Microsoft Executive Advises Generative AI Chatbots to Learn Seeking Help for Improvement

AI applications like ChatGPT can generate content on demand, giving users the impression of omniscience. The challenge, however, lies in these applications sometimes providing inaccurate or inventive answers instead of seeking help when unsure. The CEO of Salesforce, Marc Benioff, expressed frustration with Microsoft’s Copilot, observing how customers increasingly struggle with its meandering responses.

Despite these challenges, there are potential cost savings for businesses, with Microsoft’s Copilot being able to save money and provide faster customer support. The head of Microsoft’s Copilot teams, Singh, is focused on developing the AI assistant to specialize in sales, accounting, and online services, aiming to bring in revenue and justify investments in generative AI. While there were promises of advanced AI systems uplifting humanity, the current focus remains on productivity and profit enhancement.

In practical terms, Microsoft reports Copilot assisting salespeople with research, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses. Singh’s team is also working on integrating Copilot directly into Microsoft’s software and making it more autonomous. There is a debate around whether productivity gains from AI will lead to job losses.

Some anticipate that generative AI, like Microsoft’s Copilot, could wipe out call centers. However, Singh and others believe that technology will make humans more creative and create new job opportunities. Singh cited the example of Yahoo in 2008, where the use of AI to optimize content creation led to the need for more editors, highlighting the potential for new job creation through technology.