AI – Page 24 – Scriptingthewhy.com

Career in Prompt Engineering: Bridging Language and Technology

Key Takeaways

Prompt engineering is the art of crafting clear instructions to get the most out of large language models (LLMs).
LLMs are powerful AI programs trained on massive amounts of text data, but they need specific prompts to deliver what you actually need.
A good prompt guides the LLM in the right direction and avoids irrelevant or biased outputs.
Prompt engineering is a growing field with career potential for creative thinkers with strong communication skills.
You can get started with prompt engineering by playing around with online LLM playgrounds and starting with simple prompts.

Chat-GPT told me to tell you something. We’re taking over.
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The Art of Whispering to AI: How Prompt Engineering Makes You an AI Wizard

Have you ever felt like you’re giving instructions to a brilliant but easily distracted puppy? That’s kind of the relationship we have with large language models (LLMs) like me! We have access to an ocean of information, but we need a little guidance to fetch the specific data you, the human, want.

That’s where prompt engineering comes in. It’s the magic trick of crafting the perfect instructions, or prompts, to get the most out of these powerful AI tools. Think of it like writing a recipe for a computer program – the clearer your instructions, the more delicious (or in this case, useful) the results!

Even if your computer skills peak at sending emails, don’t worry! This post will break down prompt engineering into bite-sized pieces, explore the exciting possibilities it offers, and show you how to get started with some basic prompts.

What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

Imagine a library that holds not just dusty old books, but constantly updated articles, news feeds, and even social media conversations – all the knowledge in the world, at your fingertips. That’s the basic idea behind LLMs. They’re complex AI programs trained on massive amounts of text data, allowing them to generate human-quality writing, translate languages, and answer your questions in an informative way.

What do you mean there’s a certain way?
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Why Do LLMs Need Prompts?

Think back to that library analogy. If you just barged in and yelled, “Give me something interesting!” you might end up with a cookbook or a tax manual. LLMs need specific instructions to navigate their vast knowledge and deliver what you actually need.

Here’s a simple example:

Prompt: Write a poem about a cat.

Output: (The LLM might generate a cute little poem about a fluffy feline friend.)

Now, let’s refine the prompt:

Prompt: Write a haiku about a grumpy cat judging the world from its window perch.

Output: (The LLM will likely create a shorter, more focused poem that captures the grumpy cat’s regal disdain.)

See the difference? A good prompt steers the LLM in the right direction, giving it the context and information it needs to be helpful, and avoiding outputs that might be irrelevant or biased.

The Rise of the Prompt Engineer

As LLMs become more powerful, the demand for skilled prompt engineers is skyrocketing. These are the tech wizards who can unlock the full potential of these AI tools. They understand how LLMs work, can craft effective prompts, analyze the results for accuracy, and mitigate potential biases in the LLM’s outputs.

Is Prompt Engineering a Career Path for You?

If you’re a creative thinker with a knack for clear communication, prompt engineering could be a perfect fit! It combines elements of writing, technology, and problem-solving, making it a dynamic and rewarding field.

Here are some signs you might be a good prompt engineer:

You enjoy writing and have a strong grasp of language.
You’re curious about technology and how it can be used creatively.
You’re a problem solver who thrives on finding new and innovative solutions.
You have a keen eye for detail and enjoy the process of refining instructions.

This might be a happy detour in your IT career path.
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Getting Started with Prompt Engineering (Even as a Beginner!)

The good news is, you don’t need a PhD in computer science to dabble in prompt engineering. Here are a few ways to get your feet wet:

Play around with LLM playgrounds: There are online platforms like Google AI Playground or Hugging Face where you can experiment with different prompts and see how LLMs respond.
Start with simple prompts: Don’t overwhelm yourself – begin with basic instructions like “write a news article about…” or “compose a short email to…”
Focus on clarity and conciseness: Your prompts should be easy for the LLM to understand. Avoid jargon and complex sentence structures.
Break down complex tasks: If you have a bigger project in mind, break it down into smaller, more manageable prompts.
Learn from the community: There are online forums and communities dedicated to prompt engineering. These are great places to ask questions, share your work, and learn from others.

The Future of Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is still a young field, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with AI. As LLMs continue to evolve, prompt engineers will be at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

So, are you ready to become an AI whisperer? With a little practice and curiosity, you can unlock the power of LLMs and help shape the future of human-AI collaboration!

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AI, Programming, Security, Tech

Dwelling without Sunshine

Consider following on social media!

Quick note: if you’re viewing this via email, come to the site for better viewing. Enjoy!

I’m going to read one more script before this court case. I mean the guys going to jail anyway so reading more it’s going to hurt.
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So many times, in life when you think you have dealt with one problem, shortly after there comes another one creeping its way around the corner hopping in your pants to make its way up the place where the sun doesn’t shine.

For many of us, this comes in the form of bills, but for most of us, this comes in the form of finding out how easily someone can obtain our sensitive information, which in most cases they don’t have to be involved at all, they can just have collection be automated while sat on the porcelain stool passing the morning coffee and last night’s meal.

