In a world where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing everything from business to everyday communication, it’s easy to forget the human elements that underlie these technologies. Yet, a recent anecdote shared by OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, offers a charming reminder of this intersection. During an interview at Cannes Lions 2024, Murati revealed a humorous and touching moment when she first introduced her mother to ChatGPT.
The first question her mother posed to the AI was a classic one: “When will Mira get married?” This question, steeped in traditional concern, highlights the blend of personal life and advanced technology, offering a unique glimpse into the human side of AI.
Murati shared that this interaction took place in 2022 during a family trip to Italy. She and her sister decided to show their mother how ChatGPT works, prompting an unexpected yet endearing response. “OpenAI’s Mira Murati says the first time her mother used ChatGPT she asked it, ‘When will Mira get married?’” a Twitter user commented, capturing the lighthearted exchange.
What made this moment particularly special was the fact that ChatGPT was able to understand and respond in Albanian, Murati’s mother’s native language. Despite the impressive AI capabilities, Murati’s sister humorously reminded their mother, “Mom, it’s not magic, it’s artificial intelligence.”
This family moment resonated with many, sparking a wave of online responses. Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma humorously chimed in with a tweet, “#MomsEverywhere,” reflecting on the universal nature of parental concerns. Another user added, “Poor mom, all she wants is grandchildren, all she gets is a computer chatbot…”
The story also led to some surprising assumptions, with some online users mistakenly believing that Murati was of Indian origin due to her influential role in the tech world. Since joining OpenAI in 2018, Mira Murati has been a key player in the development of groundbreaking AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and the GPT series. Her leadership was briefly thrust into the global spotlight in November 2023 when she served as the interim CEO of OpenAI during a temporary change in leadership.
One user reflected on Murati’s leadership during this period, noting, “She presents a better image for OpenAI than Sam Altman actually.” Though her time as CEO was short-lived, Murati’s contributions to AI and her leadership have earned widespread recognition, including praise from industry heavyweights like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
The question of “When will Mira get married?” might seem trivial against the backdrop of AI’s vast potential, but it underscores a significant point: no matter how advanced technology becomes, it remains deeply intertwined with human concerns, traditions, and cultural nuances.
As AI continues to evolve, stories like this one serve as a reminder that behind every technological breakthrough are the people who develop and interact with it. Mira Murati’s tale is not just about artificial intelligence; it’s about family, tradition, and the surprising ways in which technology touches our everyday lives.
