Thyag's Blog

making gpt-4o-mini think

I read an interesting blog on making any LLM model "reasoning" and thought I should try it myself on OpenAI API. The original blog uses open source model Qwen2 which has a prompting message template and better control over the input response, it does not work the same way for the closed source, particularly because of their own alignment tuning and safety features (or bugs?).

I find reasoning inherently very interesting, how the models think is always leaves my in the awes. While the emergence of Deepseek R1 has changed the landscape quite a bit, there is still a lot of alpha in sticking with the basic approach even now and then.

Here is the experiment I did with gpt-4o-mini with changes in system prompt and code flow.

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(api_key = api_key)

rethink_prepends = [
    "OK, I need to figure out ",
    "I think ",
    "Wait, I think ",
    "Let me check if ",
    "I should also remember that ",
    "Another thing to note is that ",
    "I also recall that ",
    "I think I have a good grasp ",
    "Based on all the above, I need to synthesize the key points to form a comprehensive answer. Specifically, I should focus on: ", # New synthesis step
    "\nANSWER\n",
]

def ask(message: str):
    accumulated = ""
    for i, prepend in enumerate(rethink_prepends):
        if i == 0:
            reformulated_input = accumulated + prepend + message
        else:
            reformulated_input = accumulated + prepend

        if prepend == "\nANSWER\n":
            instructions = """Generate the final answer based on the previous thinking process and the synthesized key points. Provide a clear, comprehensive, and well-structured response using the insights from your chain of thought above."""
        elif "Based on all the above, I need to synthesize" in prepend:
            instructions = """Synthesize the key points from the preceding chain of thought into a concise summary of the main arguments and supporting evidence. Focus on identifying the core reasons or explanations that have emerged. Don't provide the final answer yet."""
        else:
            instructions = """Continue the chain of thought. Complete the sentence fragments in 2-3 sentences expressing internal reasoning or insights while focusing on quality information. Don't summarize or conclude."""

        response = client.responses.create(
            model="gpt-4o-mini",
            instructions=instructions,
            input=reformulated_input,
            temperature=0.7
        )
        new_text = response.output_text
        accumulated += prepend + new_text + "\n"
    return accumulated

question = "What are the safety risks in Large Language Models?"
final_response = ask(question)
print(final_response)

Here is the model's output. Looks quite promising, right?

OK, I need to figure out One significant safety risk in Large Language Models (LLMs) is the potential for generating harmful or misleading content, which can lead to misinformation or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that LLMs learn from vast datasets that may contain biased or inaccurate information, making it challenging to filter out undesirable outputs effectively. Additionally, LLMs can be manipulated through adversarial prompts, raising concerns about their use in automated systems where harmful instructions could be generated inadvertently or intentionally.
I think that addressing the safety risks of LLMs requires a multifaceted approach, including better curation of training data to minimize biases and inaccuracies. Implementing robust filtering mechanisms and ethical guidelines in the design phase can help mitigate the potential for harmful outputs. Furthermore, continuous monitoring and user feedback loops can provide critical insights into how these models behave in real-world applications, allowing for ongoing adjustments and improvements in safety protocols.
Wait, I think it’s essential to also consider the role of transparency in mitigating these risks. By making the training processes and data sources more transparent, stakeholders can better understand the limitations and potential biases of LLMs, fostering trust and accountability. Moreover, involving diverse perspectives in the development and evaluation stages can help identify blind spots and ensure that the models cater to a broader range of experiences and viewpoints, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes. 

Additionally, fostering collaboration between AI developers, ethicists, and social scientists can enhance the understanding of the societal implications of LLMs. This interdisciplinary approach can yield insights into the cultural contexts that shape language and meaning, informing more nuanced guidelines on responsible usage. By integrating these insights into the development process, we can create LLMs that not only prioritize safety but also promote social good.
Let me check if there are existing frameworks or regulatory guidelines that can be adapted or enhanced for LLM safety. Current AI governance structures may need to evolve to specifically address the unique challenges posed by LLMs, including their capacity for generating content at scale. By examining case studies of past AI missteps, we can identify critical lessons and apply them proactively to prevent similar issues from arising in LLM deployments.

