Weekly Update | AI Adult Content (Pt 2) | OpenAI Safety Team | OpenAI & Reddit | DEI vs. Inclusion

Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

I hope you've had another fantastic week. To all my US-based folks, I hope you have some exciting plans for the Memorial Day weekend. And, regardless of what you're celebrating this weekend, what better way to kick it off than catching up on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. With that, let's jump right into it: AI Adult Content (Part 2) - I've been caught off guard by people's responses to things I say many times over the years, but the reaction to my warning about OpenAI's exploration of using its tech for "responsible use" in adult media was exceptionally surprising. The craziest part was the vast majority of the reactions weren't directly to anything I said but what people assumed was implied by what I said. So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to set the record straight. OpenAI Dissolves Safety Team - Did the chicken or the egg come first? Jan and Llya's recent departure from OpenAI and the related dissolusion of the long-term safety team seems like a similar debate. While there's a lot of hype over draconian HR policy and public statements about the long-term conflict between exec members, what's really happening under the surface is a tale as old as time. OpenAI + Reddit = ? - Unfortunately, my days of teaching middle school math won't be much help in solving that equation. However, the deal between OpenAI and Reddit has no shortage of risks and considerations as we think about how these LLMs will make decisions and ultimately influence people in what they think and how they behave. Goodbye DEI; Hello Inclusion - As a Pheonix rises from the ashes, so inclusion seems to be rising from the remains of DEI. However, what does that really mean and what are the implications on workplace practices and policies? While the DEI train lost its way in an effort to make the workplace a better place for everyone, I'm not convinced that completely decoupling diversity and equity from the larger DEI-train is the right move.

Show Notes:

In this weekly update, Christopher unpacks several critical topics at the crossroads of business, technology, and human experience. The episode begins with a reflection on the backlash received over Christopher's concerns about OpenAI's potential venture into adult entertainment. He responds to criticism, clarifies his stance from a biblical worldview, and discusses the broader societal implications of adult media, challenging both religious and secular perspectives. Shifting gears, the discussion moves to OpenAI's recent controversies, including the public exits of two key executives due to safety concerns, and a new partnership with Reddit. Christopher addresses the potential dangers and benefits of this partnership, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in navigating AI's evolving landscape. Finally, the episode touches on the shifting narrative in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), highlighting the rise of 'inclusion' as the new focus. Christopher encourages listeners to engage respectfully with differing viewpoints and underscores the importance of individual discernment in these complex issues.

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - Addressing the Backlash

04:52 - Navigating Criticism and Misunderstandings

08:26 - The Impact of Adult Media

18:32 - AI in Adult Entertainment

24:16 - OpenAI's Leadership Shake-Up

27:29 - Navigating AI Ethics and Safety Concerns

30:00 - The Business Pressures on AI Development

32:48 - Personal Responsibility in the Age of AI

35:46 - OpenAI's Deal with Reddit

43:03 - The Evolution of DEI to Inclusion

#ai #OpenAi #ethics #DEI #futureofwork