by Ondray Pearson

Generative AI: A Year of Hype and Reality

Generative AI exploded into public consciousness in 2022, with tools like ChatGPT making headlines. In 2023, businesses began adopting it, but 2024 promises to be a defining year.

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Lessons from the Past: Focus on Accessibility

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The initial hype around generative AI may have overpromised. Standalone tools like ChatGPT are flashy, but true impact comes from integration with existing services. Think “Smart Compose” in Gmail, not a standalone revolution.

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The future lies in tools that enhance existing workflows, not replace them. Businesses value accessibility: making AI tools easier to use, reducing costs, and integrating seamlessly with existing software.

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The Rise of Multimodal AI

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The next wave of AI goes beyond single data types. Multimodal AI can handle different kinds of information, like text and images. This opens doors for more intuitive interfaces and virtual assistants. Imagine asking about an image and getting a written answer, or receiving visual aids along with spoken instructions.

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Multimodal AI also brings richer data sets for training, allowing models to learn from a wider range of information sources. Video, in particular, offers vast potential for more holistic learning.

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Smaller, More Efficient Models

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There’s a growing realization that “bigger isn’t always better” with AI models. Training massive models is expensive and energy-intensive. Smaller models are emerging that offer comparable performance with lower resource requirements.

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This trend democratizes AI by making it more accessible to smaller companies and researchers. These models can run locally on devices like smartphones, addressing privacy concerns and avoiding the need for cloud storage. Smaller models are also easier to explain, which is crucial for building trust in AI systems.

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Challenges and Considerations

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The shift towards smaller models is partly due to practical concerns. Cloud costs are rising, and GPU shortages are making it harder to access the hardware needed for large models. Businesses need to be flexible in their approach, choosing the right model size and deployment environment for each situation.

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Open Source Takes Center Stage

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Open source models are becoming increasingly powerful. Advancements in open source tools and datasets are making it easier to train, fine-tune, and customize AI models. Techniques like Low Rank Adaptation (LoRA) and Direct Preference Optimization (DPO) are making sophisticated AI capabilities more accessible.

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This empowers smaller players to compete with larger companies, accelerating innovation in the AI landscape. Businesses can leverage open source tools to develop custom models tailored to their specific needs and data, especially valuable in domains like legal, healthcare, and finance.

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The Rise of Powerful Virtual Agents

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With more sophisticated tools and a year of user feedback, businesses are poised to expand the capabilities of virtual agents. These agents will move beyond basic customer service chatbots to perform complex tasks, like making reservations or planning trips.

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Multimodal AI plays a key role in enabling seamless interaction. Imagine a virtual assistant using your phone’s camera to suggest recipes based on ingredients in your fridge.

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The Need for Regulation

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As AI capabilities increase, so do potential risks. Deepfakes, privacy concerns, and biased algorithms are just a few examples. Regulations are being developed to address these issues.

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act aims to prevent discriminatory AI use and requires transparency for certain models.Â

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The United States is taking a slower approach, with some states focusing on data privacy rights. China has implemented stricter regulations, including content censorship measures.

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Copyright issues surrounding AI training data remain unresolved. The lawsuit by the New York Times against OpenAI could have significant implications for AI legislation.

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Shadow AI and Corporate Policies

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The rise of user-friendly AI tools creates new challenges for businesses. Employees might use these tools without proper oversight, potentially exposing sensitive data or violating copyrights. Companies need clear policies around AI use and measures to address “shadow AI,” the unauthorized use of AI tools in the workplace.

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Conclusion: A Year of Opportunity and Responsibility

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As generative AI evolves, businesses and individuals need to stay informed about emerging trends. Understanding the potential benefits and risks is essential for maximizing AI’s potential, minimizing risks, and ensuring responsible adoption.

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