Revolutionizing Research with AI | A Conversation with Subconscious AI Founder Avi Yashchin

In this episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer catches up with serial entrepreneur Avi Yashchin, the Founder of Subconscious AI, about his professional journey from Wall Street to the cutting edge of AI. Yashchin, who started his career as a high-frequency equity trader, offers us a unique perspective on the 2008 financial crisis and how it sparked his interest in understanding the “why” behind market fluctuations.  

We delve into Yashchin's experience at IBM's Watson education business unit, where he worked on applying AI in education with early language models. We then explore his current venture, Subconscious AI, and its groundbreaking work using language models to replicate experiments in psychology, sociology, and economics.  

We tackle the complexities of AI in education, discussing the importance of thoughtful integration to maximize learning outcomes. We also address the ethical considerations of AI research, including the fascinating responses of LLMs to questions of harm and consent.  

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how language models are being used to simulate human behavior and revolutionize research in social sciences.  
• Gain insights into the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI in education, including the crucial role of human oversight.  
• Understand the ethical dilemmas researchers face when using LLMs to study sensitive topics like harm and addiction.  
• Explore the debate around the future of AI development, including concerns about emergent behaviors and the importance of EQ in AI.  
• Learn why a balanced approach to AI is essential, encouraging both exploration and caution.  

Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of AI's current and potential impact on various fields, including education, research, and even our understanding of social behavior. Whether you're an educator, researcher, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation provides valuable insights and raises essential questions about the ethical and practical implications of this rapidly evolving technology.

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Avi Yashchin's Early Career and Wall Street Experience

03:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Clean Edison

03:33 AI in Education and IBM Watson

05:46 Founding Subconscious AI and Climate Change Experiments

07:01 Using Language Models for Social Experiments

16:06 Ethical Considerations and AI Limitations

22:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future