The evolution of AI-based language models has been closely linked to movements in financial markets, to the point where it is difficult to separate stock market speculation from actual technological advancement. The launch of ChatGPT marked a turning point, prompting major tech companies to accelerate the development and updating of their own systems, in a context where the demand for capital for infrastructures like data centers is enormous. The stock market boom has been fundamental in sustaining the pace of innovation demanded by both investors and shareholders of these companies. This context has led to controversial situations: from platforms generating viral videos of questionable taste to concerning cases like the creation of deepfakes or the improper use of AI for the sexualization of minors, as occurred with Grok. It is striking that a technology with the potential to transform the world has sometimes generated such questionable applications, despite the multimillion-dollar investments it has required. The debate over a possible tech bubble remains relevant, especially given the high level of spending and return expectations. However, the evolution of AI models is beginning to change the financial landscape, and their effects could soon be felt in everyday life. The new generations of AI have moved beyond memes to tackle tasks typically performed by qualified professionals, such as programming, legal writing, or data analysis. Markets have reacted by penalizing companies whose business models seem threatened by these advancements. If current forecasts hold true, disruption in the labor market could be even greater and deeper. The fear of administrative and specialized jobs being replaced by AI systems has spread rapidly, fueled by stock declines of certain companies and warnings from business leaders both within and outside the tech sector. While it is important not to overstate market reactions, which tend to be volatile, the qualitative leap of AI—now capable of executing complex tasks with great efficiency—significantly broadens the range of jobs at risk. The implications of this potential change are difficult to underestimate, both for employment and for the economy, education, and society as a whole. Source: cincodias.elpais.com