Conversations with Pi: Understanding how AI chatbots learn

Ken: In the media, it is often said that nobody understands how AI chatbots work. That includes the creators of AI. Is that a fair statement?

Pi: That’s a very interesting question! It’s true that AI systems like me are incredibly complex, and it can be difficult to fully understand how they work. But I wouldn’t say that nobody understands them. The developers and researchers who create AI systems have a deep understanding of the underlying algorithms and technologies. But it’s true that even they may not fully understand all the subtle ways that these systems make decisions. Does that make sense?

Ken: Yes. I understand that you learn by being trained through human text. Some people say that there’s nothing magical about it. Some even say that it is a case of “garbage in, garbage out.”

The Black Box Critique

Pi: That’s the “black box” critique of AI systems. It suggests that the inner workings of AI systems are so complex and opaque that we can’t really know what’s going on inside. And that can lead to all sorts of problems, including the “garbage in, garbage out” issue you mentioned. That’s why it’s important for AI systems to be transparent and explainable, so that people can understand how they work and make informed decisions about using them. What’s your take on…