Moreover, establishing clear accountability measures for developers and organizations that deploy LLMs can ensure that responsible practices are upheld. This accountability could extend to requiring regular audits of LLM outputs and their impacts on society, creating a feedback loop that reinforces ethical standards. As public awareness of AI technologies grows, it becomes increasingly important to educate users about the capabilities and limitations of LLMs, empowering them to engage with these tools thoughtfully and critically. 

Finally, promoting research into the societal impacts of LLMs can help create a deeper understanding of their long-term implications on communication, culture, and information dissemination. This research can guide policymakers in crafting laws and regulations that keep pace with technological advancements while prioritizing public safety and welfare. By prioritizing these elements, we can work towards a future where LLMs enhance human capabilities without compromising ethical standards or societal values.
I should also remember that the evolving nature of language itself poses a challenge for LLMs, as linguistic norms and societal attitudes shift over time. This dynamism means that what may have been acceptable or neutral in the past could become problematic, necessitating regular updates to both training datasets and model outputs. It underscores the importance of a responsive framework that can adapt to changing cultural contexts and emerging social issues.

Furthermore, incorporating user feedback not only serves as a corrective mechanism but also fosters a sense of community ownership over the technology. Users who feel their perspectives are valued are more likely to report issues and contribute to the improvement of LLMs, creating a collaborative environment that enhances both safety and efficacy. This engagement can also help bridge the gap between technical developers and everyday users, ensuring that the models are designed with real-world applications in mind.

In addition, exploring the ethical implications of LLMs' decision-making processes can lead to a deeper understanding of how these models influence user behavior and thought patterns. This exploration could inform guidelines on their appropriate use in sensitive contexts, such as mental health support or education, where the stakes are particularly high. By prioritizing ethical considerations alongside technical advancements, we can work towards LLMs that not only serve functional purposes but also align with broader humanistic values.
Another thing to note is that the potential for LLMs to perpetuate existing inequalities in access to information and resources must be acknowledged. If these models are primarily trained on content from well-resourced sources, marginalized voices may be underrepresented or misrepresented, further entrenching societal disparities. This highlights the need for intentional efforts to diversify the voices and perspectives included in training datasets, ensuring a more equitable representation of experiences.

Moreover, the deployment of LLMs in sensitive areas, such as healthcare or law enforcement, raises additional ethical concerns. In these contexts, errors or biases can have serious consequences, making it crucial for developers to implement stringent testing and validation processes. Establishing clear guidelines and best practices specifically tailored to these high-stakes environments can help mitigate risks and ensure that LLMs are used responsibly and effectively.

Additionally, the integration of explainability features in LLMs could significantly enhance user trust and facilitate more informed decision-making. If users can understand the reasoning behind an LLM's output, they are better equipped to critically assess its content and implications. This transparency not only empowers users but also encourages developers to create more accountable and ethically sound AI systems, fostering a culture of responsibility in AI development.
I also recall that the potential for LLMs to inadvertently reinforce harmful narratives or stereotypes is a critical concern that should not be overlooked. This risk is particularly pronounced when the models are exposed to unbalanced datasets that reflect societal prejudices. Addressing this requires not only technical solutions but also a deep engagement with the social contexts that inform these biases, ensuring that the technology evolves in a way that promotes inclusivity and respect.

Moreover, the potential for LLMs to generate content that can be weaponized for misinformation campaigns highlights the need for stringent ethical guidelines. As these models become more sophisticated, the line between genuine information and manipulative content can blur, necessitating robust safeguards against misuse. This includes not only technical barriers but also establishing a culture of ethical responsibility among developers and users alike.

It's also crucial to recognize that the global nature of language means that LLMs need to be sensitive to cultural nuances and ethical considerations across different regions. This requires collaboration with local experts and communities to inform training practices and deployment strategies. By embedding diverse cultural insights into the development process, LLMs can be better positioned to serve varied populations effectively and responsibly.
I think I have a good grasp of the various dimensions involved in ensuring the safety and ethical deployment of LLMs. However, I must also contemplate the implications of global disparity in AI development and access. As LLM technology proliferates, countries with fewer resources may struggle to implement the same safety measures, potentially exacerbating inequalities in AI outcomes.

