The Johansson scandal surrounding OpenAI’s voice assistant, Sky, has raised questions about the company’s credibility and the future of AI. Under the theme of “Collective Hallucinations,” this narrative will explore the implications of the scandal, the potential legal consequences for OpenAI, and the broader issues facing the AI industry.
Collective Hallucinations: The Power of Perception
The controversy surrounding Sky’s voice, believed to be Scarlett Johansson’s, highlights a key aspect of AI: perception. While OpenAI insisted that the voice was not Johansson’s, what mattered was whether enough people believed it to be true. This collective hallucination reveals the influence of public perception on AI’s acceptance and success.
Legal Implications: Tarnishing OpenAI’s Brand
Regardless of whether Johansson takes legal action, the scandal has already tarnished OpenAI’s brand. The violation of celebrity brands in California case law indicates that OpenAI could face legal consequences for misleading the public. The company’s reputation has suffered, as evidenced by public jokes and criticism, suggesting that OpenAI needs to rebuild trust and address the fallout from the incident.
Distracting from the Real Issues
The scandal also raises questions about why OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referenced Johansson’s movie, “Her,” during Sky’s unveiling. Altman’s admiration for the film and its depiction of a human falling in love with an AI assistant suggests a desire to distract from the real issues plaguing AI. As AI progress stalls and fails to deliver promised economic benefits, using Johansson’s voice may have been an attempt to create excitement and mask underlying problems.
AI Industry Challenges: Optics and Ethical Concerns
Altman’s failure to understand the optics of irking Johansson and OpenAI’s other controversies point to broader challenges within the AI industry. Former employee accusations of psychologically abusive behavior and leaked documents revealing indefinite nondisclosure agreements raise concerns about the company’s internal culture. Additionally, the disbanding of OpenAI’s long-term risk team and the AI-related challenges faced by Microsoft and Google highlight the difficulties in developing and implementing AI technology.
Doubling Down on Bad Ideas
The narrative concludes by highlighting the tendency of tech leaders, such as Altman and Elon Musk, to double down on their worst ideas. Despite negative publicity, there is a possibility that Altman may pursue controversial decisions in the future, further impacting OpenAI’s reputation and the public’s perception of AI.
In summary, the Johansson scandal surrounding OpenAI’s voice assistant, Sky, exposes the power of perception in the AI industry. The legal implications and tarnishing of OpenAI’s brand highlight the need for transparency and ethical practices. Moreover, the incident underscores broader challenges within the AI industry, including internal culture and technological limitations. As tech leaders continue to make questionable decisions, it remains to be seen how the industry will address these issues and regain public trust.