LLMs Might Get an Upgrade With This Proposed Self-Discover Prompting Framework

Large language models are arguably the most prominent forms of tech out there at this current point in time, and Google’s Deepmind division has been hard at work trying to take them to the next level. It turns out that the researchers working on this project collaborated with experts at the University of Southern California to propose a new prompting framework that can enhance the abilities of LLMs with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This framework prioritizes self-discovery and the use of task specific logic and reasoning to come up with a solution to the problem that was posed to the chatbot in question. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that their research yielded positive results about the kind of impact it can have on the performance of GPT-4 and other LLMs.

The way this works is that the model crafts a reasoning structure of the LLM and leverages a variety of reasoning modules such as step by step thinking as well as critical thinking. If the proposed framework comes through, it would be enormously useful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up reducing the amount of computing power required for inference between 10 to 40 times over.

One of the biggest issues facing LLMs as of right now is that they require a lot of energy for computational processes. As a result of the fact that this is the case, any research that can reduce the energy load has the potential to end up being a game changer, and this proposed framework is no different.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here on out, since Google has mostly been playing catch up with the likes of OpenAI and Microsoft after their enormous headstart with ChatGPT last year. A framework like this could give the tech juggernaut the edge it needs, and possibly give the entire industry a path forward that can pave the way for newer start ups to throw their hat into the ring.

Image: Digital Information World - AIgen

Read next: The Essential Guide to Implementing Generative AI in Small Businesses
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

The Essential Guide to Implementing Generative AI in Small Businesses

Generative AI is a paradigm shift in how small businesses operate. By reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and enabling high-quality content and service delivery, AI is leveling the playing field, allowing small companies to truly compete in the digital age.

But how can they use these new technologies to achieve their business outcomes? That question inspired this latest piece of research from the team at OnDeck. They spent some time looking at the best generative AI tools for small businesses, then put together a how-to guide explaining how to integrate them into daily operations.

Let's get into it.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a 'creative' form of artificial intelligence that can generate 100% original content, including text, images, videos, music, and software code.

How does it work?

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E utilize machine learning models and neural networks to identify, analyze, and understand patterns and features. It then uses these data to generate new content based on recognized patterns but is 100% original in composition. This could include poems, stories written in a particular style, an original image in an impressionist or abstract style, or a digital illustration of objects or scenes that don't exist in the real world.

Is Generative AI actually creative?

Not really. Its outputs are defined by the quality and diversity of training data. Essentially, AI's creations are a blend together of patterns it has learned. It does not 'understand' the content in the way humans do. Instead, it's predicting and repeating statistical patterns.

How small businesses are using Generative AI

Generative AI has revolutionized the landscape for small businesses. They now have access to tools to produce content at scale quickly, using technology that was previously exclusive to larger corporations with substantial resources.

This technology is a game-changer in several key areas, including:

Content Creation and Marketing: Generative AI can produce a variety of content, including written articles, social media posts, and marketing copy, quickly and cost-effectively. It saves time and enables small businesses to maintain a solid online presence, which is crucial for building a brand and attracting new customers.

• Also read: Creatives Are Struggling to Meet Production Quotas, Could AI Be the Answer?

Graphic Design and Branding: Hiring a professional graphic designer for branding or marketing materials is an expense many small businesses can't afford, especially in the start-up days. AI-driven tools can generate logos, promotional materials, and website designs, offering the perfect, cost-effective solution.

Personalization at Scale: Generative AI can analyze customer data to help create personalized experiences and content, a key strategy proven to significantly boost engagement and sales. Small businesses can use these AI-powered insights to tailor their marketing efforts, product recommendations, and customer interactions, providing a level of service that rivals larger competitors with giant in-house marketing departments.

