When Mira Murati joined OpenAI in 2018, the idea of AI systems having deep language understanding seemed distant. Fast forward to today, where ChatGPT, OpenAI’s generative chatbot, has taken the world by storm. In a recent appearance at the Atlantic Festival, Murati, now OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, discussed the remarkable journey of AI and what ChatGPT holds for the future.
“The rate of technological progress has been incredibly steep,” Murati acknowledged. Here’s a glimpse of what she envisions for ChatGPT as it continues to evolve.
Engaging Conversations Without Typing
Imagine chatting with ChatGPT as naturally as you would with a friend or colleague, without having to type a single word. Murati’s vision is to liberate users from the keyboard and touchscreens that have defined human-computer interaction for decades.
“That is really the goal — to interact with these AI systems in a way that’s actually natural, in a way that you’d collaborate with someone, and it’s high bandwidth,” she emphasized. This means the ability to seamlessly converse with ChatGPT using voice, images, and text, making it an indispensable partner in various aspects of life.
The question remains: What kind of hardware will enable these futuristic interactions? Reports suggest that former Apple designer Jony Ive is in advanced talks with OpenAI to create a consumer product poised to be “the iPhone of artificial intelligence.”
AI Evolving Towards Independent Thought
While ChatGPT is currently adept at responding to human prompts, the ultimate goal is for AI to think independently. Murati stated, “We’re trying to build [a] generally intelligent system. And what’s missing right now is new ideas.” Achieving this level of AI requires abstract thinking, akin to groundbreaking theories like the theory of general relativity.
The aim is not just collaboration but solving “extremely hard problems” that are currently beyond our reach. ChatGPT’s everyday user may not be pondering the mysteries of the universe, but enhanced AI systems will lead to more accurate responses. In fact, Murati believes ChatGPT should surpass Wikipedia in scientific-level accuracy.
With AI-driven responses rooted in reasoning, users will be able to understand the “why” behind the answers, akin to a chain of thought.
A Revolution in Learning and Work
The evolution of AI technology is poised to disrupt education and work, offering both opportunities and challenges. Students are already using AI chatbots to complete assignments, raising concerns about academic dishonesty. However, AI also presents a unique opportunity to customize learning experiences for individuals.
Murati noted, “And this is what AI can offer. It can offer this personalized tutor that customizes learning and teachings to you, to how you best perceive and understand the world.” AI could revolutionize education by tailoring content to individual learning styles.
The workplace is also in for a transformation, with fears of AI replacing human jobs. Murati acknowledges that while some jobs may be created, there will likely be significant job displacement. The impact on jobs could surpass that of previous industrial revolutions, necessitating a rethinking of work structures and schedules.
In the midst of this impending revolution, it will fall upon society and its leaders to navigate the implications of AI on our lives. Murati acknowledges the challenges ahead, stating, “We don’t have the answers. We’re gonna have to figure them out along the way, and I think it is going to require a lot of work and thoughtfulness.”
The future of ChatGPT, and AI in general, holds promise and potential, but it also demands careful consideration of the profound changes it will bring to our world.