“Black Swan” Author Nassim Taleb Issues Crucial ChatGPT Warning

As a crypto investor and technology enthusiast with a background in risk management, I find the warnings from Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Edward Snowden about ChatGPT quite concerning. While I have been an avid supporter of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for their potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, I also recognize the importance of understanding the risks associated with new technologies.


As a keen observer and analyst of complex systems, I’ve closely followed the work of renowned scholar Nassim Nicholas Taleb, known for his influential books such as “Black Swan” and “Antifragile.” Recently, this critic of Bitcoin has issued a significant cautionary statement regarding OpenAI’s groundbreaking product, ChatGPT.

Last Friday, Edward Snowden issued a more forceful cautionary statement compared to Taleb’s warning.

Nassim Taleb bashes ChatGPT

As an expert in risk management and finance, I’ve always been intrigued by modern technologies and their potential applications. However, I can’t help but poke holes in their seemingly flawless designs. Having once supported Bitcoin wholeheartedly, I now express my concerns about the recent buzz surrounding artificial intelligence. Specifically, I’ve recently weighed in on OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot, sharing my candid thoughts on its implications and limitations.

Just a reminder that ChatGpt has for modus: “when you don’t know, bullshit”.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb (@nntaleb) June 16, 2024

Taleb highlighted a limitation of the AI chatbot’s conversation by sharing a snapshot of their exchange. He noted that the bot lacked the ability to acknowledge it didn’t have answers for specific user queries.

As an analyst, I’d rephrase that as follows: When the inquiry came my way regarding the Latin name of Saint Sassine, an early Christian martyr, I was tasked with the assignment. Following Constantine’s proclamation of Christianity as the Roman Empire’s official religion, this revered figure gained prominence and was acknowledged among the church fathers.

In the screenshot, Taleb repeatedly responded with “no” to ChatGPT’s proposed answers, but the software persisted in generating alternative responses in an effort to address Taleb’s query.

The writer of “Black Swan” posted on Twitter that ChatGPT can produce meaningless responses when faced with queries it doesn’t have the ability to answer accurately.

Edward Snowden’s warning to avoid using ChatGPT

On a recent Friday, Edward Snowden, a former NSA analyst turned whistleblower, took to Twitter to voice his criticisms against ChatGPT, which was developed by OpenAI.

The community was advised by him to avoid using ChatGPT following the disclosure that Paul Nakasone, a former head of the National Security Agency (NSA), had joined OpenAI’s board of directors.

Approximately 15 years ago, Snowden uncovered the fact that the NSA clandestinely collaborated with major American tech firms, allowing them access to users’ communication data.

On this occasion, he explicitly expressed his concern that OpenAI had taken off all masks, revealing potential risks to everyone. He denounced Nakasone’s appointment as a deliberate and harmful act infringing upon the rights of every individual globally. He strongly advised members of the X community to refrain from using OpenAI or any associated products like ChatGPT.

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2024-06-17 13:48