The benefits of using Generative AI

Here are some stats highlighting why every small business should start using generative AI:

• AI tools increase content output by up to 500%.
• By using AI-driven design tools, small businesses report up to 40-60% savings on graphic design and branding costs.
• Small businesses using AI for personalized marketing see an average increase of 20% in customer engagement.
• Automation of routine tasks by AI can lead to a 30-50% reduction in time spent on administrative work.
• Companies leveraging AI for personalized customer experiences have seen a 10-15% sales increase.
• Small businesses using AI for product development report a 25% faster time-to-market for new products.
• Implementing AI chatbots leads to an average increase of 35% in customer satisfaction scores due to quicker and more efficient service.
• Businesses incorporating AI tools report an average revenue increase of 15-25% within two years of adoption.

The do's and the don'ts of using Generative AI as a small business

We've looked at why businesses should use generative AI; now let's look at how they can utilize it.

A recent guide put together by the team at OnDeck includes some golden rules for adopting generative AI tools. They include:

• Use AI to generate basic, high-volume, time-consuming content like titles, snippets, alt text for images, and meta descriptions.
• Always fact-check and edit any AI-generated content. The final sign-off before publishing should always come from a human content creator.
• Be careful about what information you put into generative AI tools. You may give away company secrets or breach confidentiality agreements with clients.
• Don't use AI to create all your content, especially on your website. Too much AI-generated content may impact your SEO ranking.

Text creation with AI tools

Copy.ai offers a free AI text generator that is ideal for crafting basic content. For extended, long-form content, consider subscribing to premium services like ChatGPT or Jasper. They're well worth the investment and can produce quality blogs/articles in just a few minutes.

• Also read: 41% of Marketers Say AI is Less Creative Than Them

Top tip: It's crucial to fact-check, as Jasper and ChatGPT can sometimes produce inaccurate or even offensive content.

Applications of generative text tools include:

• Developing chatbots for simple customer inquiries
• Crafting basic marketing materials
• Brainstorming content ideas and strategies
• Summarizing lengthy reports, articles, and industry papers

AI-driven image creation tools

Thanks to AI tools like Midjourney and Canva, anyone can now produce high-quality, professional images and designs by typing a few simple inputs into an AI generator. And it costs less than $15 per month.

Use these tools for:

• Designing graphics for blogs, websites, and social media
• Editing and improving existing images
• Creating logos and brand elements
• Producing striking advertising visuals

AI audio generation for small businesses

Podcasting is an effective medium for audience engagement and thought leadership. And with AI tools like Riverside available for around $15 a month, a lack of technical skills is no longer a barrier to producing great podcasts that drive customer engagement.

You can also use platforms like Vowel to transcribe audio content from meetings and interviews. Think of it like your virtual admin assistant. And the best part? It's completely free for sessions that are 40 minutes long or less.

AI audio platforms can also:

• Produce music, jingles, and sound loops
• Convert written content into audio formats
• Transcribe audio to text

AI in video content production

Businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on using video content to educate customers and train staff. A recent survey found that 98% of small business owners recognize video as essential for learning and development.

• Related: 70% of SMBs Repurpose Content, Here's Why

So take some time to look at AI video platforms like Pictory, wave.video, and Synthesia. They can help a small business:

• Create training videos for employees
• Produce promotional videos
• Transform blog content into engaging video formats

Take a look at the infographic below for more insights:

Read next: GenAI Prism: This Infographic Illuminates the Expansive Universe of Generative AI Tools
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Looking to the Future of Online Learning with Key Takeaways from Thinkific's 2024 Trends Report

What does online education look like in the era of AI? How can creators monetize with brand deals drying up? Is the creator economy going to come crashing down anytime soon? These are just a few of the questions addressed by Thinkific’s 2024 Online Learning Trends Report.

There’s no doubt that online education is constantly changing and evolving. After the highs of COVID lockdown, a lot of the narrative in 2023 centered on the return to in-person education and the unsustainability of the creator economy. But in the report, Thinkific presents research — including a survey of 2,500 Americans — that seems to run counter to that narrative.

New technologies, including AI, make the online learning industry more accessible and increases opportunities for monetization while external economic factors are driving more people to seek out alternative sources of income. And Thinkific’s survey found that 92% of people dedicate at least one hour per month to learning digitally. That may be why Investment banking company Goldman Sachs predicts the impact of the creator economy could approach half-a-trillion dollars by 2027.

