On March 13, 2024, Dr. Wang Ting, Party Secretary and Director of the China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), published an article titled Sora Arrives: Challenges and Opportunities for Science Popularization in the Study Times.
Original Article Reprint:
On February 16, following the release of the ChatGPT language model a year ago, the U.S.-based artificial intelligence research institute OpenAI unveiled a new AI-based video generation tool called Sora, which has caused another sensation. This is a large-scale model capable of autonomously generating high-quality videos from text input, marking a revolutionary change in the field of video generation and offering an entirely new visual experience. In some sample clips, Sora demonstrated its exceptional ability to learn and simulate physical laws, such as gravity and collision phenomena in real-world environments. It can also transmit information in real-time through live streaming video functions, suitable for applications like live shows, online education, and telemedicine. Amidst exclamations that "reality no longer exists," Sora indeed opens a revolutionary new chapter in human video creation, reshaping the future of visual content generation and reflecting the rapid advancement of AI technology beyond expectations. Media have commented that Sora is not just a tool but represents a new lifestyle that will significantly impact society.
The Impact of Sora on Science Popularization Work
As OpenAI claims, "Sora lays the foundation for models capable of understanding and simulating the real world; we believe this capability is a significant milestone toward achieving general artificial intelligence (AGI)." Once widely adopted, Sora will bring about profound changes to traditional methods of science popularization.
For science popularization work, the influence of Sora could lead to an unprecedented transformation. These transformations are not only reflected in the enrichment and visualization of science popularization content but also more profoundly in the interactivity and entertainment value of science communication methods.
1. Enhancing the Richness and Visualization of Content: Leveraging its powerful data processing and presentation capabilities, Sora can transform complex scientific knowledge into more intuitive and vivid video imagery. For instance, it can create highly detailed three-dimensional models and simulate complex dynamic processes, vividly illustrating abstract scientific concepts.
2. Enhancing Interactivity and Entertainment Value: Traditional one-way teaching methods will be phased out more quickly. The public can participate more actively in science popularization activities, engaging deeply with scientists and dissemination organizations. Through technologies like virtual reality and interactive video, people can personally experience the charm of science, enjoying its beauty, ingenuity, and intelligence. This increased interactivity and entertainment value can boost public interest in science and technology and promote its dissemination and popularization.
3. Transitioning from a One-Size-Fits-All and Overly Generalized Approach to Personalized and Intelligent Approaches: Customized science popularization or educational plans can be tailored based on each learner's characteristics, needs, and progress, realizing true personalized education.
Staying Oriented in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
The sudden emergence of Sora reflects the rapid development of artificial intelligence. In the face of heated discussions surrounding Sora, it is crucial to think calmly and not let ourselves be overwhelmed or blinded by the heat of the moment.
Firstly, it is important to interpret the development of AI comprehensively and objectively. In the age of AI, science popularization involves not only knowledge transfer and updating of ideas but also how we collectively confront this rapidly changing technological world. The primary task of science popularization is to provide a comprehensive and objective interpretation of AI development, especially its cutting-edge advancements. This requires interpreting AI applications with a scientific attitude, recognizing both their conveniences and efficiencies while acknowledging potential issues and challenges.
Secondly, science popularization should focus on the application scenarios and skills of AI. The public should be educated on how to effectively utilize AI technology to enhance productivity and living standards. During this process, science communicators should take the lead and set examples by applying AI themselves, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of science popularization work and showcasing the practicality and appeal of AI technology.
Finally, deepening public understanding of AI-related ethics, regulations, and risks is critical. The public should recognize that in response to AI technology, we need to consider appropriate attitudes and adhere to ethical guidelines together. This is not only for protecting individual rights but also for maintaining social harmony and stability. Through science popularization efforts, guiding the public to view AI rationally is essential. Only by doing so can we better promote the development of AI technology and create a brighter future for humanity.