The Stability AI Company has experienced a series of tumultuous events, including significant executive turnover, lawsuits, and investor dissatisfaction. Several vice presidents left the company, including the head of audio who resigned over copyright issues. The company was sued for copyright infringement by Getty Images in the US and UK. Co-founder Ahmad Mustak faced a lawsuit for allegedly cheating a partner out of company shares. Additionally, Mustak was accused of embellishing his credentials. Investors were displeased due to financial losses and the lack of a clear business model at Stability AI, contributing to a challenging year marked by chaos and instability.
Warning: The second segment of this episode includes mentions of suicide. If you are in crisis please call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 or you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
This week, we look at a mess of corporate drama in artificial intelligence. Stability AI has announced that its founder and C.E.O., Emad Mostaque, is leaving the company. Meanwhile, Microsoft hired away two of the co-founders and much of the staff of Inflection, without actually acquiring the company itself. Both moves surprised tech insiders. Then, we talked with listeners who had something to say about our interview with Jonathan Haidt on smartphones, social media and young people. And finally, we examine the true motives behind “Shrimp Jesus” and other hugely popular images on social media that were generated with artificial intelligence.
Today’s guests:
- Jordan Lucero, a high school student
- Maya Rayle, a graduate student
- Jack Campbell, a college student
- Brendan Kelley, a high school digital coach
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