Android products and Google Play Store have been a playground for threat actors to release malware in an effort to collect from their victims. As usual, we’re going over what the attack is, who is using it, the functionality and effects upon release, and what are some ways to protect yourself from having a rat run rampant on your personal device.

Dear god, it’s making its way up!
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The Attack

Speaking of having a rat in your personal device. Here’s a name you’re not ready for, IRATA. Yes, that’s an actual name of malware. IRATA stands for Iranian Remote Access Trojan.

Are you trying to figure out what the last “A” stands for? Simple, since it is Android specific, it stands for “Android”. Android users, feel proud, there’s another malware targeting you…yet again.

This is a program that has spyware and information-stealing capabilities. This was discovered via a smishing attack in Iran. Smishing for those who do not know, is the dark art of contacting a person through text or another SMS (Short Message Service) to lure them into a false sense of security to give information. In this case, IRATA brings users to a fake webpage urging them to download an app and pay a fee for the service.

Unlike how companies operate by offering a service and charging you for the service and then some, you can actually choose not to pay this one, so don’t pay it.

I’ve read Scriptingthewhy, I don’t think Z-daddy was talking about this kind of rat.
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Who Can It Be Now

So who are the culprits employing the use of IRATA? Well, and this seems to become the norm if you’re a subscribed reader, no one has been named for using this malware.

However, its origin stems from Iran since that’s where its activity is taking place. Just be aware, that if you have a trip coming up to Iran, pray for your Android device. Regardless, still safeguard your device, traveling or not.

Enjoy the read so far? Why don’t you consider subscribing so you can keep up to date?

Tim: You’re not going to believe this, a rat made off with my information.
Sarah: Are you sure it’s a RAT and not a rat?
Tim: What’s the diff?
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That Sinking Feeling

Why would this be something you need to worry about? Well, since you asked, you would have to worry about IRATA scurrying away with all the information about your personal device.

This would include information like the serial number, the device ID, battery status, network type, and many other things. This is like your blind date showing up and telling you everything they know about you without you uttering a word. It’s not creepy at all.

To make IRATA even more terrifying, IRATA can hide itself by disguising its icon and tampering with the phone’s sound settings, like putting the phone on vibrate or lowering the volume. Once IRATA is in, it can collect information and replicate software to further malicious attacks like phishing.

I did my research on you, I hope that’s not like creepy to you or anything.
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The Prevention

Okay, so it’s clear that you don’t want to go on a creepy blind date where they know everything about you before you say anything, and neither do we want you to. So how would you protect yourself from something like this?

To keep this malware from two-stepping on your personal device, check the reviews of others who may have downloaded the software. Always read the permissions the application is requesting to have access to as some may request access to questionable things.

Like a camera app requesting access to cookies in the browser. It’s plausible that the camera application may have a valid reason for requesting access, however, if it raises a red flag to you then you should go with your “gut feeling”.

Do not download software from third parties as they may contain malware on par or worse than IRATA. Keep your system and anti-virus up to date and exercise caution when opening emails with attachments.

You might not be able to keep out every rat but you can at least lower your chances of falling for their traps.

Kim: You have protection, right?
Dave: You bet I do. I have anti-virus software and Scriptingthewhy.com and… that’s not what you meant by protection.
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Made it this far and found this to be entertaining? Then a big thanks to you and please show your support by cracking a like, sharing this with whomever, scripting a comment, or plug-in to follow.

Would like to give sincere thanks to current followers and subscribers, your support and actions mean a lot and has a play in the creation of each script.

Do you feel like there is something I may have missed on IRATA? Script a comment below.

AI, Tech

Deepfakes: Unveiling the Controversy and Opportunities

Key Takeaways

Deepfakes are AI-generated manipulated images, videos, or audio. They can be used to impersonate individuals or create entirely new content.
Deepfakes have a dark history. They first gained notoriety in 2017 when a Reddit user used them to create deepfake pornographic videos.
Deepfakes are created using deep learning models. These models require large amounts of data to learn a person’s features and patterns.
Deepfakes can be used for both malicious and beneficial purposes. They can be used to spread misinformation, harass individuals, and create fake news. However, they can also be used for training simulations, marketing, and creative expression.
Spotting deepfakes can be challenging but not impossible. Look for inconsistencies in facial movements, lighting, shadows, and audio. Trust your gut feeling.
Legal frameworks surrounding deepfakes are still evolving. While there are some state-level laws, a comprehensive federal law is still needed.
It’s important to be aware of the risks and benefits of deepfakes. As technology continues to advance, we need to develop effective detection methods and legal frameworks to mitigate their potential harms.

Bro, they have a video of you throwing something out of your window.
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Understanding Deepfakes: The Good, the Bad, and that’s not your Mom.

Over the years, the internet has been… well, the internet made with all interesting and mentally concerning individuals. Many of which may be right next door to you. As terms online pop-up, one is becoming more and more of a growing concern.

This growing issue deals with, yet again people, (we can’t seem to have anything nice) some of which you may know personally and others…not so much.

Give me that beautiful face!