Here’s a brief look at the five trends Thinkific is predicting will dominate the online education portion of the creator economy in 2024.

AI is increasing creator productivity

Despite a lot of talk of AI coming in and “replacing” creators, Thinkific predicts AI will bolster online education by making creators more productive.

An MIT Sloan research study found that when people were presented with content and told that some content was presented by AI and some by humans, they expressed “human favoritism.” Despite a willingness to consume AI content, people like the authenticity of human education. To compete with AI-generated content, educators can instead wield AI to increase their output.

“As a creator, it's really important that you use AI to enhance what you do rather than actually use it as a pure creation tool,” Ian Richardson, CEO at Schudio, stated in Thinkific’s report.

Using AI to quickly generate social media copy or sales funnels, name courses, and generally fill the holes in your skillset is the recommended approach.

Creators monetize with downloadables

Every creator wants to know how to make money quickly. Thinkific suggests that in 2024 the ideal path is through downloadable digital products like:

• Guides
• Ebooks
• Templates
• Q&As
• Mini-courses

This content is easier to create and allows you to quickly build audience trust at a lower price point.

Nearly 3 out of every 5 people surveyed by Thinkific have consumed downloadable content from someone they follow on social media and 48% of people already have or would be willing to pay for said downloadable content.

"Digital products are one of the biggest reasons that I've been able to comfortably run my creator business as my full-time job,” Kristen Bousquet, Creator Monetization Coach added in the report. “Without it, I would personally be relying solely on brand partnerships. Since those are so inconsistent, my digital products have been something to lean on so that my income is more stable.”

More platforms become education platforms

Education will no longer be relegated to dedicated channels in 2024. Approximately 47% of 18 to 25-year-olds surveyed in Thinkific’s report said they used TikTok for learning. YouTube wasn’t far behind. And the surveyed audience named over 150 online platforms when asked what they used for online learning.

The volume of educational content on platforms traditionally associated with entertainment is going to increase. And for education creators, this means more opportunities to attract an audience on those platforms and funnel them into your proprietary channels.

Private communities grow in response to social media fatigue

Speaking of proprietary channels, Thinkific predicts that private communities will see a big uptick in 2024 as people seek a less negative alternative to social media.

In their survey, 69% of respondents felt that social media has more negative content now than it did five years ago. Top creators are already taking advantage of this reality to offer safe, private spaces to people seeking supportive learning communities online.

Bousquet credits the supportive space of her community as one of the main drivers behind her students' success.

“We've gotten so much incredible feedback on our private creator membership, Soulcial Suite, because our members truly feel like they have a safe space to connect and lean on people who get it.”

More older creators enter the game

According to Thinkific, life experience and expertise will prove increasingly valuable in online education this year.

Counter to the popular narrative that the creator economy is a young person’s game, Thinkific’s survey found that almost one out of every five people (19.2%) between the ages of 41 to 56 consider themselves digital creators — an increase of 16% since last year.

Why are we seeing this growth? First, the creator economy is shifting away from entertainers and towards educators. Some 62% of people are more interested in creators who make digital content for educational purposes than entertainment purposes according to Thinkific’s report.

Also, older generations usually have decades of skill-building that they can then share with an interested audience. This real-life experience is only increasing in importance with the emergence of AI as learners seek out reliable, trustworthy sources.

And with the turbulent economy and rising inflation, more and more people of all ages are seeking additional sources of income online.

Additional insights from former Instagram and YouTube employee Jon Youshaei

Thinkific’s report concluded with additional insights from creator expert Jon Youshaei who suggested that in 2024 we’ll see even more shorter-form content and that the pendulum will swing back toward personality-based, unpolished content.

The state of the creator economy in 2024 presents exciting opportunities for Creator Educators. As the landscape continues to evolve, those willing to adapt and innovate will find a flourishing space in the expansive world of online education.

