DeepSeek Implications: Stratechery

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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DeepSeek Implications: Unpacking Stratechery's Analysis

Okay, so you wanna dive into Ben Thompson's DeepSeek stuff from Stratechery? Buckle up, buttercup, because it's a wild ride. I've been following Ben for years, and honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm drinking from a firehose. This DeepSeek thing? It's a whole new level of "thinky."

First off, let's be clear: I'm no expert. I'm just a dude who's spent way too much time reading Stratechery and trying to wrap my head around this AI stuff. But I'll share what I've gotten, and hopefully, it'll help you too. Think of this as a conversation, not a lecture.

What is DeepSeek Even About?

In a nutshell, DeepSeek is Ben's attempt to understand the implications of large language models (LLMs) like those powering ChatGPT and Google's Bard. He's not just looking at the tech itself, but the potential societal and economic shifts. He's talking massive changes, folks – think "industrial revolution" scale.

Remember when everyone was freaking out about the internet? Yeah, this feels like that, only amplified. It's not just about search or social media anymore; we're talking about AI fundamentally changing how we create and consume information.

One thing that struck me, and I think this is key, is Ben's focus on the "seek" part. It's not just about the deep learning aspect of these models; it's about their ability to actively seek information and then synthesize it in ways humans simply can't.

This is where things get hairy.

My Big "Duh" Moment (and a Warning)

I'll be honest, at first, I was kinda lost. I'd read Ben's posts, listened to his podcasts, and still felt like I was missing something. Then it hit me: I was trying to understand DeepSeek through the lens of existing technology. It's not just an evolution of what we already have; it's a whole new paradigm.

Think about it like this: the internet connected existing information. DeepSeek represents the potential to create new information and knowledge at a scale beyond our current comprehension.

That's both awesome and terrifying.

Practical tip: Don't get bogged down in the technical details. Focus on the implications. What does this mean for jobs? For creativity? For truth and misinformation? These are the questions that really matter.

The Economic Earthquake (and my mistakes)

Initially, I was super bullish on the economic upsides. AI will automate everything! Productivity will skyrocket! Everyone will be rich! Right? Wrong. So, so wrong.

I failed to fully grasp the potential for disruption. While DeepSeek might create new opportunities, it's also likely to displace a lot of jobs. And the transition won't be pretty.

Practical tip: Start thinking now about how your skills can adapt to this changing landscape. Learning about AI, even at a basic level, is crucial. Investing in skills that complement AI, rather than compete with it, will be vital.

Navigating the Uncertain Future

DeepSeek isn't just about technology; it's about power. Who controls these models? Who benefits from them? These are political questions as much as they are technological ones. We're entering uncharted territory, and it's going to be messy.

We need to have thoughtful conversations about regulation, ethics, and the potential downsides. It's not enough to just marvel at the technology; we need to grapple with its implications.

Practical tip: Stay informed. Read diverse perspectives. Engage in critical thinking. Don't just accept what you read at face value. This is too important to be passive about.

This stuff is complex, and I'm still learning. But hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of Ben Thompson's DeepSeek analysis and its implications. And maybe, just maybe, it'll inspire you to dive deeper yourself. Because believe me, this is a conversation we all need to be a part of.