The Unpredictable Consequences of Artificial Intelligence: The Story of Steven Schwartz, the Lawyer Who Struggled with ChatGPT

As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize various industries, its impact on the legal profession is no exception. Recently, a lawyer named Steven Schwartz encountered an unexpected challenge while using ChatGPT, a popular AI-powered language model. In this article, we will explore how ChatGPT's unpredictability led to a series of events that left even seasoned lawyers perplexed.

The incident began when Schwartz was working on a case involving Avianca, the Colombian airline. He used ChatGPT to help him research and prepare his arguments. However, what he thought would be a straightforward process turned out to be a nightmare. The AI program generated false legal citations, which led to a wrongful death case being mistakenly linked to Avianca.

According to Daniel Shin, an adjunct professor at the Center for Legal and Court Technology at William & Mary Law School, this is not an isolated incident. He noted that lawyers often struggle with new technology, and it's not getting any easier. In fact, hundreds of industry leaders have signed a letter warning about the risks of AI-induced extinction.

The consequences of ChatGPT's unpredictability were severe. Judge Castel was left baffled and disturbed by the unusual occurrence, and he expressed disappointment that Schwartz and his team did not act quickly to correct the bogus legal citations when they first became aware of the problem.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding AI technology and its limitations. Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, with a $1 billion investment. However, this does not necessarily mean that AI is ready to replace human judgment.

In conclusion, the story of Steven Schwartz and his struggle with ChatGPT highlights the unpredictable nature of artificial intelligence. While AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, it's essential to approach its implementation with caution and a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. As the legal profession continues to evolve, it's crucial that lawyers stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing landscape.

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