Synopsis: Greg Benson, chief scientist at SnapLogic, discusses the evolving role of prompt engineering, noting that while it's becoming a vital skill, it's also accessible to everyone with the right tools. He highlights the potential of large language models (LLMs) to boost productivity across industries but emphasizes the need for human oversight and critical thinking in their application.
In this episode of the Techstrong AI video series, Amanda Razani hosts a discussion between Mike Vizard and Greg Benson, chief scientist at SnapLogic and a computer science professor at the University of San Francisco. The conversation revolves around the evolving field of prompt engineering, with Benson explaining that while there was initial speculation that it might become a standalone discipline, it’s more likely to be integrated as a critical skill across various fields. Benson likens prompt engineering to skills like Excel proficiency, where the ability to harness large language models (LLMs) effectively will be combined with domain expertise to yield the best results. He also points out the research explosion in this area, with over 2000 scholarly articles dedicated to optimizing prompt techniques.
Throughout the conversation, Benson and Vizard explore the potential of LLMs to accelerate learning, assist with problem-solving, and even coach users to ask better questions. They also discuss the challenges of relying on probabilistic systems like LLMs for deterministic tasks, such as making critical decisions or automating workflows. Benson stresses the importance of maintaining human oversight, especially in high-stakes scenarios, and he anticipates that the next few years will see significant technological transformation. While there are concerns about job displacement in fields like software development, Benson remains optimistic that LLMs will increase productivity and quality in the long run.
