OpenAI Employee: Prompt Engineering Skills Are Overrated, AI Learning to Interact with Humans Is More Important
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On December 29th, as a prompt engineer—an expert behind tools like ChatGPT guiding AI models to generate optimal outputs—you might earn substantial compensation. However, an OpenAI employee suggests this skill isn't as magical as it seems.
Earlier this week, OpenAI's Developer Advocate Logan Kilpatrick wrote on platform X: 'Hot take: Many believe mastering prompt engineering is essential for future competitiveness. In reality, prompting AI systems isn't fundamentally different from effective human communication.'
While prompt engineering is an increasingly popular specialization, Kilpatrick highlights that the three truly vital skills for 2024 are reading, writing, and speaking. As AI technology evolves, honing these skills will give humans a competitive edge over highly intelligent robots in the future.
Kilpatrick stated, 'Focusing on refining the skills needed for effective human communication will help you adapt to a world of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).' AGI refers to AI capable of performing complex cognitive tasks like personal decision-making, akin to humans.
In response to Kilpatrick's post, some X users suggested that learning how to communicate with artificial intelligence could even help humans become better communicators.
One X user wrote: "Just by spending time with these AI systems and learning to collaborate with them, some people can learn a lot about interpersonal communication." Another X user claimed they had become "a better communicator and manager" since acquiring prompt engineering skills.
Additionally, some believe that understanding how to effectively interact with others is key to obtaining better responses from AI.
Neal Khosla, CEO of an AI startup, replied to Kilpatrick's message: "It's clear that communicating with AI, learning appropriate knowledge from AI, will be as nuanced and important as talking to humans, and this is an acquired skill."
As Kilpatrick shares his views on prompt engineering skills, researchers and AI experts are exploring new ways for users to interact with ChatGPT to achieve optimal outputs. As ChatGPT users integrate the AI chatbot into their personal and professional lives, this skill is gradually gaining attention.
A study published last November found that using emotional language with ChatGPT, such as "This is very important for my career," can elicit better responses. AI experts suggest that assigning a specific role to ChatGPT and using polite, direct language when conversing with the chatbot yields the best results.
When it comes to using chatbots in the workplace, some business leaders believe that soft skills will be crucial in the AI era. Earlier this month, Aneesh Raman, Vice President of LinkedIn, stated that compared to technical skills like coding, communication, creativity, and flexibility are the skills that will help employees stand out.
Perhaps doubling down on enhancing our human qualities is what will save us from being replaced by AI.