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LLMs' next-token prediction is more than simple guessing

The concept of Large Language Models (LLMs) simply predicting the next token is a misleading oversimplification. Unlike basic Markov chains, which produce nonsensical text, LLMs learn complex patterns, grammar, and even contextual understanding from vast datasets to generate coherent and meaningful output. This sophisticated prediction process requires models to internalize knowledge and reasoning capabilities to accurately forecast subsequent tokens in a sequence. AI

IMPACT Clarifies the sophisticated nature of LLM training beyond simple probabilistic guessing, countering common misconceptions.

RANK_REASON The cluster discusses the conceptual understanding of LLM training and output generation, rather than a specific release or event.

Read on LessWrong (AI tag) →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 2 sources. How we write summaries →

LLMs' next-token prediction is more than simple guessing

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Commentary
The cluster discusses the conceptual understanding of LLM training and output generation, rather than a specific release or event.
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2 independent sources
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paper, other
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High
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132 days old
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COVERAGE [2]

  1. LessWrong (AI tag) TIER_1 English(EN) · jdp ·

    Implications Of Predicting The Next Token

    <p>I find that a lot of people have trouble with this concept of predicting the next token. And by trouble, I mean that they struggle to understand what it actually means to predict the next token. It seems simpler than it is. Because when you say "predict the next token," I thin…

  2. LessWrong (AI tag) TIER_1 English(EN) · Adam Newgas ·

    Next Token Prediction is a Misleading Term

    <p><span>I’m fed up of hearing about how LLMs are next token predictors, and therefore they &lt;cannot do some task&gt; &lt;aren’t </span><i><span>really</span></i><span> doing cognition&gt; &lt;are just guessing&gt;.</span></p><p><span>There’s lots of philosophical objections, b…