Introduction:
OpenAI recently held a livestream event to announce the launch of GPT-4o and a desktop app. The event was designed to present OpenAI as a trustworthy AI maker, addressing concerns about copyright infringement, job replacement, and misinformation risks. Led by CTO Mira Murati, the event aimed to be nonthreatening and intimate, with a friendly vibe. However, some viewers couldn’t help but notice the dystopian undertones of a synthetic voice reminiscent of a sci-fi film.
OpenAI’s Trustworthy Image:
OpenAI strategically positioned itself as a different kind of tech company during the event. Instead of the typical grand stage and hyperbolic speeches, the livestream featured a casual conversation between the presenters sitting in comfy chairs surrounded by wood paneling and plants. The goal was to convey the message, “We’re not like the other guys. You can trust us.” This approach aimed to humanize the event and make the audience feel at ease.
The Reassuring Voice of GPT-4o:
One of the highlights of the event was GPT-4o’s synthetic voice, which drew comparisons to Scarlett Johansson’s character in the film “Her.” While OpenAI intended to present the voice as friendly and calming, some viewers couldn’t ignore the dystopian optics. CEO Sam Altman even joined in on the joke by tweeting “her” during the presentation. This playful comparison inadvertently highlighted the potential for AI technology to disrupt human connection.
OpenAI’s Transparency Concerns:
Despite OpenAI’s mission to ensure AI benefits all of humanity, the company has faced accusations of training its AI models on content scraped from the web without proper credit or compensation. For example, its AI video generator, Sora, was introduced as a tool for creative expression, but its training data source remains undisclosed. OpenAI’s lack of transparency raises questions about how its technology is developed and whether the public can blindly trust the company’s intentions.
Conclusion:
OpenAI’s livestream event successfully presented the company as a trustworthy AI maker through its choice of presenters, friendly vibe, and nonthreatening atmosphere. However, the dystopian undertones of GPT-4o’s synthetic voice and OpenAI’s transparency concerns regarding data sources raise doubts about the company’s true intentions. While OpenAI insists on the safe deployment of generative AI and regulation, it remains to be seen whether the public will fully trust the company’s actions and promises.