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Here is a summary of the article “Why an Octopus-like Creature Has Come to Symbolize the State of A.I.” from The New York Times [1]:

The article discusses the use of the Shoggoth, a fictional creature from the works of horror author H.P. Lovecraft, as a meme among artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and developers. The Shoggoth is described as a formless, slimy mass that can change its shape at will. It is also said to be incredibly intelligent and powerful. The meme uses smiley faces and Lovecraftian Cthulhu imagery to describe the notion that conversational AI tools' true powers are being masked in order to allow commercial public consumption.

The Shoggoth meme has become a popular reference as a vivid visual metaphor that hints at the anxieties many researchers and engineers have about the AI tools they’re building. On the one hand, AI is a powerful tool that has the potential to solve some of the world's most pressing problems. On the other hand, AI is also a dangerous technology that could be used for malicious purposes. Therefore the article concludes Shoggoth to be an accurate metaphor for AI.

The meme has gone viral in the small world of hyper-online A.I. insiders, and it's a popular meme on Twitter and other social platforms. It is also a recurring metaphor in essays and message board posts about the risks of artificial intelligence.