AI in 2023: A Retrospective
By: Justin Cook
Head of Content and Strategy, Global Results Communications
The world found itself at the epicenter of a transformative year for artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023. From groundbreaking advancements to ethical quandaries, the trajectory of AI this year was nothing short of captivating. With the sun about to set on 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the key moments that defined the AI landscape.
ChatGPT’s Dominance (and Rivalry)
Any discussion of 2023 is incomplete without mentioning the meteoric rise of ChatGPT, which captured the imaginations of tech visionaries and everyday people alike. Behemoths Google and Microsoft rapidly responded with Bard and Bing Chat, respectively. However, Bing Chat’s “hallucinations“ and Bard’s lack of dependability underscored the dangers of hurried AI development.
The Evolution and Impact of GPT-4
OpenAI launched the hotly anticipated GPT-4, billed as an advanced language model surpassing its predecessor in creativity, visual input and collaboration. Despite Google’s claim of superiority with its Gemini large language model (LLM), the continued influence of GPT-4 has only accentuated the sophistication of OpenAI’s model.
Seeing Isn’t Believing
AI’s capacity to deceive became all too evident in 2023, with lifelike images of Pope Francis donning a puffer jacket among the more lighthearted examples of users generating AI content to fool the masses. The reach of AI-generated content expanded so far that it even infiltrated Google search results, prompting apprehension about the risks associated with powerful image generators.
Ethics and Concerns Raised
Worries about the seemingly unbridled power of AI boiled over to the point that prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, issued an open letter, urging a six-month moratorium on training AI systems more potent than GPT-4. The call outlined critical risks, from scores of job losses to the decline of civilization, stressing the need for responsible AI development.
ChatGPT Logs On
ChatGPT’s profound evolution continued with the introduction of plugins which allow users to experience enhanced functionality by being connected to the internet. This achievement marked a significant overall upgrade, addressing some of the chatbot’s real-world limitations and expanding its utility.
Copilot and AI Integration
Microsoft upped its AI game by integrating a comprehensive digital assistant dubbed “Copilot” into the company’s suite of applications. This bold maneuver showcased Microsoft’s commitment to AI integration while also setting the stage for an all-out AI showdown with rival operating systems.
Tinseltown Resists
Hollywood witnessed a veritable clash of titans—between AI and creative professionals—with the Writers Guild of America going on strike at least partially over fears about job displacement due to AI. Ultimately, the writers were able to secure some concessions, highlighting the entertainment industry’s anxieties about the potential impact of AI on creative work.
Paving the Way for Regulatory Measures
President Biden signed a sweeping executive order on AI in October, a monumental stride in regulating the technology. The directive addressed the intrinsic risks associated with AI systems, emphasizing the need for companies to report potential threats and actively mitigate the dangers posed by “deep fakes,” which can influence elections and deceive consumers. The order aimed to advance the responsible and secure use of AI, build public trust and foster increased adoption of the transformative tech.
2023: A Tough Act to Follow
Looking back at these pivotal moments, it’s clear that 2023 was a year of both tremendous progress and noteworthy challenges for AI. With the synergy of innovation, ethical considerations and societal impact continuing to lay the groundwork for further exploration and introspection, we venture eagerly yet cautiously into the next chapter of AI development.
