1. New AI Reasoners can think better and solve tougher problems by producing thinking steps before answering. This makes them more effective than earlier chatbots.
  2. AI agents are being developed to autonomously pursue goals, but they currently face limitations when tackling complex tasks. They show promise with narrow, task-specific applications.
  3. OpenAI's Deep Research represents how specialized AI can work like a human researcher by engaging deeply with academic topics, paving the way for significant advancements in research efficiency.

Which AI to Use Now: An Updated Opinionated Guide

2229 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Models Applications
  1. When choosing an AI, consider using a paid version for better features. Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT are the top choices right now.
  2. New AI advances include live interaction and reasoning capabilities. This helps AIs understand and respond more naturally, making them feel more human.
  3. Privacy is now better handled by major AI models, and you can customize them for your specific needs. Explore different AIs to find one that fits your style.

Prophecies of the Flood

1608 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning AI Ethics Automation Digital Transformation
  1. AI researchers are predicting that very smart AI systems will soon be available, which they call Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This could change society a lot, but many think we should be cautious about these claims.
  2. Recent AI models have shown they can solve very tough problems better than humans. For example, one new AI model performed surprisingly well on difficult tests that challenge knowledge and problem-solving skills.
  3. As AI technology improves, we need to start talking about how to use it responsibly. It's important for everyone—from workers to leaders—to think about what a world with powerful AIs will look like and how to adapt to it.

What just happened

1936 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Tech advancements Computer Science Innovation
  1. There are now many smart AI models available for everyone to use, and some of them are even free. It's easier for companies with tech talent to create powerful AIs, not just big names like OpenAI.
  2. New AI models are getting smarter and can think before answering questions, helping them solve complex problems, even spotting mistakes in research papers. These advancements could change how we use AI in science and other fields.
  3. AI is rapidly improving in understanding video and voice, making it feel more interactive and personal. This creates new possibilities for how we engage with AI in our daily lives.
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15 Times to use AI, and 5 Not to

2226 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Automation Software Development
  1. AI is great for generating lots of ideas quickly. Instead of getting stuck after a few, you can use AI to come up with many different options.
  2. It's helpful to use AI when you have expertise and can easily spot mistakes. You can rely on it to assist with complex tasks without losing track of quality.
  3. However, be cautious using AI for learning or where accuracy is critical. It may shortcut your learning and sometimes make errors that are hard to notice.

Getting started with AI: Good enough prompting

2199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Education Workplace
  1. Most people struggle to use AI correctly because they treat it like a search engine. Instead, it works better when you give it detailed tasks and prompts.
  2. Getting to know AI takes time; spending about 10 hours using it can help you figure out what it can do for your work or daily tasks.
  3. Think of AI as a patient coworker who forgets everything after each chat. Be clear about what you want, ask for many variations, and have a conversation to get the best results.

The Present Future: AI's Impact Long Before Superintelligence

1256 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Workplace Society Monitoring
  1. AI technology is rapidly evolving and can already perform many tasks that humans do, like monitoring and analyzing work environments. Even today, AI can help identify issues that need attention.
  2. Using AI for management and analysis can make work easier, but there are risks too. If not handled well, AI could lead to constant monitoring rather than support for workers.
  3. The choices companies make about AI right now will greatly impact how we work in the future. It's important to ensure that AI helps people, rather than replacing their skills or judging them unfairly.

Centaurs and Cyborgs on the Jagged Frontier

1988 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Work Impact Ethics Future
  1. AIs can significantly enhance performance in professional work tasks.
  2. AIs work as skill levelers, boosting performance across different proficiency levels.
  3. Integrating AI into work tasks as 'Centaurs' or 'Cyborgs' can yield better and more varied results than using AI or human effort alone.

Strategies for an Accelerating Future

1033 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Applications Future
  1. Advancements in AI, such as larger memory capacity in models like Gemini, are enhancing AI's ability for superhuman recall and performance.
  2. Improvements in speed, like Groq's hardware for quick responses from AI models, are making AI more practical and efficient for various tasks.
  3. Leaders should consider utilizing AI in their organizations by assessing what tasks can be automated, exploring new possibilities made possible by AI, democratizing services, and personalizing offerings for customers.

Signs and Portents

1227 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Information Security Education Technological Advancements AI Ethics
  1. AI development is happening faster than expected, with estimates of AI beating humans at all tasks shifting to 2047 from 2060 in just one year.
  2. AI is already impacting work by boosting performance, particularly for lower performers, and excelling in some tasks while struggling in others.
  3. AI is altering the truth through deepfakes, convincing AI-generated images, and advancements in completing CAPTCHAs and sending convincing emails.

Captain's log: the irreducible weirdness of prompting AIs

902 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Prompts Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Innovation
  1. Stop trying to use incantations: There is no single magic word that works all the time with AIs. Promising rewards or being polite may help occasionally, but not always.
  2. There are prompting techniques that work consistently: Techniques like adding context to prompts, providing a few examples, and using Chain of Thought can help in crafting better prompts for AIs.
  3. Prompting matters significantly: The way you prompt AIs can have a huge impact on the outcomes. Good prompts can turn a difficult task into an easy one for AI.

The Lazy Tyranny of the Wait Calculation

1048 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Software Development Artificial General Intelligence Prediction Markets
  1. Consider waiting for technology to improve before embarking on projects in fields where advancements are rapid.
  2. AI has the potential to significantly impact various industries, leading to the need for strategic thinking about project timelines.
  3. Evaluate the risks and benefits of waiting for AI advancements in decision-making processes, balancing learning, incentives, and the unpredictability of future developments.

