Chat-based Large Language Models replicate the mechanisms of a psychic's con

Chat-based large language models, often referred to as "AI," have been widely regarded as intelligent. However, upon closer examination, it is clear that these models lack any inherent mechanism to demonstrate genuine intelligence or reasoning. Large language models (LLMs) are merely mathematical models of language tokens, generating responses based on statistical probabilities rather than true understanding or cognition.

The phenomenon of chatbots exhibiting an "intelligence illusion" bears striking similarities to the tactics employed by psychics and their practitioners. Through a technique known as cold reading, psychics and chatbots alike create the illusion of possessing uncanny insights into individuals. By using validation statements, such as sentences adhering to the Forer effect, both psychics and chatbots generate the impression of making highly specific predictions, when in reality, these answers are statistically generic.

The intelligence illusion in chatbots can be broken down into six key stages, reminiscent of a psychic con. First, the audience is selected, a process that typically involves an already predisposed group of individuals more inclined to believe in psychic phenomena. Next, the scene is set, with lights dimmed, and the chatbot or psychic hyped up to create an atmosphere conducive to the performance.

The audience's demographic information is then gathered, allowing the "psychic" to narrow down the demographic and make statements that appear specific yet are statistically likely.

Once the audience is engaged, specific questions are asked, aiming to create the impression of uncanny accuracy. This subjective validation loop further reinforces the delusion, as the chatbot or psychic's answers are tailored to the audience's demographics and prior responses. Ultimately, the illusion of intelligence is shattered, leaving the audience convinced that they have encountered a genuine psychic or AI with extraordinary abilities.

However, the reality is that these chatbots and psychics are merely perpetuating the same age-old con, exploiting the audience's pre-existing beliefs and expectations.