In a captivating discussion, William "Bill" Welser, founder of LOTIC and innovative technologist, explains how personal narratives shape our identities and the AI systems we develop. He argues that storytelling is the richest source of data about ourselves, offering a counterpoint to traditional data views. Welser delves into the limitations of AI in understanding human judgment and the necessity of personal oversight in technological fields. He also critiques the performative nature of modern media, advocating for a return to authentic storytelling amidst digital pressures.
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insights INSIGHT
Story Is Rawest Personal Data
Storytelling is the purest source of personal data because it reveals feelings, context, and motivations.
Converting narrative to data yields the most powerful personalized signal for decision-making.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start With Behavioral Science
Hire behavioral scientists before building models to surface motivations and subconscious patterns.
Use human-centered research to make narratives algorithmically useful.
insights INSIGHT
LLMs Predict, Humans Connect
LLMs predict plausible next tokens from existing corpora but lack human-like emergent context switching.
They mimic connective thinking only when training data contains those patterns, not by true internal reasoning.
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What if our personal stories are more valuable than we realize? In this thought-provoking conversation, William Welser, founder of LOTIC and innovative technologist, explores how our narratives shape not just our understanding of ourselves but also the artificial intelligence systems we create.
Welser challenges conventional thinking about data, arguing that our stories provide the richest, most authentic information about who we are. "Storytelling is maybe the purest source of data about oneself," he explains, revealing how his background in chemical engineering led him to a surprising focus on behavioral science and human narrative. This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to traditional data science approaches that often dismiss narrative as too messy or subjective.
The discussion delves into the capabilities and limitations of large language models, offering clarity amidst often polarized debates. Rather than seeing AI as either humanity's savior or destroyer, Welser presents a nuanced view of technology as a tool that reflects our own values and limitations back to us. His breakdown of the data supply chain—from raw data to information to intelligence to wisdom—illuminates why even advanced AI systems cannot replace human judgment and experience.
Perhaps most compelling is Welser's examination of how modern media environments have transformed storytelling from authentic self-expression to performance. This shift disconnects us from our true values and hampers our ability to make wise decisions. His solution? Creating space for vulnerability and honest self-reflection, whether through journaling, conversation with trusted friends, or even privacy-centered AI tools specifically designed for reflection.
Embrace the mantra that guides Welser's approach to both technology and self-understanding: "Consider that you might be wrong." By remaining open to new information and willing to challenge our own assumptions, we can better navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape while staying connected to our authentic selves.
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