2024 has been a year of significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), but it’s also been marked by numerous failures that highlight the technology’s unpredictability and potential risks. From AI-generated content that spread misinformation to chatbots that provided incorrect information, here are some of the biggest AI flops of 2024.
One notable example is the proliferation of “AI slop” on the internet. Generative AI models have made it easy to produce vast amounts of low-quality content, which has led to its widespread adoption in various platforms. This not only raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of this content but also poses a risk to the future performance of these models.
Another example is the use of AI-generated images that are often indistinguishable from reality. While some AI art has gained recognition for its beauty and creativity, it can also be used to manipulate public trust in online events. For instance, an AI-powered website created a list of Halloween events in Dublin, which was shared widely on social media ahead of October 31.
The rise of AI image generators like Grok has raised concerns about the lack of guardrails that prevent users from creating explicit or violent content. The platform’s rejection of “woke AI” principles allows it to generate images that are not only inappropriate but also potentially harmful.
Deepfakes of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, have circulated online, raising questions about non-consensual content creation and the need for better moderation policies on social media platforms.
Business chatbots have also made headlines for their ability to provide incorrect information. In one notable example, Air Canada’s chatbot advised a customer to follow a bereavement refund policy that didn’t exist. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring that these systems are designed with accuracy and reliability in mind.
The market for AI gadgets has been lackluster, with several products failing to gain traction due to poor design or functionality. This is not surprising, given the challenges that the industry faces in creating innovative and user-friendly hardware solutions.
Finally, Google’s AI Overviews feature has generated controversy after providing outlandish suggestions as part of search results. While this incident was humorous, it also highlights the importance of ensuring that these systems are designed to provide accurate and reliable information.
As we move forward with the development and deployment of AI technologies, it’s essential to address these concerns and work towards creating more responsible and reliable systems.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/12/31/1109612/biggest-worst-ai-artificial-intelligence-flops-fails-2024