According to MIT Technology Review, the publication has launched a new “MIT Technology Review Explains” series designed to help readers understand complex technology topics. The series aims to “untangle the complex, messy world of technology to help you understand what’s coming next,” the publication states.
The inaugural topic addresses a fundamental question about large language models (LLMs): What exactly is a parameter? According to the article, the inspiration for this explainer came from an editor who “woke up in the middle of the night and scribbled on a bedside notepad: ‘What’”
The article notes that LLMs “contain a LOT of parameters,” highlighting this as a key characteristic of these AI systems that warrants explanation for a general audience.
The new explainer series represents MIT Technology Review’s effort to make technical AI concepts more accessible to readers seeking to understand the rapidly evolving field. The publication indicates that more explainers in the series are forthcoming.
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