As the AI landscape has evolved over the past few years, so have our choices. We can now choose from a variety of models for a variety of tasks. And yet, despite the multitude of models at our disposal, it’s easy to reach for the tool that’s simply open on the browser without considering our objective — and if that model is the model that best meets that objective.

That’s where new research from Stanford researcher Vasyl Rakivenko comes in. Vasyl’s research uses a three step process to guide AI users in choosing the model that best fits their objectives — helping us to make more informed choices that will inevitably lead to more intentionality in our use of AI. You can view a snapshot of this research here.

Because not every little task should be plopped into ChatGPT. There are times when using an open-source model (such as Llama-3) might be a better option, for example. There are times when a less complex task might be easily handled by a smaller, more light-weight model — and consume less energy in the process. And, there are times when it makes more financial sense to use one model over another — when using a free model gets you the exact same result as a paid model, for instance.

In this episode, Vasyl breaks down the key differences in competing LLMs including their varying strengths, environmental impacts, costs, and ethical considerations. In doing so, he highlights how our individual choices lead to very real collective outcomes — and, ultimately, influence the development of more responsible AI technology.

Listen in to learn:

👉 Why your choice of which LLM to use (and when) matters. Different LLMs have varying strengths, environmental impacts, and safety consideration — all factors that must be considered before you type in your prompt and hit ‘enter.’ 

👉 Why bigger AI models aren't always better — and how smaller models can often handle simple tasks while using less energy and computing power.

👉 How current AI bias issues, if not addressed now, will likely carry forward into future AI agents and applications.

👉 About how you can wield your power as a consumer of AI products for good. The models that are used most will influence which AI companies succeed — and shape the industry's future. It’s up to us to be aware of the differences between LLMs, and to make conscious choices around product use that most align with our values.

Because as consumers of AI products, our choices make a meaningful difference. The products we choose to use are more likely to be successful, and the companies that produce those products are most likely to be funded and to succeed.

In this way, your choice is your voice.

And as civil society holding tech companies to account, we need to ensure our individual voices are heard.