We are going to jump right into the first of our Big Five topics because it speaks to something I’m concerned about—AI fatigue. My concern isn’t with the fatigue itself. It’s what may happen because of the fatigue: people thinking AI has fizzled, cooled or been all hype. Or, maybe worse, they’re going to stop playing with this shiny new toy.
As always, when it comes to the topic of AI, Paul Roetzer has captured that sentiment perfectly:
(from LinkedIn)
“AI fatigue” can be a thing for marketing and business leaders. I get it.
We all have existing responsibilities and goals, and AI can just seem like one more thing that we have to worry about and learn. Which can cause many leaders to delegate AI understanding and adoption in their companies.
I think this is the wrong approach.
If AI will be as transformative to business as the Internet was (some would argue it will be significantly more transformative), then shouldn’t it be a top priority for all leaders to understand and apply?
I think the companies who have CEOs, CMOs, CTOs, CFOs, etc. who are immersed in AI—and leveraging it to reimagine what’s possible in their business—have the greatest chance of thriving in the years ahead.
My advice would be two-fold:
1) Make time to learn AI in whatever way you prefer. Listen to podcasts. Read books. Take online courses. Attend events. Subscribe to a newsletter. Follow a small group of AI experts you trust to curate and synthesize what matters.
2) Experiment. Experiment. Experiment. You have to regularly try the tools for yourself. Find a few tasks/use cases that you regularly do, and explore how AI can assist.
Every organization needs AI-savvy employees and leaders. The opportunities are immense for the professionals who take action.
2. US bill proposes AI companies list what copyrighted materials they use
(from the article) “To be clear, this wouldn't do anything to prevent AI creators from using copyrighted work, but it would provide transparency on which materials they've taken from.”
We’re really moving the goalposts on what a win looks like when it comes to ‘regulation’. But I guess something is better than nothing?
3. I’ve seen the future. And I’m not sure I like it.
There is a lot going around about TCL’s first AI-generated movie ‘Next Stop Paris’. First, I know what you’re thinking … is that a typo? Did I mean to write TLC, as in the station TLC? No. I meant TCL. As in the consumer electronics company. Apparently, they’re into content creation now. And second, why am I such a killjoy? This is funny, right?
Well, yes, you’re right. It’s funny. But it’s also sad. You know this is only the beginning and we are going to see a lot more filler being put out similar to this.
4. We have a major problem.
I’ve shared stories over the past few months about Deepfakes and how they are being used to create inappropriate images on social media. This has gotten significantly worse as underage images are popping up. This will only get worse. I’m happy to see the UK is doing something about it, but how is this not a hotter topic/bigger issue across the board?
Don’t answer that.
5. AI identifies potential new treatments for Parkinson’s Disease.
You know, so much of what is covered in the world of AI tends to skew to the negative. The scary. However, the reason so many people are excited about it is because of the potential to accelerate our thinking and ability around critical topics such as our health.
To pull from The Coming Wave, author Mustafa Suleyman says this is a technology that could drastically extend our life span and capabilities. So why aren’t we doing everything we can to ensure it’s developed, regulated and distributed in a way that benefits all?
The WSJ spotlighted how to use generative AI tools at work, saying you can definitely use them to get ahead … if you know how to use them.
Well, consider this a shameless plug for something better than this WSJ article. If you’re looking to find ways to introduce, expose and create some hands-on opportunities for your team, Akhia just launched its AI workshop series. We are already booking into August but do have openings along the way. It’s a customizable program that features one in-person session and two virtual follow-ups throughout the year. You choose the follow-ups based on the first session and your team’s interests and needs.
As they say, we can take the conversation offline—just reach out via email or mobile (info at the bottom of this email).
…AI’s “insatiable” electricity demand?
…how Adobe is using AI to change video production forever?
…AI spam is winning the battle against SEO quality?
…the U.S. Air Force confirming a successful AI dogfight?
…Microsoft continuing to make noise and moves? I have them at +100 odds to win the AI war.
So, just how smart is AI? How smart will it be?
Well, if you ask Elon Musk, AI will be more intelligent than us – in the form of AGI – by 2026, at the latest.
But if you ask me, my answer is a little murky. The reason is that I think there is more than one way to define smart. (Trust me—I’m a career B student, and I’ve lived in this reality for a long time … just go with it.)
A running joke in my house is that you don’t have to be right—you just have to be not wrong. So, in other words, convince me you’re right … and whether you are or aren’t becomes less relevant. (Yes, I know this sounds like the current political landscape.)
My kids have gotten very good at it. One yells/talks loud until you say, ‘Fine…fine!’. The other will drown you in arguments, examples and cases that support her POV … also resulting in you saying ‘Fine!!!’.
I bring all of this up because if we truly look at intelligence as more than just an IQ … and instead, the ability to adapt and survive in the world around us … well, the most recent news out of Anthropic that Claude is as persuasive, if not more so, than humans (story two in the linked newsletter) has blown my mind. Which isn’t saying much since it’s been blown about 37 times over the past year. But still, Claude is getting good at not only telling you an answer … but making you believe they’re right. (And that’s good enough in some households these days.)
Thanks for reading. Remember, I’m always here if you want to talk with a good ol’ fashioned human.
-Ben
As a reminder, this is a round-up of the biggest stories, often hitting multiple newsletters I receive/review. The sources are many … which I’m happy to read on your behalf. Let me know if there’s one you’d like me to track or have questions about a topic you’re not seeing here.