Read next: People Equal Profits: New Study Reveals Revenue Generated Per Employee in Big Tech Firms
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Hiya Reports Surge in Fraud Calls in Q4 2023 in the US, Warns of Upcoming AI-Generated Voice Scams Worldwide

Hiya, which is a Voice Security Firm, says that fraud calls have increased a lot in the last quarter of 2023 in America. But this isn’t something to be happy about because fraud through AI calls is going to start soon all over the world. These calls can use AI generated voices of someone you know and can fool the people easily. When people hear the voice of their acquaintance or loved one, they are likely to believe that call more. The study by Hiya shows that 29% of calls that Americans received were all spam calls and only 1% of these calls were fraud.

The President of Hiya, Kush Parik, says that scam calls are increasing day by day and no phone user is safe from it. It is a global issue so all the people related to the telecommunication industry should start raising awareness and they should take measures to make calls safe and trustworthy to people. If a serious measure isn't taken, then the goal of telecommunication will no longer be achieved.

Hiya’s data in its Global Call Threat Report reveals that America received the least number of fraud calls in the whole world in Q4 of 2023. There was an increase in calls from unknown numbers but the number of fraud calls was less. People received the most unwanted calls in the Holiday Season with 7.3 billion calls in Q4 globally as compared to 6.55 billion in Q3. After Thanksgiving, 357 million spam calls were recorded. In the US, people received on average 15 spam calls per month making 29% of spam calls. The 1% of scam calls were mostly about Medicare, Insurance, Credit Cards and many payment platform apps. But surprisingly, these scam calls had the lowest fraud rates globally.

The European country having the most spam call rate in Q4 was France with 47%, surpassing Spain. People in France receive an average of 10 spam calls monthly. In the UK, people received 4 calls per person on average with a spam rate of 28%. Most of the scam calls in UK were about immigrants visas and Amazon imposters. Brazil had 44% spam calls, with 9% identified as fraud. The states with most spam calls in the US were Oklahoma and Ohio with 28% spam rate. Alaska had the lowest rate of spam calls at 13%.

Read next: People Equal Profits: New Study Reveals Revenue Generated Per Employee in Big Tech Firms
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

New Study Unveils the Major Companies Behind the Great US Employment Boom

Job numbers across the USA are up. A recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics report stated that payroll employment rose by 2.7 million in 2023, with an average monthly gain of 225,000.

So, which of the major US companies are behind this good news? You can find all the answers in the latest study from Switch On Business. Using data from LinkedIn, researchers at the business resource guide created several charts and infographics highlighting all the major US companies that hired the most staff between September 2022 and September 2023.

You can see a summary of the results below.

But first, let's take a look at why creating more jobs matters and what it means for the US economy in 2024.

More jobs equal more opportunities

More people in more jobs is a good thing. It's a strong sign of economic growth, with the increased employment rates indicating that businesses are expanding and require more labor to meet demand. This is typically a result of increased consumer spending, which drives economies forward. Consumers spend more on goods and services when they have more disposable income. This extra demand means businesses scale up their operations and services, increasing job openings and opportunities.

Hiring more people then creates a positive feedback loop in the economy. As more individuals gain employment, they have more income to spend, boosting demand for goods and services. And round and round it goes until the broader economy makes a bigger upswing, making everyone a little bit richer and more secure.

And rising employment numbers are a big boost for governments and the most marginalized in society. Additional people in work generate extra tax revenues for governments, which can then be invested in public services, infrastructure, and support programs.

Then there's the role of innovation and new businesses in economic growth. Startups and innovative companies often lead the way in creating new jobs. As these companies grow and succeed, they tend to hire more employees. This growth in employment often accompanies advancements in technology and productivity, which are key drivers of long-term economic growth.

• Also read: Meta's Facebook and Instagram Are the Most Data Hungry Apps According to This Study

Finally, increased employment rates create greater consumer confidence. When people feel secure in their jobs, they're more likely to make significant purchases, such as homes and cars. This confidence also increases investment in the stock market, as individuals and businesses are more willing to take risks when the long-term economic outlook is positive.

