AI in 2023: The Application Layer Has Arrived - The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories

AI in 2023: The Application Layer Has Arrived - The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories

In the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence (AI), the application layer has finally arrived. AI is no longer just a concept or a distant possibility; it is now being integrated into various industries and sectors, transforming the way we work and live. When we look at the use cases of AI, they can be broadly grouped into two categories: creativity and productivity.

One of the most notable developments in AI is the emergence of AI-powered code generation tools like Copilot, which can generate up to 40% of the code in projects where it's installed. This percentage is expected to increase to 80% within the next five years. While we are still in the early stages of AI applications, it is difficult to predict what the killer apps will be. However, companies will need to find ways to build competitive moats to stay ahead of the competition. This could be achieved through network effects or iterative loops of user engagement and product refinement.

Interestingly, it is predicted that many of the best AI startups will be Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies. The go-to business models for AI applications are likely to follow the same patterns that have powered the tech industry over the past generation. Marketplaces, although more capital intensive to scale, often have powerful network effects that provide strong moats. On the other hand, SaaS models are highly desirable, but AI SaaS companies will need exceptional products to stand out in the crowded enterprise SaaS market.

There is also a need to address the concerns surrounding the capabilities of large language models. While some argue for banning these models, others like Wharton professor Ethan Mollick suggest that we need to adjust to these tools instead. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is essential for future generations to understand how to navigate this AI-driven world. Children growing up today will be immersed in a world teeming with AI, and it is crucial for them to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this environment.

Moving on to a different topic, the science of forgetting sheds light on why we are already losing our pandemic memories. According to cognitive psychology professor Norman Brown, the default state of our memory is forgetting. Our brains have three interrelated phases for memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it with changes in neurons, creating a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it is consolidated during sleep, making the memories more stable and long-term.

One theory suggests that the hippocampus stores an index of where these memory neurons are for retrieval. However, the process of memory retrieval can be influenced by various factors. Our memories are centered around our life stories and the events that have personally affected us the most. The more events we experience, the more difficult it becomes to capture and remember all of them. New memories interfere with older ones, and the saliency of new events makes them easier to remember.

Furthermore, memories of specific years or events can become unclear when they are uniform and lack distinctiveness. The memory tends to combine these events into one, making it challenging to recall them accurately. Interestingly, as a society, many people do not want to hold onto their memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could be due to the future-oriented positivity bias, where people view the future more positively than the past.

In order for memories to be deeply ingrained in history, they often need to be preserved through cultural artifacts such as books, movies, statues, and museums. Without these artifacts, memories can fade away and be lost to the passage of time. The same may happen to memories of the COVID-19 pandemic if they are not actively preserved and documented.

In conclusion, AI has reached its application layer, transforming industries and sectors. It is crucial for businesses to find ways to build competitive moats and differentiate themselves in the AI landscape. Additionally, as AI becomes more prevalent, it is essential for future generations to understand how to navigate this AI-driven world. On the other hand, the science of forgetting highlights the ephemeral nature of memories and the challenges of preserving them. To ensure that memories are not lost to time, it is important to actively preserve and document them through cultural artifacts and historical records.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace AI and explore its potential applications in your industry or sector. Look for opportunities to leverage AI to enhance creativity and productivity.

• 2. Stay ahead of the competition by continuously refining your products and engaging with users. Seek ways to build competitive moats and differentiate your business in the AI landscape.

• 3. Actively preserve and document important memories, especially during significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Share personal experiences, contribute to cultural artifacts, and ensure that these memories are not lost to time.

In a world shaped by AI and the science of forgetting, it is our responsibility to adapt, create, and preserve the memories that define us.