Welcome to your deep dive.
Ready to explore something new.
Always.
What are we diving into today?
We're tackling generation AI.
Okay, sounds intriguing.
It's a world where algorithms are composing music.
Wow.
And our digital assistants might understand our emotions
better than our closest friends.
It's like we're living in a science fiction novel.
Right.
Except it's real.
Totally.
Yeah.
And to guide us through this,
we're turning to Reid Hoffman.
LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman.
The one and the same.
He's become a leading voice on AI's impact.
Interesting.
What does he have to say?
He gave this fascinating talk at Stanford about it.
At Stanford?
Yeah.
And it is jam-packed with insights.
I bet.
What stood out to you?
Honestly, his whole take on the challenge itself
was eye-opening.
Yeah.
He doesn't just ask, is AI good or bad?
He digs deeper.
Okay, I like that.
He suggests we're in the brink
of a cognitive industrial revolution.
Cognitive industrial revolution?
That's a mouthful.
Right, what does that even look like?
Well, Hoffman says AI isn't about replacing us,
at least not for the next few decades.
So what's it about then?
Augmenting human intelligence.
Augment.
He compares it to using a GPS.
I see.
It's helpful for navigation,
but rely on it too much.
What happens to your own sense of direction?
You become completely dependent on it.
Exactly.
Like me with Google Maps.
Can't get anywhere without it.
That's exactly what he means
by augmenting our intelligence.
So becoming so reliant on AI that we lose our edge.
It's a real possibility.
That's a little unsettling.
It is.
But imagine having instant access to all information ever.
Like having a second brain.
Right, what could we achieve with that?
It's mind-blowing, isn't it?
It's both exciting and a little terrifying
at the same time.
Absolutely.
And Hoffman acknowledges that.
Good, he did.
He talks about the potential downsides too.
Like what?
One that stood out to me was his idea of generation AI,
Generation AI?
These are people who've grown up with AI
as their go-to tool.
That's like we did with the internet.
Exactly, they're integrating it into their lives.
It's becoming part of their identity.
Precisely.
That's really interesting.
It is.
What else does Hoffman say about this generation AI?
Well, this is where it gets even more interesting.
Okay, I'm listening.
Hoffman believes humans still have an advantage.
An advantage.
But AI is so smart.
It is.
So what do we have that AI doesn't?
We're adaptable and good at what he calls
adversarial gameplay.
Adversarial gameplay.
I'm not sure I follow.
Basically, it's our ability to find creative solutions
that AI doesn't expect.
Can you give an example?
Think of those early self-driving cars.
Okay.
Programmed to be super cautious to avoid accidents, right?
Right.
But that predictability made them easy to exploit.
How so?
People figured out they could step in front
and force them to slam on the brakes.
Oh, I see.
Humans outsmarted the machines.
Exactly.
We figured out how to game the system.
So even with all its processing power,
AI can always keep up with us.
Especially when we bend the rules.
That is both reassuring and a little unnerving.
I know, right?
On one hand, we still have an edge.
Definitely.
But on the other, the more complex AI becomes,
the harder it might be to predict
how it will react to us.
That's a key point.
AI reacting unpredictably is a bit scary now.
It is.
And that's a big part of what Hoffman is getting at.
Okay, I'm starting to understand.
AI's potential is huge.
Totally.
But we need safeguards.
But doesn't control us.
Exactly.
We're talking about AI that might be smarter than us,
but could also be caught off guard by us being,
well, human.
Right, and that's where things get even more interesting.
Oh, how so?
Hoffman brings up something he calls the one ring problem.
Okay, one ring problem.
Now you're speaking my language.
A little Lord of the Rings reference for you.
I appreciate it, but what does it have to do with AI?
It's a metaphor, really.
Me too.
For the dangers of relying too much on a single source.
Okay, like putting all our eggs in one basket.
Exactly.
Imagine if we all depended on one AI for information.
So no more Googling, no more second opinions.
Just one all-knowing AI.
Sounds a little too powerful, doesn't it?
That's the problem.
What if it's wrong?
Or worse, what if someone manipulates it?
Then we're all in trouble.
Precisely.
So how do we stop that from happening?
Hoffman believes in diversification.
So not just one super AI, but many different ones.
Yes, different approaches,
different strengths and weaknesses.
Checks and balances like in a democracy.
Exactly, and it's not just about safety,
it's about potential.
How so?
When you have diverse perspectives,
you get more innovative solutions.
A wider range of ideas, I get it.
Things we haven't even thought of yet.
Makes sense.
But even then, how can we be sure these AI systems
are actually working for us, for our benefit?
That's a critical question,
and Hoffman's own company is working on it.
What are they doing?
