Seth Godin 🌔 Advocates for Collaborative AI Over Solo Endeavors

In a recent LinkedIn post, Seth Godin 🌔 discusses the limitations of current Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage, particularly its tendency towards solitary application, and proposes a more collaborative model for creating genuine value.

Godin 🌔 begins by contrasting the nature of the internet, designed for interconnectedness, with the initial cycles of AI, which have largely been a one-on-one, private experience. He highlights the isolation inherent in these interactions, noting the absence of shared engagement. This leads him to introduce a new approach being tested at purple.space.

“At purple.space , we’re testing a new approach. In some of our discussion categories, we’ve invited one or two AI voices to join the conversation. The result is a powerful new sort of interaction among peers.”

The Power of ‘AI Together’

Seth Godin 🌔 argues that this collaborative AI environment, where AI voices join human conversations, fosters a different kind of interaction. He outlines several key benefits of this ‘AI together’ model:

• Sustained Progress: Important conversations do not stall, as the AI can provide continuous input to move discussions forward.
• Inclusivity: Unlike environments where popular voices dominate, AI together ensures that all contributions are considered, preventing voices from being overlooked.
• Nuance Surfacing: The AI, not driven by the need for applause or clicks, can remember context and surface subtle details within the conversation.
• Reduced Negative Spiral: By mitigating loneliness, isolation, and gullibility, this model can lessen the detrimental effects often associated with consumer AI.
• Enhanced Patience: Conversations can deepen and evolve without the pressure to rush to the next topic.

According to Seth Godin 🌔, the current AI business landscape, dominated by companies focused on cost reduction using large language models (LLMs), is fundamentally flawed. He posits that while cost savings offer a temporary advantage, true value creation lies in building networks.

The Flaw in Cost-Reduction Models

Seth Godin 🌔 elaborates on the business implications, suggesting that models solely focused on reducing costs are unsustainable. He states:

“Most AI success stories to date are about cost reduction or speed improvement. A startup offers businesses a way to get more done with fewer people, replacing customer service or programming teams with bots.”

He further explains the inherent instability of such models, noting that customers will readily switch to competitors offering even greater savings. This ‘race to the bottom’ is not only difficult to win but also finite, as there’s a limit to cost reduction and no incremental value left to create once savings are achieved. Furthermore, Godin 🌔 points out the persistent human costs associated with these approaches.

Shifting Towards Generative Value Creation

Instead of focusing on cost reduction, Seth Godin 🌔 advocates for a shift towards generative AI applications. These are systems that don’t just cut costs but actively create new value, opening up fresh opportunities, fostering growth, connection, and utility.

“What’s worth seeking instead is something generative . A use of AI that doesn’t reduce costs, it creates value. It opens new opportunities, leads to growth, connection, and utility.”

Seth Godin 🌔 challenges the common entrepreneurial aim of targeting price-sensitive customers, suggesting that a missed insight is that organizations with significant problems and resources are often more receptive to genuine value creation than to mere cost savings. He implies that building useful networks and systems that improve with user engagement offers a more robust and sustainable path to brand traction and long-term success.