Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 2 d ago, last 2 d ago, peak #1

Critics Push Back on Saying AI Models 'Understand'

Original: The key problem is the vague, anthropomorphic language. Saying an LLM "understands" how to do something carries so much

A debate is unfolding over how researchers and media describe large language models. Critics argue that terms like 'understands' carry anthropomorphic baggage that is meaningless in machine learning, and that demonstrations often show only that a model can answer a handful of multiple-choice questions. The exchange reflects a wider argument about precise, non-humanizing language in AI reporting and research.

Why now: Growing public debate over anthropomorphic language used to describe large language models' capabilities.

large language modelsmachine learning

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Evidence

• The key problem is the vague, anthropomorphic language. Saying an LLM "understands" how to do something carries so much human baggage, and it's meaningless in the field of machine learning. What they showed was that an LLM could answer a few multiple choice questions about what… · ngaylinn@tech.lgbt · 12

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