Finance

The Evolving Definition of 'Hallucination' Reflects AI's Lingering Challenge

Published November 22, 2023

The Cambridge Dictionary's recent announcement on November 15 has caused a stir in the technology and investment communities. As 'hallucinate' claims its title as the Word of the Year, its definition evolves, a change that resonates deeply with the challenges faced by the burgeoning AI industry. This new definition expansion acknowledges a phenomenon that is particularly relevant to AI systems and their interpretation of data. Under this fresh perspective, 'hallucination' will no longer be confined to human sensory misperceptions but will extend to encompass the errors made by artificial intelligence when it perceives or interprets information that doesn't actually exist.

The AI Challenge and Market Implications

The implications of AI 'hallucinations' stretch far beyond the dictionary and into the spheres of technology and finance, where industry giants like Microsoft Corporation MSFT and prominent investment banks such as Morgan Stanley MS must continuously adapt to these evolving technological landscapes. MSFT, a leading American multinational technology company, is a powerhouse in terms of software products like the Microsoft Windows operating systems and the Microsoft Office suite, as well as consumer electronics including the Xbox and Microsoft Surface devices. Its status as a pioneer in the tech industry, ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 and the largest software maker by revenue as of 2016, places MSFT at the forefront of addressing AI's 'hallucination' hurdle.

Morgan Stanley’s Perspective on AI Developments

MS, with its headquarters firmly rooted in the heart of New York City's bustling financial district, represents the financial angle of this technological conundrum. As a leading multinational investment bank and financial services company, Morgan Stanley grapples with the financial implications of these AI phenomena, considering the potential risks and rewards that 'hallucinating' AI systems may present to their clients and the broader market.

AI, Technology, Investment