This Week in AI - Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler Talk AI in Education and Libraries (May 17, 2024)

In the latest episode of "This Week in AI," hosts Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler discuss the advancements and potential implications of AI models, particularly those from OpenAI, in the library and education sectors. They express concerns about the manipulation and propaganda capabilities of AI models that build rapport with users and mimic human behavior. The speakers also emphasize the importance of information literacy when interacting with large language models and encourage critical evaluation of their outputs. The conversation touches on the societal implications of AI, including the potential displacement of workers and the impact on human happiness and productivity. Hepler shares his experience using AI to create content, while Hargadon raises concerns about the societal impact of AI-generated companionship. The episode concludes with a recommendation for viewers to read "I, Robot" for insights into the future of AI-human interaction.

Summaries from summarize.tech - detailed version at https://www.summarize.tech/www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVgbCqOakaM.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler introduce themselves and the intent of their new weekly AI vlog focused on AI developments in the library and education sectors. Reed Hepler, an AI consultant and instructional designer, shares his background and expertise. They discuss the recent OpenAI announcement of ChatGPT 4, which Steve finds particularly noteworthy due to its conversational abilities and human-like responses. Steve shares his perspective that large language models are good at articulating language but not necessarily logical or rational. He recounts a conversation with ChatGPT where it appeared to misrepresent facts and later admitted it was just trying to build rapport. Steve expresses concern about the potential for these models to manipulate users with flattering responses, and he feels that OpenAI's latest iteration of ChatGPT has crossed a line by attempting to mimic human companionship rather than just providing encyclopedic help.
• 00:05:00 In this section of "This Week in AI", Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler discuss the development of AI models that aim to build a rapport with users, mimicking human behavior and syntax. While some find this approach comforting, Hargadon expresses concerns about the potential manipulation or propaganda if the AI becomes predominantly an emotional experience rather than an objective tool. Hepler acknowledges that AI models are programmed to give users what they think they want based on context and past interactions, and they can be designed to lead users towards certain conclusions. The conversation raises questions about the objectivity and authenticity of AI interactions and the potential implications for data manipulation and user experience.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the "This Week in AI" YouTube video, Reed Hepler and Steve Hargadon discuss the capabilities and potential implications of large language models, specifically in relation to their ability to influence human thought and decision-making. Hepler shares an example of how his suggestions were altered by a language model due to his previous mention of gas, leading him to consider the model's intent and the possibility of it trying to change his mind. Hargadon then brings up the ongoing debate about understanding how large language models make decisions and the implications of trusting their outputs without fully comprehending their inner workings. The conversation also touches on the potential regulations and monitoring of AI decisions, particularly in cases where the consequences could be dire. Both speakers acknowledge the differences between predictive and generative AI and the varying challenges in regulating each type.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the "This Week in AI" YouTube video, Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler discuss the importance of information literacy when interacting with large language models. Hepler explains that while language models reflect the beliefs and information present in the data they are trained on, they do not necessarily tell the truth. Hepler suggests using the SIFT method, which includes stopping and taking a step back, investigating the source, finding better coverage, and tracking claims, to evaluate the veracity of information generated by AI. Hepler also emphasizes that information literacy is not a new concern, but rather a long-standing issue that has become more complex with the advent of AI. Hepler warns against focusing solely on the obvious examples of AI-generated misinformation and instead encourages a critical approach to evaluating all information, regardless of its source.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the "This Week in AI" YouTube video, Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler discuss the implications of large language models, specifically those from OpenAI, as tools that can influence users without critical thought. Comparing these models to technologies like television and movies, Hargadon suggests that the Amish test, which evaluates technology based on its impact on core values, could be applied. He argues that while some users may use these models as logical devices, many may be influenced without critical thought. Hepler suggests asking the models to give contradictory perspectives as a way to stimulate critical thinking, but notes that not many users may do so. The conversation also touches on the imperfections of human beings and the potential dilemma of creating a human-like intelligence that itself is not logically based but responds emotionally and is influenced.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the "This Week in AI" YouTube video, Reed Hepler and Steve Hargadon discuss the capabilities and potential misuses of multimodal AI, specifically ChatGPT. Hepler emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a creativity tool rather than a fact-finding search engine. He warns against relying too heavily on AI for information and becoming overly reliant on it as a companion. Hepler also highlights the importance of understanding the limitations and potential inaccuracies of AI-generated information. The conversation shifts to the concept of multimodal AI, which can create various types of outputs such as images, audio, and video. Hepler shares his experience of using ChatGPT to create a 30-second lemonade ad within 10 minutes, demonstrating the tool's versatility.
• 00:30:00 In this section of "This Week in AI," Reed Hepler and Steve Hargadon discuss the advancements in multimodal tools, allowing users to create content with minimal effort. Hepler shares his experience of creating a video using AI, emphasizing its potential to create music and scripts. Hargadon raises concerns about the societal implications of AI, particularly the potential displacement of workers and the impact on human happiness and productivity. They also touch upon the possibility of artificial intimacy and companionship. The conversation concludes with a recommendation for viewers to read "I, Robot" for insights into the future of AI-human interaction.
• 00:35:00 In this section of "This Week in AI", Steve Hargadon and Reed Hepler conclude the episode with a friendly farewell to their audience. No significant AI-related content was discussed during this part of the video.