Talk of the town : Challenges brought by DeepSeek
【明報專訊】It is commonly known that training AI models requires massive investments and electricity costs. The US tech giants competing in AI, such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, have revealed that their research and development in AI have cost billions. However, DeepSeek claims that its model can perform reasoning tasks at the same level as OpenAI's models while having only spent US$5.6 million on its invention.
The low investment cost indicates a technological breakthrough in China, which has also surprised some US tech giants. The success of DeepSeek also encourages small and medium-sized enterprises and smaller countries to benefit from developing AI.
What are large language models?
Large language models(大型語言模型) are advanced computer programs designed to understand and generate human language. They work by analyzing vast amounts of text data to learn the rules and patterns of language.
Imagine you have a robot friend named RoboWord who loves reading books. Every day, RoboWord reads lots and lots of books to learn how people talk and write. RoboWord is very smart and remembers everything it reads.
Now, when you ask RoboWord a question like, "What is the capital of France?", it can quickly answer, "The capital of France is Paris." This is because RoboWord has read many books that mention this information and knows how to find the answer.
Just like RoboWord, large language models like ChatGPT have read a huge number of books, articles, and websites to learn all about language. They can help us find information, write stories, and even have conversations with us, all because they understand how people use words and sentences.
Exciting new technology and its challenges
The newly invented DeepSeek has blown the minds of people around the world. However, since the code of DeepSeek is freely available for use, modification, and viewing, this treasure may be used by outlaws to break the law and carry out scams. Therefore, we should always equip ourselves with information literacy (資訊素養) to prepare for the new wave of technological development.
■Grammar booster
Blow one's mind
If something blows your mind, you find it very exciting and unusual.
E.g. There was one scene in the film that really blew my mind.
■Gear up
(Answers on next text)
1. Inventing AI requires a lot of electricity.(True/False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2. If the drought continues, deaths will occur on a _______ scale.
3. Scientists are hoping for a __________ in the search for a cure for cancer.
■Glossary
massive (adj) 大量的
breakthrough (n) 突破
pattern (n) 模式
scam (n) 詐騙
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第432期]
