Companies Test AI Tools, But Widespread Adoption Still Years Away
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Companies are experimenting with generative AI like ChatGPT for things like customer service, administrative tasks, and software development, but widespread adoption is still limited.
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Adoption is fastest at big tech firms and companies that can afford investments, while smaller firms trail behind. Surveys show most executives think it will take years for AI's potential to be realized.
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Applications fall into 3 categories window dressing to sound cutting-edge, tools for lower-skilled workers, and aids for highly skilled employees. Many current uses are basic or gimmicky.
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Effects on productivity are unclear - AI may boost output but reduce quality. New jobs like "prompt engineers" are emerging, but fears of mass unemployment seem unfounded so far.
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Issues remain around data privacy, model accuracy, and integration challenges. But if historical comparisons to past innovations like the PC hold, transformative economic impacts could still be a decade away.