We're Cooked, Personal Musing on LLM-Bros (johnmount.github.io)

In a provocative reflection on the current state of large language models (LLMs), John Mount expresses concern that the AI industry is trapped in a financially driven crisis, exacerbated by the rise of "LLM-bro" culture. While LLMs are lauded for their capabilities, the sentiment among technologists is that they may soon obviate the need for traditional skills. Mount argues that these "bro" figures, often more focused on financial gain than genuine technological innovation, may ultimately harm the industry, leaving only those who exaggerate the LLM's usefulness still standing. Mount highlights several troubling trends: the over-financialization of leading tech companies, the distortion of previously effective technologies (like search engines), and the ethical vacuity surrounding LLM usage. He warns that LLMs, while appearing superior on the surface, are not yet capable of performing complex tasks, such as engaging in nuanced reasoning or maintaining state in applications like chess. This reliance on superficial performance raises concerns about the market value of authentic research and expertise. As the LLM era unfolds, Mount urges the AI/ML community to remain critical, questioning the sustainability of a system that prioritizes financial incentives over true technological advancement.