Google's Gemini Advanced: Tasting Notes and Implications

861 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Models Future
  1. Gemini Advanced is a GPT-4 class model, offering strengths and weaknesses compared to other advanced AI models.
  2. Gemini Advanced reveals the potential for emergent properties in large AI models, showing hints of 'ghosts' or unique intelligence.
  3. Google's Gemini Advanced hints at a future where AI serves as powerful integrated personal assistants, differentiating itself from other AI models.

How to Use AI to Do Stuff: An Opinionated Guide

1801 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Programming Data Analysis Education
  1. Increasingly powerful AI systems are being released rapidly without proper user documentation.
  2. The major Large Language Models in use currently are GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Bard, Pi, and Claude 2.
  3. AI can assist with writing, generating images, coming up with ideas, making videos, and working with documents and data, but users must be cautious of biases and ethical concerns.

Almost an Agent: What GPTs can do

1148 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. AI agents like GPTs are gaining attention, but still have room for improvement.
  2. GPTs make automating tasks easier by using structured prompts.
  3. GPTs have the potential to act as autonomous agents and come with risks of misuse.

An AI Haunted World

972 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Models Applications Development Autonomy
  1. The development of open source AI models is democratizing AI usage and allowing for easier modification and widespread deployment.
  2. The efficiency and affordability of LLMs will lead to AI being incorporated into various products for troubleshooting, monitoring, and interaction, potentially creating an 'AI haunted world'.
  3. Future AI integration may involve hierarchies of various AI models working together, with smart generalist AIs delegating tasks to cheaper, specialized AIs.

I, Cyborg: Using Co-Intelligence

650 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Writing Future of AI
  1. AI can be a powerful tool in writing and reading, enhancing the process by providing options and guidance without replacing human creativity.
  2. Authors can use AI as Cyborgs or Centaurs, blending human and machine efforts to optimize their work in writing and analysis tasks.
  3. AI continues to advance rapidly, with models like GPT-4 showcasing impressive writing capabilities, indicating a future where AI may play an even larger role in book creation.

Now is the time for grimoires

1376 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Education Innovation Prompts
  1. Expertise in creating prompts is more vital than simply amassing data for AI success.
  2. Creating grimoires, collections of expert prompts, is key in maximizing AI potential.
  3. Developing personalized, step-by-step prompts can enhance the effectiveness of tutoring and feedback through AI.

Which AI should I use? Superpowers and the State of Play

506 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Chatbots Data Analysis Autonomous Systems
  1. There are three main GPT-4 class AI models dominating the field currently: GPT-4, Anthropic's Claude 3 Opus, and Google's Gemini Advanced.
  2. These AI models have impressive abilities like being multimodal, allowing them to 'see' images and work across a variety of tasks.
  3. The AI industry lacks clear instructions on how to use these advanced AI models, and users are encouraged to spend time learning to leverage their potential.

Automating creativity

1174 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Creativity Research Ideation
  1. AI can generate creative ideas in real-life scenarios and can help people come up with better ideas.
  2. Highly creative individuals can still outperform AI in idea generation.
  3. AI excels at combining existing concepts to create new and innovative ideas, making it a valuable tool for generating creativity.

The shape of the shadow of The Thing

940 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🕹 Technology AI Image Recognition
  1. AI advancements are reaching a notable culmination in the near future.
  2. Enhancing AI with vision capabilities is expanding its potential uses across industries.
  3. The integration of voice functionality in AI systems is improving user interactions and creating more personalized experiences.

Embracing weirdness: What it means to use AI as a (writing) tool

887 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Writing Applications Innovation
  1. AI is weird and different from traditional software, so we need to embrace its uniqueness to fully understand its capabilities.
  2. AI can do much more than just act as a thesaurus or grammar checker; it has the potential to help in creative idea generation and simulate individual readers for market feedback.
  3. To unlock the true value of AI, we should experiment with unconventional uses of AI tools while being mindful of ethical concerns and technical limitations.

How to... make people happy

298 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
  1. Express gratitude more
  2. Give genuine compliments to people you know
  3. Offer to help even if you can't solve the whole problem

The Mechanical Professor

254 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. AI is advancing quickly and might disrupt jobs that involve creativity, writing, and communication before others.
  2. AI can assist with tasks like creating syllabuses, assignments, coding, writing articles, and even engaging in public outreach.
  3. While AI can't yet do original research, its capabilities in writing and analysis are improving rapidly and can be leveraged to enhance academia.

How to... use AI to generate ideas

240 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
  1. AI can add diversity and weirdness to idea generation sessions.
  2. Play with constraints to spark new approaches and solutions.
  3. Generate a large volume of ideas with AI to spark creativity and explore different perspectives.

Four Paths to the Revelation

184 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. People often dismiss AI as just a toy because they test it in ways that highlight its weaknesses instead of strengths.
  2. AI can be a powerful tool for generating written work and creating interactive experiences.
  3. Using AI like ChatGPT can help in understanding its potential impact, including in writing, game design, entrepreneurship, and creative storytelling.

This post, full of mysteries...

90 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
  1. Creativity benefits from mystery and curiosity.
  2. Encountering new ideas or thinking in new ways sparks breakthrough ideas.
  3. Searching the internet in unique ways can lead to more interesting and diverse results.

AI has a strategy.

82 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
  1. AI has found a niche in creative applications where failure is acceptable, allowing for quick experimentation and growth.
  2. Creative AI is following the classic S-curve of technological development, advancing rapidly and potentially disrupting traditional methods.
  3. AI companies are making their products more user-friendly to appeal to a mass market, assisted by rapid capability improvement and competition.