An AI PhD's Take: LLMs – Useful Tools, or a Crutch?

A 2024 AI PhD and author of a book on LLMs shares his nuanced perspective on large language models. He doesn't outright reject them, but approaches their capabilities and limitations with caution. He details how he uses LLMs for writing assistance, information retrieval, and technical problem-solving, while candidly acknowledging their shortcomings: errors, lack of deep thinking, and over-reliance on established viewpoints. He argues LLMs are tools, not replacements for thought, requiring critical thinking and careful verification for effective use.