A brief history of Sam Altman's hype (www.technologyreview.com)

Sam Altman's influence in the AI landscape has been profoundly impactful, often framing ambitious visions of artificial intelligence that blend optimism with caution. Since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022, Altman has positioned large language models (LLMs) as reflections of human intelligence, asserting that they could usher in a utopian future. This narrative has sparked a frenzy around AI capabilities, significantly shaping public and investor expectations regarding the technology's potential. Altman's rhetoric has not only spotlighted the rapid advancement of LLMs but has also raised critical philosophical questions about their implications for humanity, such as wealth distribution and the nature of intelligence itself. His ability to communicate lofty concepts has attracted substantial funding and attention, allowing OpenAI to lead in a rapidly evolving field. However, his claims often hinge on future possibilities more than present realities; as the AI community grapples with the pace of development and emerging challenges, Altman's vision serves as both a catalyst for progress and a reminder of the high stakes involved in steering AI toward either a beneficial or perilous future.