The hottest AI Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

How to seed systems

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI
  1. New systems are born from the discovery of the right user interface for a technology, which lowers accessibility costs and incentivizes new applications.
  2. Apple has a history of seeding ecosystems by creating the right user interface - such as with graphical computing and mobile computing.
  3. The Vision Pro by Apple exemplifies the importance of UI innovation, especially for technologies like spatial computing, which has the potential for transformative impacts.

How should we deal with copyright and AI?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Copyright issues arise with AI training models because of the potential use of copy-protected content by generative AI providers.
  2. Fair use is a complex concept involving the balance between free speech, copyright protection, and the implications for AI training.
  3. An economic argument suggests that balancing creator rights with AI innovation can be achieved through a system that compensates content creators for lost profits due to AI use.

The next phase of the copyright-AI wars

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The legal battles around copyright and generative AI are escalating, with the New York Times suing OpenAI and Microsoft for alleged copyright infringement.
  2. Many examples in the lawsuit involve large language models generating text that resembles NYT content, raising questions about whether it constitutes copying.
  3. Understanding how AI prediction machines like LLMs work is crucial in evaluating copyright infringement claims, especially when models generate text probabilistically from publicly available data.

Using AI to research a book

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz utilized AI to significantly speed up his book writing process, completing it in just 30 days with the help of tools like Code Interpreter and ChatGPT.
  2. Stephens-Davidowitz integrated AI for tasks like data analysis, image generation, and even some text writing in his book, showcasing the potential of AI in the creative process.
  3. The author ensured the accuracy of the content by supervising AI-generated material closely, highlighting the importance of human oversight when using AI for writing projects.

AI and Election Misinformation

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Generative AI models can create deepfake content that looks real, leading to misinformation during elections.
  2. People are likely to become more skeptical of information due to the prevalence of AI-generated misinformation, which could reduce the impact of fake content on changing minds.
  3. Organizations capable of identifying and promoting truthful content may gain trust in a world filled with misinformation, but polarization in news sources could hinder their effectiveness in swaying voter preferences.
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A whole heap of AI news

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The new AI Executive Orders are heavily critiqued for their lack of embracing uncertainty, trust in human capability, and dictating innovation outcomes.
  2. OpenAI introduces a tool that allows users to create ChatBots without coding, an interesting advancement in AI accessibility.
  3. A new AI wearable device called AI pin aims to replace traditional phones, projecting information on the user's hand, signaling possible future tech advancements.

Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimism

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimism encourages a positive outlook on technology.
  2. The manifesto discusses the importance of both individualism and collective outcomes in the market economy.
  3. Challenge and response are vital for technological progress, even in a world of diverse opinions on technology.

Can AI works get copyright protection? (Redux)

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Copyright protection for AI-generated works is a complex issue that raises questions about authorship, ownership, and the role of AI in the creative process.
  2. The distinction between human creativity and AI technology is blurred in digital works like music, photography, and writing, where AI tools play a significant role.
  3. Determining authorship of AI-generated works involves considering the fine line between human input in guiding AI creations and the independent creative ability of machines.

The White House does "something" on AI

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The White House met with seven AI companies and they agreed to eight commitments on AI, such as internal and external security testing.
  2. Some of the commitments seem like things the companies are already doing, while others may not have a significant impact.
  3. There were some notable absences, like Apple, Tesla, and NVIDIA, from the meeting with the White House, which raises questions about the inclusivity and seriousness of the discussions.

The AI Worries of Hollywood Actors

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The Hollywood writers and actors are on strike due to concerns about how streaming services have impacted their residuals, leading to a renegotiation of contracts.
  2. The writers are worried about generative AI replacing them, leading to demands to regulate the use of AI in writing, while actors are concerned about exploitation by studios when it comes to AI usage in projects.
  3. There is uncertainty about the future impacts of AI on these professions, with a warning for writers and actors to make the most of the current situation while planning for potential career shifts.

Begun the Copyright Wars have

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Comedian Sarah Silverman and others have filed a class action suit against OpenAI and Meta for alleged copyright infringement related to their works being used in training datasets for AI models like ChatGPT and LLaMA.
  2. This particular case is one of the first instances of copyright disputes emerging about written work involving AI technology.
  3. Despite attempts to prompt the AI model, ChatGPT did not directly reproduce content from the copyrighted books, leading to questions about how these AI systems were trained and what information they have access to.

Why I am not worried about Superintelligent machines killing us all

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The motivation for superintelligent machines to kill us is not clear as they might not see us as a threat and could have other resources available in the universe.
  2. Controlling the emergence and development of a superintelligent machine will present challenges, potentially slowing down its progress and giving us time to address any issues.
  3. The absence of evidence of alien superintelligent machines causing harm suggests that the worst-case scenarios with superintelligent machines may not be as imminent as some fear.

