The chief of OpenAI, Sam Altman, a key figure in the AI surge, has delivered a crucial warning: be skeptical of AI because it “hallucinates.” Speaking on OpenAI’s official podcast, Altman referred to ChatGPT as a prime example of an AI tool that can confidently generate inaccurate or misleading data. He found it “interesting” that users currently exhibit such a high degree of trust in the technology.
“It should be the tech that you don’t trust that much,” Altman stated, offering a direct counter-narrative to the prevailing enthusiasm surrounding AI’s capabilities. This candid assessment from within the AI industry highlights a fundamental challenge: AI’s ability to convincingly fabricate information without a factual basis. Users, therefore, must approach AI responses with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Altman personalized his warning by sharing his own use of ChatGPT for everyday parental queries, such as advice on diaper rashes and establishing baby nap routines. This anecdote underscores how deeply AI is integrating into daily life, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of verifying information, particularly for sensitive or critical matters.
In addition to the accuracy concerns, Altman also discussed evolving privacy considerations for OpenAI, particularly in light of exploring an ad-supported model. This comes amidst ongoing legal challenges, including The New York Times’ lawsuit alleging intellectual property infringement. Furthermore, Altman surprisingly contradicted his earlier stance on hardware, now arguing that current computers are not designed for an AI-pervasive world and that new devices will be necessary.