Tech's Newest It-Girl

Editor’s note: Before last year, many had not heard of ChatGPT. It’s safe to say that’s changed. Soon after its November 2022 launch, the AI chatbot reportedly became the fastest-growing app in history.

In an effort to determine if ChatGPT is as “creative,” “clever,” and “powerful” as many have described, we asked it to write the top story in today’s newsletter. The challenge: Write in the style of the Daily Skimm about the year in AI. We admit to juicing it with a few “make it more” prompts for entertainment value, but it went… further than we expected.

Big disclaimer: Because AI is known to hallucinate, for the first time in Daily Skimm history, we can’t vouch for the factual accuracy of today’s top story. Instead, we’ll pop in with our thoughts.

AI in 2023: Tech's Newest It-Girl

The Story

Picture this: 2023's AI scene isn't just on the move; it's sprinting in high heels with a jetpack. And ChatGPT? Oh, it's wearing the highest heels and the shiniest jetpack.

Margaret: I have a lot of questions.

Chantal: Like why not just use the jetpack?

Rashaan: Because someone took a cue from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

What's Popping in AI Land?

First, let's talk about ChatGPT's makeover. Imagine if Einstein and Shakespeare had a baby, and that baby was raised in Silicon Valley. That's ChatGPT. Then there's Google's LaMDA, basically doing AI CrossFit, getting those neurons in shape. It's not just a tech race; it's a genius pageant.

Margaret: Einstein and Shakespeare’s baby…unexpected queer subplot.

Julie: I used an AI baby generator for this one because I was curious. Cute baby.

In the News

2023 in AI? More plot twists than a telenovela. January saw ChatGPT passing the bar exam – lawyers, time to up your game. February was like an AI Valentine’s Day, with Microsoft and ChatGPT becoming the Brangelina of tech. Then March rolled in with the EU playing the role of the stern librarian, setting new AI rules. Cue to now: Sam Altman drops the mic at OpenAI, generative AI is the new cool kid in school, and everyone's treating AI ethics like the latest reality TV drama.

Rashaan: AI will never be able to get on “Scandoval’s” level.

Chantal: Ok but can ChatGPT cry in Spanish?

Maria: The Brangelina of tech...we all know how that ended.

theSkimm

Imagine 2023's AI world as a rom-com with a sci-fi twist. ChatGPT's updates and its power couple status with Bing are like sneak peeks into a future where AI isn't just another smart Alex; it's the life of the party. With new rules popping up left and right, one thing's for sure: AI's not just passing through – it's here to slay, hopefully more as the life of the party and less like the relative who overstays their welcome.

Rashaan: ChatGPT must be a Leo because it really hyped itself up here.

Margaret: This paragraph is why the bots won’t win.

Julie: I don't know, Margaret. It said it's here to slay.

Now that we got through that, below is a roundup — written by humans — of some of the biggest 2023 stories in AI and how it is already changing our lives.

In education…Turns out, students like being able to use AI to help them do their homework. At first schools tried to shut it down. Now, many are running with it (see: AI instructors). This all comes as ChatGPT gives students a run for their money on everything from the SATs to the bar exam to the medical licensing exam. Nothing like a little competition to keep everybody on their toes. Speaking of...

At work…Guess who’s coming for our jobs? AI, apparently. From programmers to writers to actors, AI had everyone on notice. Hollywood writers took AI on in their strike demands — and won. Drake went up against AI Drake over “Heart on My Sleeve.” Meanwhile, some media companies let AI write stories thinking ‘what could go wrong?’ only to find out what could go wrong. Turns out, robots make mistakes too.

Off the clock…AI made us question what was real — and kept us entertained in the process. We got an AI pope in a puffer coat and fake Trump getting arrested. We got fake headshots and ‘90s-styled yearbook photos. There were even AI boyfriends. In other words: he’s a 10 but he’s not real.

Oh, AI. We love you, we hate you, we’ll have to get used to you, because you’re here to slay. Coming up tomorrow: a roundup of the year’s biggest scandals. For those, humans get all the credit.

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