The Internet Is Rotting: Lucy in the Sky of Large Language Models

The Internet Is Rotting: Lucy in the Sky of Large Language Models

The internet, a vast and interconnected web of information, has become an essential part of our daily lives. It is a place where we can find answers to our questions, connect with others, and access a wealth of knowledge. However, as time goes on, the internet is starting to show signs of decay and fragmentation. Just like a book sharing economy that falls out of date, the web is becoming a place where information is no longer where it is advertised to be.

The concept of a sharing economy for physical books is an interesting analogy to understand the current state of the internet. Imagine a world where people could register the books they have at home, and others could visit and peruse them. However, if someone reported a book being in someone else's home in 2015, and another person saw that report in 2021, they might find that the book is no longer there. This is similar to what is happening on the web today.

The internet is a collective hallucination, a product of independent efforts united by common technological protocols. It is a seamless, magical whole that relies on the participation of individuals and organizations. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, understood this when he gave away his protocols for free. He wanted the web to be a place where anyone could bring their own bricks and contribute to the collective creation.

However, this lack of centralized management or control has also led to the decay of the internet. There is no one entity responsible for ensuring that information is accurate and up to date. People and organizations can create websites and publish content without any verification or oversight. As a result, information becomes scattered and unreliable.

This fragmentation of information is further exacerbated by the rise of large language models like ChatGPT. While these models can generate convincing text, they often lack the depth and accuracy that comes from true understanding. They might be able to fool us at first, but upon closer examination, we realize that they might be bullshitting us. This adds to the challenge of navigating the internet and finding reliable information.

On the other hand, there are also aspects of the internet that are awe-inspiring. One example is Jukebox, an AI music model. While it may be too experimental for a casual listener, there are scattered musical fragments within Jukebox that possess a near-religious quality. Some bass lines are impossibly good, some harmonies are chilling, and some mixing effects have an alien beauty. These unique and unexpected moments remind us of the potential that AI holds in the creative realm.

So, what can we do to address the issues of the decaying internet and the challenges posed by AI models? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Be critical consumers of information: In a world where anyone can create and publish content, it is crucial to be discerning about the information we consume. Fact-checking, cross-referencing, and seeking out reputable sources can help us separate accurate information from misinformation.

2. Support efforts to preserve and organize the web: As individuals, we can contribute to preserving the internet by supporting initiatives that aim to organize and archive web content. Projects like the Internet Archive work towards preserving web pages and making them accessible for future generations.

3. Foster human creativity alongside AI: While AI models like Jukebox have the potential to create stunning music, it is important to remember the value of human creativity. Encouraging and supporting artists, musicians, and writers can help maintain a balance between AI-generated content and the unique insights and emotions that come from human expression.

In conclusion, the internet is a complex and ever-evolving entity. It is experiencing both decay and innovation. While the fragmentation of information and the challenges posed by AI models are significant, there are steps we can take as individuals to navigate this landscape. By being critical consumers of information, supporting efforts to preserve the web, and fostering human creativity, we can contribute to a more reliable and vibrant internet ecosystem. Let us embrace the potential of technology while cherishing the unique qualities that make us human.