A decade ago, at the Milken Institute’s 2013 gathering, Silicon Valley’s elite pondered a pressing question: Where is the groundbreaking innovation? Peter Thiel, a billionaire investor present at the event, humorously critiqued the state of technological advancements, suggesting that the world had settled for iPhones to share cat pictures instead of aspiring for flying cars.
However, the winds of change are blowing, and the world might be on the cusp of witnessing some monumental scientific breakthroughs. The challenge? Making these advancements relatable and exciting for the general public.
AI’s leap into the mainstream
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, powered by their GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 large language models, has become a beacon of how to introduce complex technology to the masses. While large language models have been in development for years, it was ChatGPT that made the general public realize the transformative power of AI. This widespread recognition has given a significant boost to the AI industry.
Breakthroughs on the horizon
1. Room-Temperature Superconductors: South Korean scientists recently announced the discovery of LK-99, a potential room-temperature superconductor. Such a discovery could revolutionize the way we use and conserve energy. However, the initial excitement was met with skepticism, especially after a paper from Peking University raised doubts. Regardless, the importance of a room-temperature superconductor cannot be overstated, even if the general public might not fully grasp its significance yet.
2. Advancements in Nuclear Fusion: US scientists have reportedly achieved “net energy gain in a fusion reaction” for the second time. This development strengthens the argument of nuclear-energy proponents who believe in nuclear’s potential as a sustainable green energy source.
The need for effective PR in science
OpenAI’s ChatGPT’s success story underscores the importance of translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits that the average person can understand and appreciate. The challenge is not just in the discovery but in effectively communicating its implications.
Marc Andreessen, a venture capitalist, recently highlighted the dichotomy in technological progress. He pointed out that while the digital realm has seen exponential growth, tangible physical innovations, especially in areas like nuclear energy, have stagnated since the 1970s. Andreessen attributes this stagnation to societal fears of upending the established order.
Bridging the gap between “bits” and “atoms”
Andreessen describes the digital advancements as the world of “bits” and the tangible physical innovations as the world of “atoms.” While the former has seen rapid progress, the latter seems stuck in the past. He laments, “The minute you get into a car, plug something into a wall, or eat food, you’re still living in the 1950s.”
This stagnation, Andreessen believes, is due to the potential societal upheavals that innovations in the atomic world might cause. For instance, the bans on new nuclear power stations in the 1970s in places like California were due to the perceived threats they posed.
Balancing innovation with societal impact
While the excitement around new technologies is essential, it’s equally crucial to understand their societal implications. OpenAI’s Sam Altman has faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers worldwide, addressing concerns about AI’s potential effects on employment, misinformation, and electoral influence.
However, if tech leaders like Andreessen wish to rally public support behind innovations like nuclear energy and superconductors, they might find a blueprint in ChatGPT’s success. The key lies in making people see, understand, and experience the benefits of progress firsthand.
