mesaThe AI feedback loop: Researchers warn of ‘model collapse’ as AI trains on AI-generated content
Wasn’t there a paper not long time ago that it was possible to generate data with AI as a training set for AI? I was surprised (and the math is to much for me to check out my self) but that seems to solve that problem.
Microsoft’s Phi model was largely trained on synthetic data derived from GPT-4.
I’m to lazy to search for the paper, mot sure it was Microsoft, but with my rather basic knowledge of modeling (studied system biology) - it seemed rather crazy and impossible, so I remembered it.
As far as I know, that is mainly used where a better, bigger model generates training data for a more efficient smaller model to bring it a bit closer to its level.
Were there any cases of an already state of the art model using this method to improve itself?
I will search for the paper.
Sorta. This “model collapse” thing is basically an urban legend at this point.
The kernel of truth is this: A model learns stuff. When you use that model to generate training data, it will not output all it has learned. The second generation model will not know as much as the first. If you repeat this process a couple times, you are left with nothing. It’s hard to see how this could become a problem in the real world.
Incest is a good analogy, if you know what the problem with inbreeding is: You lose genetic diversity. Still, breeders use this to get to desired traits and so does nature (genetic bottleneck, founder effect).
Training data for models in general was a big problem when I studied systems biology. Interesting that we finding works around, since it sounded rather fundamental to me. I found your metaphor rather helpful, thanks.