So does an increase in jobs mean the US economy will boom in 2024?

The increase in jobs is a positive indicator for the US economy, suggesting potential for growth in 2024. However, it doesn't guarantee a "boom."

Job growth is critical to economic health, reflecting business confidence and consumer demand. But it's only one part of the economic puzzle. Inflation rates, global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and government fiscal policies must be considered when making any economic forecast for 2024.

• You might like: These Are the Biggest Financial Centers in the World

Plus, the US economy still faces several long-term challenges, such as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market and the need for fiscal reforms to address government debts and deficits.

Which US companies are hiring the most people?

Apple is the US company that created the most new jobs between September 2022 and September 2023, according to the Switch On Business report. The tech giant increased its employee headcount by a massive 95,102.

The list of top five companies hiring a significant number of new staff is dominated by other US mega-corporations, including McDonald's (93,817), Amazon (85,793), Walmart (46,327), and banking conglomerate JPMorgan Chase (28,100).

Biggest growth in employee headcount by percentage

Growth is a relative term. So next up, the researchers from Switch on Business looked at which companies created the most new jobs on a percentage basis.

• Related: America’s Most Popular CEOs Revealed

In terms of its relative people resources, hedge fund WorldQuant is the biggest grower of 2022/23, expanding its employee numbers by 60.19%. WorldQuant is a global quantitative asset management firm founded in 2007 by Igor Tulchinsky. It's known for its systematic financial strategies and extensive use of data and mathematical models to drive investment decisions. And WorldQuant uses these same models when looking for new hires.

WorldQuant's rapid growth is due to its innovative approach to talent acquisition. The company worked with the online learning platform Udacity to create a pathway for emerging talent. Udacity offers free, online 'nanodegree' programs in areas like artificial intelligence, predictive analytics for business, machine learning engineering, and data science. These programs are available to anyone in the world with an internet connection, creating a global pool of top talent for WorldQuant to tap into during the hiring process.

Biggest employer increases in every US state

When looking at the result on a state-by-state basis, a definite trend emerges. In the US economy, it's pretty clear that the big companies keep getting bigger and bigger.

For example, retail giant Target is the biggest employer in Minnesota, bringing in just under 19,000 new staff, while its rival, Walmart, hired an extra 46,000 staff in Arkansas. And Home Depot created more jobs than any other company in Georgia (19,551).

Biggest employer in every US state based on percentages of new staff

The increasing shift toward renewable energy sources will continue to put a significant demand on electric cars. As such, Tesla is Texas' biggest employer based on the percentages. It increased its employee number by almost one-third (31.15%).

Tesla is one of the most innovative and exciting companies to emerge from the green economy. But let's hope all those new staff are prepared for the 'challenges' of working for Elon Musk. The real-life Tony Stark is notoriously demanding of his staff. He stopped all remote/homework opportunities as he thought it encouraged laziness and once threatened to fire a whole intake of interns for waiting too long in line for coffee.

Do you ever get a craving for custard and hamburgers? Well, you're not alone. Thousands of Americans do, too. And especially in Kansas. The state's biggest growing business percent-wise was restaurant chain Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, which now has 20% more staff on the books.

The burger joint is famous for its (yes, you guessed it) steak burgers and frozen custard desserts. It had 400 locations in 36 states in 2021, before adding 40 stores from Sept 2022 to Sept 2023.

Two more US restaurant chains came out on top in their states. They include fast food chain Jacks, which increased its workforce by a quarter in Alabama, and Zaxby's chicken joint, headquartered in Georgia (21% increase in new staff).

Read next: Here Are the Most Valuable Brands in 2024
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Apple Lobbies Against Oregon’s Right To Repair Bill

iPhone maker Apple has shown great support for the right-to-repair bill that was rolled out in Oregon. Now, we’re hearing more on this front including how the tech giant is keen on lobbying against it.

