When AI Eats Itself: On the Caveats of AI Autophagy

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Xing, Xiaodan, Shi, Fadong, Huang, Jiahao, Wu, Yinzhe, Nan, Yang, Zhang, Sheng, Fang, Yingying, Roberts, Mike, Schönlieb, Carola-Bibiane, Del Ser, Javier, Yang, Guang
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Xing, Xiaodan
Shi, Fadong
Huang, Jiahao
Wu, Yinzhe
Nan, Yang
Zhang, Sheng
Fang, Yingying
Roberts, Mike
Schönlieb, Carola-Bibiane
Del Ser, Javier
Yang, Guang
author_facet Xing, Xiaodan
Shi, Fadong
Huang, Jiahao
Wu, Yinzhe
Nan, Yang
Zhang, Sheng
Fang, Yingying
Roberts, Mike
Schönlieb, Carola-Bibiane
Del Ser, Javier
Yang, Guang
contents Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and large models are producing realistic outputs across various domains, such as images, text, speech, and music. Creating these advanced generative models requires significant resources, particularly large and high-quality datasets. To minimise training expenses, many algorithm developers use data created by the models themselves as a cost-effective training solution. However, not all synthetic data effectively improve model performance, necessitating a strategic balance in the use of real versus synthetic data to optimise outcomes. Currently, the previously well-controlled integration of real and synthetic data is becoming uncontrollable. The widespread and unregulated dissemination of synthetic data online leads to the contamination of datasets traditionally compiled through web scraping, now mixed with unlabeled synthetic data. This trend, known as the AI autophagy phenomenon, suggests a future where generative AI systems may increasingly consume their own outputs without discernment, raising concerns about model performance, reliability, and ethical implications. What will happen if generative AI continuously consumes itself without discernment? What measures can we take to mitigate the potential adverse effects? To address these research questions, this study examines the existing literature, delving into the consequences of AI autophagy, analyzing the associated risks, and exploring strategies to mitigate its impact. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on this phenomenon advocating for a balanced approach that promotes the sustainable development of generative AI technologies in the era of large models.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2405_09597
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle When AI Eats Itself: On the Caveats of AI Autophagy
Xing, Xiaodan
Shi, Fadong
Huang, Jiahao
Wu, Yinzhe
Nan, Yang
Zhang, Sheng
Fang, Yingying
Roberts, Mike
Schönlieb, Carola-Bibiane
Del Ser, Javier
Yang, Guang
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and large models are producing realistic outputs across various domains, such as images, text, speech, and music. Creating these advanced generative models requires significant resources, particularly large and high-quality datasets. To minimise training expenses, many algorithm developers use data created by the models themselves as a cost-effective training solution. However, not all synthetic data effectively improve model performance, necessitating a strategic balance in the use of real versus synthetic data to optimise outcomes. Currently, the previously well-controlled integration of real and synthetic data is becoming uncontrollable. The widespread and unregulated dissemination of synthetic data online leads to the contamination of datasets traditionally compiled through web scraping, now mixed with unlabeled synthetic data. This trend, known as the AI autophagy phenomenon, suggests a future where generative AI systems may increasingly consume their own outputs without discernment, raising concerns about model performance, reliability, and ethical implications. What will happen if generative AI continuously consumes itself without discernment? What measures can we take to mitigate the potential adverse effects? To address these research questions, this study examines the existing literature, delving into the consequences of AI autophagy, analyzing the associated risks, and exploring strategies to mitigate its impact. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on this phenomenon advocating for a balanced approach that promotes the sustainable development of generative AI technologies in the era of large models.
title When AI Eats Itself: On the Caveats of AI Autophagy
topic Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.09597