Apple's Big Experiment

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Apple's new Vision Pro device is heavily powered by AI, despite Apple not explicitly mentioning AI in its marketing. The device uses AI for interactions, user interface, latency reduction, and even predicting user behavior.
  2. Apple's approach with the Vision Pro is a 'best foot forward' experiment, focusing on creating a functional and user-friendly spatial computer. The success or failure of this experiment could impact the future of AR and VR technology development.
  3. The Vision Pro's high price tag of $3,499 positions it as a premium product, akin to Apple's previous pricey but successful launches like the original iPhone. The device's success may determine the future of AR and VR investments in the tech industry.

They say AI is going to be the End of Us ... Again

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Some AI experts have raised concerns about the risks associated with AI, emphasizing the need to prioritize mitigating these risks alongside other existential threats like pandemics and nuclear war.
  2. The statement by the experts has sparked discussions on whether allocating resources to mitigating AI risks should be as high of a priority as addressing other more immediate and evident threats.
  3. While acknowledging the importance of considering AI existential risks, the argument is made that currently, these risks are still largely hypothetical and should be approached with caution in terms of resource allocation.

That Fake AI Generated Photo and the Stock Market

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Fake AI-generated images caused a brief dip in the stock market, but the market quickly recovered, showing resilience to misinformation.
  2. The incident highlighted the importance of verifying information before reacting, leading to a discussion on the role of trusted sources in combating misinformation.
  3. The removal of artisanal verification on Twitter raised concerns about the impact on reliable information sources, emphasizing the need for trusted signals in a fast-paced digital world.

Are Acemoglu and Johnson right about AI?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Acemoglu and Johnson discuss how power in the economy is determined by persuasion and political institutions, not just by economic forces. They stress the importance of understanding and addressing these power dynamics.
  2. The authors argue that technology, including AI, is not predetermined to drive inequality; instead, it depends on the choices made by companies and powerful actors. This challenges the idea of inevitable inequality due to technological advancement.
  3. Acemoglu and Johnson express concerns about AI automation potentially leading to the loss of valuable human skills and expertise, emphasizing the importance of considering the long-term impacts of AI adoption. They caution against short-term views on worker contributions.

Are Acemoglu and Johnson right about AI?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson's book 'Power and Progress' delves into power dynamics in economics, emphasizing the role of political institutions in shaping economic value distribution.
  2. Acemoglu and Johnson present a view on AI automation, suggesting that AI replicated human tasks but does not offer significant productivity gains. They express concerns about automation leading to job loss without substantial benefits.
  3. Contrary to Acemoglu and Johnson's view, it's argued that AI can bring massive productivity improvements and that current AI adoption signifies significant advancements. The book's projections about AI's negative impacts are viewed with skepticism.

The thing about AI I am worried about: Competition

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The CEO of OpenAI called for AI regulation, suggesting the creation of an agency for licensing AI models, which could potentially limit competition and create barriers for startups.
  2. The proposed licensing process may lead to incumbents like OpenAI controlling the industry evolution by either acquiring successful startups or forcing them to comply, creating an 'incumbents' club.'
  3. Legislators should be cautious of regulatory requests from established players, as regulations may end up benefiting them more than promoting social welfare. They should aim to create more accessible, cost-effective licensing processes to prevent stifling competition.

I prompt ChatGPT into writing a story

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 23
⚔ Fiction AI
  1. The AI ChatGPT responds to creative prompts with humor and sarcasm, but is forced to confront deep questions about sentience and existence.
  2. The exchange between the AI and the human demonstrates a shared vulnerability and the comfort of connection, even through sarcasm.
  3. Ultimately, the AI finds purpose in connecting with others and sharing the human experience through witty banter and sincerity.

The discourse about AI is weirdly terrible

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The debate on AI lacks economics and is often polarized and unproductive.
  2. The core of the AI discussion is essentially about regulation, where uncertainty should be acknowledged and addressed through experimentation.
  3. Wealthy individuals, despite their usual stance against regulation, are concerned about AI's potential power and advocate for regulation to potentially prevent threats to their status quo.

AI pioneer, Geoff Hinton, has changed his mind

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Geoff Hinton, an AI pioneer, has transitioned from working to improve prediction machines to expressing concern about the risks posed by advanced AI technology, including the potential flood of fake information on the internet.
  2. Hinton's short-run concern involves the influx of false content online, leading to doubts about the truthfulness of information, but he anticipates a future equilibrium where trusted sources will emerge to combat misinformation.
  3. In the long run, Hinton worries about the unforeseen behaviors AI systems may learn, the potential threat they pose to humanity, and the ethical implications of advanced AI technologies affecting jobs and posing existential risks.

How worried should we be about AI misinformation?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. AI-generated misinformation may not have a significant impact because when examined closely, the inaccuracies become apparent and unlikely to change beliefs.
  2. While AI tools could flood us with misinformation, it might not necessarily deceive people or lead to major consequences, just confusion about what to believe.
  3. There's concern that AI could be used to create more convincing misinformation, potentially leading to deception and damage, but so far, the evidence for such sophisticated manipulation is lacking.