The company mentioned on Thursday how its secure repair architect felt the need to speak out against the bill. This move comes just six months after we saw it gain support for another similar bill that transformed into a law in the state of California.

This is the belief that the current language involves parts that would underestimate the security and safety as well as the privacy linked to Oregonians who are being forced to ensure manufacturers use parts that belong to consumer devices that are of unknown origin.

It is going to seem a little bizarre how the iPhone maker shows support for one state but is in opposition to that seen in another. As mentioned by media outlet 404media, the bill in the state of Oregon has a single difference. And that has to do with how it limits part pairing.

The terminology reserved here has to do with describing the firm’s practice of mixing and matching certain parts like the screen or the device’s battery to a certain iPhone that was installed in it from the start. This makes sure that only real parts in the Apple device were made use of when the device was being repaired.

But this practice is quite controversial and it restricts repair options when third parties are involved. It was criticized for producing closed ecosystems that limit the choices that users have and also force repair expenses to rise.

Meanwhile, critics continued to argue how the practice prevents movements like the right to repair as it ensures users have a hard time fixing devices through independent means or by services that are unauthorized in the state.

In the same manner, it is better known for producing a huge figure of electronic waste. For now, seven parts trigger concerns during such repair operations.

• Also read: Big Tech CEOs Begin Their Day by Reading News Articles on This Aggregator Platform

The Cupertino firm’s parts repair process is not created to ensure a monopoly of the repair process but it’s done to ensure easier access is up for grabs for the masses, Apple added. This would ensure the whole repair process continues to be secure.

However, one expert in the field of cybersecurity from the state of Oregon added that he was not on board with this frame of thought.

He says that there’s no kind of security implication linked to switching from one batter or glass screen to the next in a particular device.

Meanwhile, he praised tech giant Apple for doing wonderful things and for ensuring users’ data remains safe at all times. He says the firm is doing a great job at ensuring users’ data remains safe.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen/HumanEdited

Read next:

• Meta Considers Revisiting Its Hate Speech Policy After Massive Concern Over ‘Zionist’ Terminology

• ChatGPT’s Revenue Might Be On The Rise But Downloads Are Taking A Hit
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Big Tech CEOs Begin Their Day by Reading News Articles on This Aggregator Platform

The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, starts his morning by reading tech articles from a niche website, instead of Wall Street Journal and other tech websites. Sundar told Wired in his recent interview, that he likes reading articles from a site called Techmeme. It is a platform that collects and organizes news links from different big tech sites that publish tech news. Techmeme was founded in 2005 by Gabe Rivera and the aim of the website is to give a short summarized news to readers who don’t want to waste their time reading lengthy news articles. It is popular among tech experts of Silicon Valley but only a few people know it outside the tech world.

In an interview with a media outlet, Gabe Rivera said that the website receives hundreds to thousands of visitors. Techmeme is popular among tech execs because the site provides a to-the-point summary of the news people are looking for. There is absolutely no clickbait on the news as the news are covered with detailed headlines and are ranked according to the importance of news. There are also no extra videos and unnecessary ads on the site so the readers can have a smooth experience.

Sunday Pichai isn’t the only one who reads news from Techmeme. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and other Meta executives like Head of Instagram also likes to give some part of their day to read news from Techmeme. Other regular readers of TechMeme include Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, chairman of LinkedIn Jeff Weiner and, Dick Costolo who was previously the CEO of Twitter. Some of the big investors like David Tisch who is an investor at VCs Boxgroup and TechStars has told Business Insider that he likes to read Techmeme. He says that is an easy way to read news without missing any major information.

Some of the tech owners and CEOs don’t read news from Techmeme but they have their own morning routines. The CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, says that his day starts with reading feedback emails from customers while Spotify’s CEO, David Elk, likes reading news and sometimes books to start his morning. However, Evan Spiegel, the CEO of Snapchat, likes reading news from Wall Street Journal and Financial Times in the morning.

Read next: Apple In The Hotseat After Reviewer Confirms Its Vision Pro’s Eyesight Feature Doesn’t Work
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World