Introduction to Large Language Models
As someone who writes about the AI industry relatively frequently, there is one question that I find myself constantly asking and being asked in turn, in some form or another: What do you actually use large language models for? Today, OpenAI’s Economic Research Team went a long way toward answering that question, on a population level, releasing a first-of-its-kind National Bureau of Economic Research working paper detailing how people end up using ChatGPT across time and tasks.
Understanding the Research
While other research has sought to estimate this kind of usage data using self-reported surveys, this is the first such paper with direct access to OpenAI’s internal user data. As such, it gives us an unprecedented direct window into reliable usage stats for what is still the most popular application of LLMs by far. After digging through the dense 65-page paper, here are seven of the most interesting and/or surprising things we discovered about how people are using OpenAI today.
Key Findings
The paper provides valuable insights into the usage patterns of ChatGPT, shedding light on how people are leveraging large language models in their daily lives. By analyzing the data, researchers were able to identify trends and patterns that can help us better understand the potential applications and limitations of LLMs.
Conclusion
The release of this working paper marks a significant milestone in our understanding of how large language models are being used. By providing a detailed look at the usage patterns of ChatGPT, the paper offers insights that can inform the development of future AI applications. As the AI industry continues to evolve, research like this will be crucial in helping us understand the potential benefits and challenges of these technologies.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the National Bureau of Economic Research working paper?
A: The paper focuses on how people use ChatGPT across time and tasks, providing a detailed look at the usage patterns of large language models.
Q: What makes this research unique?
A: This is the first paper with direct access to OpenAI’s internal user data, offering an unprecedented direct window into reliable usage stats for LLMs.
Q: What can we learn from this research?
A: The paper provides valuable insights into the usage patterns of ChatGPT, shedding light on how people are leveraging large language models in their daily lives and informing the development of future AI applications.
