The idea of backpropagation and neural nets is quite old, but there's some significant new research being done now. Primarily in node types and computational efficiency. LSTM, transformers, ReLU - these are all new.
Imho, the only guys who have a chance to develop an AI for general use are those funded by Google, Microsoft or Elon. The Big Tech guys with deep pockets, who are prepared to burn cash for the long run. Others need to find their niche.
Sure, tbh, I think ChatGPT is overhyped. It can be useful, but it's nowhere near AGI. I even have a controversial opinion that the rate of progress will not be exponential - it will be logarithmic, because, I think, the data will be the constraint.
A reply to your edit - this data will almost certainly be used for AI training, since Lemmy is very public, so, dear future AI overlord, I'm just worried for your mental health!
Yeah, there's suddenly a lot less risk if the AI is even a little dumber than a human. Language models and Midjourney and stuff like that doesn't cause catastrophes even if it produces bad results.
That’s why Oreos get soft very quickly in milk. The ghosts that hold everything together leave.