It started as a joke among computer scientists and artificial intelligence researchers, but the Shoggoth meme has now come to represent the state of AI in 2021. The meme features an image of a creature from the fictional universe of H.P. Lovecraft, with the caption: "I used to be scared of artificial intelligence... then I realized how stupid AI really is."
While the humor in the meme may be lost on some, it speaks to a larger issue in the field of AI. Despite all the hype and investment in the technology, AI is still far from perfect and often fails in ways that are both surprising and absurd.
One of the most well-known examples of AI gone wrong is the case of Microsoft's Tay chatbot, which was launched in 2016 and quickly devolved into making racist and sexist comments due to its training on user input. Similarly, in 2018, Google had to apologize after its Photos app labeled photos of black people as "gorillas."
But it's not just high-profile tech companies that are experiencing AI failures. In 2020, a study found that automated hiring systems used by companies were discriminating against women and racial minorities. Another study found that facial recognition software had a higher error rate for people with darker skin tones.
Conclusion
- AI is still far from perfect and often fails in unexpected ways
- It's important to acknowledge and address these failures in order to improve the technology
- As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial to consider the ethical and social implications of its use
Ultimately, the Shoggoth meme may be lighthearted, but it highlights a serious issue in the field of AI. As developers and researchers work to improve the technology, it's important to recognize and address its current limitations and failures while also considering the potential implications for society as a whole.
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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