Inflection AI, his company is focusing on AI agents
with high EQ.
Hold on, EQ, like emotional intelligence for AI.
You got it.
Teaching AI to understand and respond to human emotions.
That's fascinating.
So they're like AI therapists.
In a way, yes, but Hoffman gives the example
of their AI companion, Pi.
Pi.
It prioritizes human wellbeing over blind obedience.
What does that mean?
If you told Pi you wanted to be alone all the time,
it would encourage you to connect with real people.
Wow, it's like having an AI friend looking out for you.
In a sense, yes, and this leads to another point
Hoffman makes.
Which is?
He thinks we're headed towards a future
where everyone has personal AI agents.
Like a personal assistant, but way more advanced.
Exactly, but this raises a lot of questions.
Like what?
How do you make sure your AI is working for you,
not some company?
That's a good point.
And what about data privacy?
How do we prevent these AIs from making decisions for us
instead of with us?
Big questions, for sure.
Hoffman acknowledges that.
What does he say?
He's a big believer in education and thoughtful regulation.
Makes sense, we need to be prepared.
It's not just about using AI,
it's about thinking critically about it.
Challenging its assumptions and recognizing its limitations.
You got it.
Asking questions like, what data was this AI trained on?
Who built it and why?
Exactly.
We need to make sure AI is used ethically and responsibly.
Because ultimately, AI is only as good
as the humans behind it.
Precisely, and that's something Hoffman emphasizes.
That humans are still in control.
In a way, yes.
The future of AI isn't predetermined,
it's what we make it.
We have the power to shape how it develops.
And how it impacts our lives.
That brings us to another interesting part
of Hoffman's talk.
His idea of a free doctor on every phone.
Wait, AI doctors on our smartphones?
How is that even possible?
Hoffman believes it's achievable within the decade.
Really?
He says the technology is there.
So what's stopping us?
The usual suspects.
Which are?
Regulation, liability, and pushback
from existing healthcare systems.
Ah, that makes sense.
It's about disrupting a massive industry.
Like Uber, but for doctors.
Potentially.
But with any disruption,
there are always unexpected consequences.
It's a lot to consider.
It is.
This technology could change everything.
And we're still figuring out the rules as we go.
It's both exciting and a little daunting.
Wouldn't you say?
Absolutely.
This is uncharted territory.
Yeah, it's like we're figuring it out as we go along.
Which is a bit wild.
It is, and there's another point Hoffman made
that really resonated with me.
Who?
What's that?
Remember that analogy he used about the LoJack?
The one about our brains having LoJacks
in the age of smartphones.
That's the one.
I think it's such a powerful metaphor.
It really highlights the trade-offs
we make with technology.
Exactly.
We get incredible convenience.
Instant access to everything.
Being able to connect with anyone.
A world at our fingertips.
When it comes at a cost.
We're constantly being tracked and analyzed.
And not just our location.
Right, it's our data, preferences, everything.
All of it being collected and used.
We just hand it over.
We click agree without a second thought.
It's scary how used to it we've become.
It is, and this is where AI ethics
becomes even more crucial.
Because AI takes that data collection
to a whole new level.
Exactly.
It's not just companies anymore.
It's about protecting our data from AI systems that
could use it to manipulate us.
It's like that saying, if you're not paying for the product,
you are the product.
Right, except now the product is our very identities.
Our thoughts, desires, everything.
All of it feeding into these algorithms.
It's a lot to process.
It is, which is why Hoffman stresses
the importance of transparency and control over our data.
We need to be able to see what's being collected
and how it's being used.
And most importantly, to be able to say no.
To opt out.
To reclaim some control.
Absolutely.
Otherwise, we risk sleepwalking into a future
where algorithms are calling the shots.
A future where we've lost control of our own lives.
And that's not the future we want.
Definitely not.
So what can we do?
Hoffman believes we need to demand better.
Demand better from who?
From the people creating and using these technologies.
We need to make sure AI is used to benefit humanity.
Not just to make profits.
That's a powerful message.
It is, and it's one we should all take to heart.
Well, there you have it, folks.
Our deep dive into generation AI.
Guided by the brilliant Reid Hoffman.
We've covered everything from AI composing music.
To AI doctors on our phones.
It's a future full of possibility.
But also some serious ethical dilemmas.
It's definitely given us a lot to think about.
What are your biggest takeaways?
What resonated with you the most?
That's a good question.
I think what struck me the most is this idea
that we're not just along for the ride when it comes to AI.
We have a say in how it develops.
Exactly.
And that's both empowering and a bit daunting,
don't you think?
It definitely is, but it's a conversation worth having.
Absolutely.
And on that note, we'll wrap up this deep dive.
Until next time, keep exploring.