A thought about why some LLM users get so defensive when they hear any criticism of the technology:

They feel inadequate. Not because they are, necessarily, but because our society makes them feel that way.

LLMs make them feel powerful, productive, and competitive, like they have an edge over their past self and anyone who doesn't use the tech.

This relieves the feelings of inadequacy, but only sorta. Deep down, they realize that it's just the LLM that makes them feel / look this way. They would be nothing without it, which is false, but will gradually become true as they depend on the LLM more and stop practicing their skills.

So the LLM becomes an irreplaceable part of who they are. A shield, to hide their inadequacy from the world, which they can never let down.

Criticizing LLMs is attacking their core identity. Admitting that LLMs are flawed would mean becoming inadequate again, perhaps even foolish. They can't do that. They won't.

#ai #llm