Source: Fortune
Summary
Economists Mariana Mazzucato and Rosie Collington argue that consultants can provide dubious guidance and exacerbate government and private sector dysfunction. A recent study found that large language models (LLMs) may not be a viable alternative, as they tend to provide advice based on buzzwords rather than logic. The study dubbed this phenomenon “trendslop.” LLMs were found to prefer trendy solutions, such as prioritizing long-term growth or using technology to automate jobs, rather than providing situation-specific guidance. This bias is a result of the models’ training data, which can lead to cookie-cutter solutions that may not be suitable for specific business challenges.
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The strategy enters a familiar phase.
Consultants are getting laid off, and AI is being touted as a cheaper alternative. But researchers found that LLMs are prone to “trendslop,” providing advice based on buzzwords rather than logic. McKinsey and PwC have recently laid off hundreds of employees. The emergence of “trendslop” suggests AI is far from able to provide direction to companies seeking counsel from the technology. The bias of LLMs is a result of their training data, which can lead to cookie-cutter solutions.
Leadership is ultimately about making hard choices in conditions of uncertainty and taking responsibility for them. AI cannot and should not be a substitute.
Author: Evan Null
