AI’s Crucible Year, TikTok’s Lifeline, Manifesting Your Best Self
Jan 4, 2025
auto_awesome
Ranjan Roy, a tech analyst from Margins, dives into the transformative trends in technology. He discusses the competitive dynamics between Meta and Apple, prompted by skydiving with Meta's smart glasses. The conversation shifts to OpenAI's struggle with GPT-5 development and the controversy surrounding the commercialization of AGI. Roy also examines TikTok's political challenges and its surprising backing, alongside the growing trend of manifestation on the platform, blending positivity with user engagement.
OpenAI is grappling with significant setbacks in the development of GPT-5, which raises concerns about the alignment of AI advancements with user needs.
TikTok's future hinges on political maneuvers, particularly Trump's efforts to redefine its ownership status amidst growing tensions around its control.
Deep dives
Challenges for OpenAI's GPT-5 Model
OpenAI is experiencing significant delays with its highly anticipated GPT-5 model, internally referred to as Orion. The company has undertaken at least two extensive training runs, which required months of data processing and substantial financial investment, yet encountered problems that led to unsatisfactory results. Despite spending nearly a billion dollars on these attempts, the output has not met expectations, highlighting the complexities involved in advancing AI technology. The disconnect between what tech companies prioritize and the practical needs of users poses a risk to OpenAI's future if productization is overlooked.
TikTok's Political Situation and Future
TikTok finds itself at a crucial juncture as former President Donald Trump seeks to pause its potential shutdown by the Supreme Court, leveraging a clause that allows lifting the ban if the platform is considered free from Chinese control. This situation has dramatic implications, as Trump could easily proclaim TikTok is no longer under such control, effectively nullifying previous congressional actions. As content creators on TikTok remain optimistic about their presence on the platform despite the political tension, the future of TikTok hangs in the balance depending on upcoming decisions and potential political maneuvers. The interplay between TikTok's cultural influence and governmental scrutiny creates a dynamic landscape that will unfold in the coming weeks.
The Rise of Manifestation Culture
The concept of manifestation has gained remarkable traction in recent years, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where influencers promote the idea that positive thinking can help achieve personal goals. This trend taps into deeper psychological principles, emphasizing that focusing on positivity can shape one's reality, akin to how social media algorithms amplify content based on user engagement. Creators like Sarah Pearl, known as Hot High Priestess, advocate for aligning one's thoughts with positive outcomes while defining it in algorithmic terms, highlighting the relationship between personal aspirations and digital engagement. The intersection of spirituality and social media reflects a modern approach to achieving desires, pointing towards a culture increasingly influenced by technology.
AI's Crucial Year Ahead
The coming year is poised to be pivotal for the AI industry, often termed a 'crucible year,' where substantial advancements and productization of AI technology must be realized. There is a growing sentiment that companies need to address significant gaps between AI capabilities and consumer expectations, particularly when it comes to usability and reliability. With major players like OpenAI facing challenges in meeting these demands, the industry as a whole may need to pivot towards focusing on practical solutions rather than just powerful models. As competition intensifies, it will be essential for AI companies to adapt and innovate based on real-world needs rather than theoretical advancements.
Ranjan Roy from Margins is back for our weekly discussion of the latest tech news. We cover 1) Skydiving with the Meta Raybans 2) OpenAI's GPT-5 delay 3) AI's crucible year 4) We finally know what OpenAI's definition of AGI is 5) Was AGI just a financial thing all along? 6) Trump throws TikTok a lifeline 7) The best divestment ever 8) Meta changes its political leadership 9) Manifesting in twenty twenty thrive
---
Enjoying Big Technology Podcast? Please rate us five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcast app of choice.
For weekly updates on the show, sign up for the pod newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6901970121829801984/
Want a discount for Big Technology on Substack? Here’s 40% off for the first year: https://tinyurl.com/bigtechnology
Questions? Feedback? Write to: bigtechnologypodcast@gmail.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode