Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, there has been a growing obsession with AI among scientists, business professionals, and the media. Many believe that large language models (LLMs) are at the forefront of a significant transformation that will not only change the way we work, but also the structure of businesses and the course of humanity. However, there has also been a backlash against AI in recent months, with experts claiming that it has been oversold and overhyped. Some even argue that AI is currently in a phase of disillusionment. A recent study by the Pew Research Center provides insights into how the advent of AI and LLMs is viewed in the United States and possibly globally. While a third of Americans are unaware of ChatGPT, almost a quarter have used it. Surprisingly, only 2 percent of Americans have used ChatGPT for information about the ongoing presidential election, contrary to concerns about AI spreading misinformation. However, the survey data suggests that the rise of LLMs is just beginning. Twenty percent of adults claim to have used ChatGPT for work, a significant increase from six months prior. This growth aligns with previous technological shifts and indicates that millions of people are already familiar with ChatGPT. The increasing business use of ChatGPT is noteworthy as humans are still in the early stages of collaborating with these models, and the tools to fully utilize ChatGPT are still developing.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is actively advancing the technology, while Microsoft and Google are integrating conversational AI into their products. Startups like Sierra are also working to enable custom applications that leverage multiple models. As more people adopt AI tools and the underlying models continue to improve, the quality of work may increasingly depend on how well one can collaborate with a robot partner. Drawing parallels to past technology, the adoption of spreadsheets is reminiscent of the trajectory AI is on. Spreadsheets, initially embodied in VisiCalc and later Lotus 1, 2, 3, had a transformative effect on businesses, revolutionizing information management and catalyzing innovation. Similarly, startups in the AI field aspire to become transformative players like Lotus, but with a broader and more lasting impact since LLMs have the potential to disrupt various domains, not just business. In summary, the fascination with AI and LLMs continues to grow, with the Pew Research Center's study indicating an increasing familiarity with ChatGPT. The expanding usage for work purposes highlights the early stage of human collaboration with these models, and the ongoing advancements in AI technology suggest a future where AI tools will play a significant role across various domains.