disillusioned researchers at OpenAI and Anthropic quit over ethical concerns and monetization, turning to poetry instead.
Monetization Shift Sparks Concerns
Big Tech giants seek new funding sources, raising fears of an inflated AI financial bubble. OpenAI recently introduced ads into its flagship product, ChatGPT, beginning with free versions in the US and expanding globally.
Employee Disillusionment and Departures
Formerly held beliefs about AI ensuring human prosperity are fading, even among employees. Zoe Hitzig, an OpenAI economist, resigned citing concerns over ads in ChatGPT. She warned that user data shared with chatbots—covering health, relationships, and beliefs—could enable manipulative advertising.
Mrinank Sharma, former head of Safeguards Research at Anthropic, also resigned, stating it’s difficult within such companies to prioritize core values and societal good over pressure. He announced his departure from the tech industry to pursue poetry.
Researchers Turn to Poetry
Both Hitzig and Sharma, alongside other departing researchers, are turning to poetry. Hitzig has written poetry for some time. This shift towards poetry, a deeply human and emotional art form, symbolizes their reaction to the current state of AI and Big Tech.