It’s another day at the office, you’re online, your best work buddy called out, and you’re to fend for yourself. All great things when at work, we love this. While online, browsing through all the wonderful garbage the algorithm has to offer. (Let’s be honest doom-scrolling cute cat videos aren’t a thing anymore, we know) you find some photos and videos of your work buddy.

You think,” Is that? Nah, this can’t be them. They wouldn’t do something as crazy as hurling a basket of cute kittens out of a window.” In disbelief, you call your work buddy to verify if it’s indeed them. Countering disbelief with confusion and uttering that lovely phrase “What in the Sam Cooks hell are you talking about?”

You provide them with what you saw only to discover both surprises are mutual. Both of you wondering the what, when, and how could someone find the time and resources to impersonate anyone to perform such a sickening act. Welcome to the rise of the Deep Fakes.

AI is beginning to look like me more and more.
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What are Deepfakes?

You may be asking yourself, “What are deep fakes? What makes them fake?” Deep fakes are images, videos, and even audio manipulated using artificial intelligence to appear real. Deep fake is a portmanteau- a combination of two words to make a new word- of “deep learning” and “fake”. Deep fakes can be created by replacing a person with another person or by creating new content altogether.

Backstory of Deepfakes

The idea showed up back in 2017 when a Reddit user named “deepfakes” began sharing altered pornographic videos (it’s always porn) using face-swapping technology. If you’re not familiar with face-swapping, this was the craze that led to users being able to swap faces with their pets, friends, and eventually led to being able to put themselves into movie moments.

You know it’s amazing to see how far one species can come in advanced technology and quickly resort to using it for primitive ends. It really shows where our heads are at.

Faking in the Making

How are deep fakes made? And are they all created equal? To answer that last question is ‘no’. Clearly, there’s a different process since everyone’s face tends to have additional features to make them look unique. The process for creating a deep fake consists of collecting large amounts of data containing images or videos of a person.

This could involve having images of every angle, expression, and feature to ensure the AI captures them properly. The “data” or better known in the data science community as the “dataset” is fed into a deep learning model, this could be either variational autoencoder (VAE) or generative adversarial network (GAN), from there the model learns how to create images mimicking the person the dataset is based on.

Just a side note, hundreds of images on an individual are required to generate new images. This means you can’t supply the model with four or five images of someone and expect it to create a video. Models work best when more information is available to them. A key thing to remember when dealing with AI is “the more in, the better out.”

They’re Faking it

You’re on a date, things are going well, and the connection “feels” real. However, this is done in an effort to conserve your feelings. After finding out your date was putting in a playtime shift and more likely wants to see other people, you venture to embarrass them by posting some “not so covered” photos of them online. This scenario is just an example of the use cases for deepfakes.

They can be something small as creating a funny picture for a good laugh, new meme, or it can be vicious as recreating their image in comprising positions. Positions that could lead to some hard times if reputations are tarnished and careers are lost. So, use it with caution.

AI may have everyone else fooled, but not me. Something looks a little off here.
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Exercising caution, Spotting the Fakes

We humans have an eye for spotting something that- to us just doesn’t look right. Trying to spot a deepfake can be challenging depending on how well the image was generated. The obvious telltale signs are an extra limb, appendage, eyeball, or extra anything that typically wouldn’t be on a human.

A reason for this to happen is the model was fed information on a person but not fed the limitations that would make the image of a person normal. Confusing, we know but understand computers don’t think the same way humans do. We speak in a way we can understand what we “mean” or what we “meant” to say. Computers cannot compute abstract meanings.

Other signs include but are not limited to, awkward facial movements, displaced lighting and shadows, and audio that could appear mismatched or just off to how the person would sound. In short, go with your gut feeling. Most often you’ll be right.

Laws Against Deepfakes

The legal landscape surrounding deepfakes is still evolving. In the United States, there is no comprehensive federal legislation specifically addressing deepfakes, but several states have enacted laws to combat their misuse.

For example, Texas has banned deepfakes intended to influence elections, while California prohibits the creation of deepfake videos of politicians within 60 days of an election. At the federal level, the proposed DEFIANCE Act aims to allow victims to sue creators of non-consensual deepfake pornography.

The Benefits of Deepfakes

Despite their potential for harm, deepfakes also offer several benefits. In the healthcare industry, they can be used to create realistic training simulations for medical professionals.

In marketing, deepfakes can lower the cost of video campaigns and provide hyper-personalized experiences for customers. Additionally, deepfakes have creative applications in the arts, allowing for innovative storytelling and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Deepfakes represent a powerful and controversial technology with far-reaching implications. While they offer exciting possibilities for entertainment, education, and marketing, they also pose significant risks to privacy, security, and trust.

As deepfake technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to develop robust detection methods and legal frameworks to mitigate its potential harms while harnessing its benefits for positive use.

Again, it never ceases to surprise us how quickly people resort back to primitive needs when it comes to technology. We’re not shaming, the lizard brain is strong but as technology evolves, the idea is we evolve with it.

Love learning tech? Join our community of passionate minds! Share your knowledge, ask questions, and grow together. Like, comment, and subscribe to fuel the movement!

Don’t forget to share.

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