Lots Less Buzzy - ChatGPT Struggles to Restart the Excitement

 “OpenAI … said it was launching a business version of ChatGPT as its artificial intelligence sensation grapples with declining usership …ChatGPT Enterprise will offer business customers a premium version of the bot, with ‘enterprise grade’ security and privacy enhancements … Yahoo Finance, August 29, 2023

Already influential players such as Carlyle and PwC have adopted the business app which operates on ChatGPT version 4. 

The challenge, though, is: Will this attempt to provide reassurance about security/privacy catch on enough among businesses to halt the pause in buzz?

Buzz is everything. Perception IS reality. And OpenAI is getting less and less buzzy. It is not impossible that this blockbuster technological development could deflate to a fad. Or, at least it could experience a delay in its going mainstream. That would be much like how the implementation of the metaverse fell off the cliff. It's not done but it is now buzzed as "futuristic."

During both June and July usage dropped 10%, reports SimilarWeb. Moreover, a recent Pew Research survey found that two-thirds of those interviewed feared that government regulation will not be adequate to address the impacts of AI in general. The fear bleeds into Main Street.

What makes the technology particularly un-user friendly in commerce are all the legalities. Already there is a range of lawsuits about issues such as alleged violation of intellectual property and defamation. In addition, so far, the graphics generated by Chat bots aren’t eligible for copyright protection. You do all that AI visual work. It takes off. Anyone can legally use it. Of course, America waits for the regulators and Congress to start reviewing this technology comprehensively. Yes, users are in a kind of limbo. No smart business welcomes the uncertainty.

The joke could be: Sure, do it with generative AI, but make sure your lawyer is in the loop. Some of the large law firms which make trends have already established specialized AI practices. The practice created by Paul Weiss in June 2023 focuses on the broad continuum:

• Algorithmic bias, including with respect to advertising, ethical issues, regulatory scrutiny and consumer and class action litigation;
• The use of AI tools, such as pricing and subscription algorithms, including with respect to competition law;
• The use of generative AI, including with respect to emerging copyright infringement and regulatory concerns;
• Holistic review and impact assessments of AI and other transformational technology;
• Guidance on governance frameworks and regulatory compliance around AI and other digital assets; and
• AI and cybersecurity considerations

You bet, what generative AI is into or could be into has a long reach. The services of law firms such as Paul Weiss are targeted at the Big Business market. Small business are the key early adopters of generative AI – for cost-efficiency. They could get it that they can’t afford that kind of sophisticated legal help and back off. It is not impossible that small business will return to human marketing communications experts for the Christmas season promotions. Oh, and what about the stock market? How will Nvidia land?

Meanwhile, IBM which announced it could fill 7,800 slots with AI versus humans could look foolish. What kind of risks will that initiative be taking on?

So, here we are. ChatGPT had been positioned and packaged as the next internet in terms of being a game-changer. That could still happen, only less quickly than anticipated. Or, it could go poof.

From the top global watchdogs to the folks on Main Street, society has begun urgent scrutiny of man and the machine. What they unleash can blow up all that pontificating about the impacts of generative AI by financial firms such as Goldman Sachs and management consultants such as McKinsey. We can shift into the future with less of the predicted disruption. 

Reflection: My former full-time way of making a living had come from content-creation. Maybe I should return to hustling for more assignments in that niche. Businesses could be getting nervous about relying on generative AI. You got it: The everything can change on a dime.

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 202-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).