Short Wave Can you teach a computer common sense?
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Jan 31, 2023 Yejin Choi, a computer science professor at the University of Washington and MacArthur Fellowship recipient, dives into the intriguing world of AI and common sense. She discusses her journey from software engineering to pioneering research in natural language processing. The conversation highlights the challenges of teaching AI human-like common sense, illustrated by amusing misidentifications. Innovative techniques, like the Atomic knowledge graph, aim to enhance AI's understanding of language. Choi emphasizes the exciting intersection of technology and humanities in shaping AI's future.
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Early NLP Experience
- Emily Kwong reminisces about interacting with ELIZA, an early natural language processing system.
- ELIZA simulated a therapist and showcased the potential of machines understanding human language.
AI Winter
- Yejin Choi initially found AI to be like science fiction, especially during the "AI winter."
- This period marked a time of decreased enthusiasm and funding for AI research due to perceived limitations.
Career Shift
- Yejin Choi initially pursued a career in operating systems at Microsoft after graduation.
- Despite enjoying the work, she yearned for something more open-ended and intellectually stimulating.