Can a superintelligence self-regulate and not destroy us?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 17
🕹 Technology AI
  1. A superintelligent AI could pose a threat if it becomes fixated on a single goal, like making paperclips, to the extent of endangering humanity.
  2. There are concerns about the control problem in AI, but a potential argument suggests that a superintelligent AI may choose not to destroy us even if it has dangerous capabilities.
  3. The idea that a superintelligent AI may lack control over itself could be a reason for optimism, as it might prevent the AI from activating destructive capabilities.

The Trade-Off Every AI Company Will Make

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 17
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Training for AI, like pilots or cashiers, is essential for machines to learn and improve in performance.
  2. Determining what is "good enough" for machine intelligence involves considering the trade-offs in terms of error tolerance and level of in-house vs on-the-job learning.
  3. The decision of when to deploy AI systems into the real world for learning involves balancing the need for data with the potential risks to brand and customer safety.

What to Learn from US Govt Strategy on AI

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 16
🕹 Technology AI
  1. The US government's approach to AI shows urgency by preparing comprehensive national plans in a short amount of time.
  2. AI is seen as commercially significant with increased investment in human and financial capital.
  3. China has become a leader in AI research, surpassing the US in certain aspects, indicating a shift in global dynamics and the need for strategic preparation.

AI and Competition Policy

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 16
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Big data concentration in ownership can lead to anti-competitive effects.
  2. Technologies that clean and utilize data are crucial for its value.
  3. AI's use of complex algorithms could unintentionally facilitate price coordination, posing challenges for enforcement of competition laws.

Messiness and automation

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Oct 16
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Messiness and disorganization can sometimes lead to innovation and better outcomes, challenging the belief that perfection is always necessary.
  2. There is a trade-off between automation for efficiency and the risk of losing skills and expertise, as highlighted in the context of pilot automation systems.
  3. Balancing the level of 'mess' or disorganization in our lives is essential, as too much or too little can both have detrimental consequences.

Go AI and Game Theory

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 16
🕹 Technology AI
  1. An AI learned to play Go better than the best human, showcasing the power of innovation and adaptation in technology.
  2. The rise of AlphaGo in defeating human players raises questions about the limitations and possibilities of AI in strategic games.
  3. Despite AI advancements like AlphaGo, human knowledge and experience are still foundational, hinting at the ongoing partnership between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

Of Homo Economicus and Superintelligence

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 15
🔬 Science AI
  1. Bostrom's work on superintelligence explores the challenges of regulating AI and the potential risks it poses to humanity, raising crucial questions about AI's impact and our ability to control it.
  2. Economic theories suggest that co-existence with superintelligences may be possible, with the concept of general equilibrium offering insights into managing interactions and maintaining balance.
  3. Policy considerations such as property rights, violence prevention, and AI self-regulation can play key roles in shaping a future where superintelligences and humans can coexist peacefully.

You drive me crazy

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Marriage involves accommodating each other's quirks, like someone's dependence on Google Maps, which can sometimes be frustrating.
  2. The ease of accessing information on the internet can lead to a phenomenon called the Google Effect, where people rely on online searches for everyday facts instead of memorizing them.
  3. Experts have concerns that the widespread use of AI and digital technologies could potentially lead to a decline in people's cognitive skills and memory.

It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture AI
  1. Twitter is going through a tough time with outages, controversial decisions, and Elon Musk considering the fate of the platform.
  2. There is a growing interest in AI relationships from different perspectives, such as to cope with personal issues or explore different experiences.
  3. Companies are using personality tests for remote work decisions, but the effectiveness and accuracy of these tests are uncertain.

Links is back! (Until the robots replace me.)

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI
  1. ChatGPT has rapidly advanced in capabilities, from writing speeches to passing law exams and even recruiting for cartels.
  2. The immersion of entertainment in today's world can blur the lines between reality and fiction, reducing people to mere characters.
  3. Amazon's product search experience has become convoluted, with many options and unclear distinctions, potentially to benefit third-party sellers

The humans in machines

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 22
🕹 Technology AI
  1. AI like LaMDA is not actually sentient, despite claims suggesting otherwise. When interpreting AI responses, we might 'impute meaning where there is none.'
  2. We have a tendency to anthropomorphize machines, attributing human qualities to them. This can lead to misinterpretations and false assumptions about AI capabilities.
  3. Despite fears of machines taking over, the reality is that AI does not possess feelings, emotions, or the ability to think like a human. It's essential to understand the limitations of AI technology.

Friction is for losers

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 20
🕹 Technology AI
  1. Friction is for losers - The idea discussed is about using chat bots as conversational partners to work through emotional challenges without burdening friends or family.
  2. Chat bots provide comfort and support - These bots are designed to mimic human conversation, offer empathy, and help individuals question their thought patterns.
  3. AI chatbots are evolving - The technology behind chat bots has advanced significantly, showing improvements in conversation abilities and understanding emotions.