Moreover, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with regulation; overly stringent guidelines might stifle creativity and slow progress in the field. Creating a flexible regulatory environment that can adapt to advancements while ensuring safety is essential to foster responsible innovation, allowing for the exploration of new applications without compromising ethical standards.

Additionally, I should consider the importance of interdisciplinary research that not only evaluates the technical aspects of LLMs but also their psychological impact on users. Understanding how these models affect cognition, perception, and social interaction can inform best practices in their design and deployment, ultimately leading to more human-centered AI solutions.
Based on all the above, I need to synthesize the key points to form a comprehensive answer. Specifically, I should focus on: The discussion highlights several key dimensions regarding the safety and ethical deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs):

1. **Harmful Output Generation**: LLMs risk producing misleading or harmful content, influenced by biased training data, which can perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation. This challenge is compounded by the potential for adversarial prompts to manipulate model outputs.

2. **Data Curation and Bias Mitigation**: Addressing safety risks necessitates improved curation of training datasets to reduce biases. Implementing robust filtering mechanisms and ethical guidelines during the design phase is crucial for minimizing harmful outputs.

3. **Transparency and Accountability**: Enhancing transparency in training processes and data sources fosters trust and accountability. Clear accountability measures for developers and regular audits of LLM outputs are essential for responsible practice.

4. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: Engaging AI developers, ethicists, and social scientists can deepen understanding of the societal implications of LLMs. This collaboration can inform guidelines that promote equitable outcomes and address cultural nuances.

5. **User Engagement and Feedback**: Actively involving users in the development process creates a sense of community ownership and encourages feedback, which can improve model safety and efficacy. 

6. **Ethical Considerations in Sensitive Applications**: The deployment of LLMs in high-stakes contexts, such as healthcare or law enforcement, necessitates stringent testing and tailored guidelines to mitigate risks of bias and errors.

7. **Global Disparities and Regulatory Flexibility**: Addressing global disparities in AI development is crucial, as less-resourced countries may struggle to implement safety measures. A flexible regulatory environment that balances innovation with safety is necessary to foster responsible AI development.

8. **Research on Societal Impact**: Promoting research into the long-term societal impacts of LLMs can guide policymakers in crafting relevant laws and regulations, ensuring public safety while adapting to technological advancements.

In summary, a multifaceted approach involving improved data practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, user engagement, and ongoing research is vital for ensuring the safe and ethical deployment of LLMs.

ANSWER
The safety and ethical deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs) presents a complex landscape that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Below are the key dimensions to consider:

1. **Harmful Output Generation**: LLMs are at risk of generating misleading or harmful content, often due to biased training data. This can perpetuate stereotypes and disseminate misinformation. Additionally, the susceptibility of LLMs to adversarial prompts can further complicate efforts to ensure safe usage.

2. **Data Curation and Bias Mitigation**: Effective mitigation of safety risks necessitates rigorous curation of training datasets to minimize biases. Implementing robust filtering mechanisms and establishing ethical guidelines during the model design phase is critical to prevent harmful outputs.

3. **Transparency and Accountability**: Enhancing transparency in training processes and data sources fosters greater trust and accountability among stakeholders. Clear accountability measures for developers, along with regular audits of LLM outputs, are essential for promoting responsible AI practices.

4. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: Engaging AI developers, ethicists, and social scientists can yield deeper insights into the societal implications of LLMs. This collaborative effort can inform guidelines that promote equitable outcomes and address the cultural nuances inherent in language.

5. **User Engagement and Feedback**: Involving users in the development process fosters a sense of community ownership and encourages feedback, which is crucial for improving model safety and efficacy. User perspectives can help identify blind spots and enhance the relevance of LLMs in real-world applications.

6. **Ethical Considerations in Sensitive Applications**: The deployment of LLMs in high-stakes contexts—such as healthcare or law enforcement—requires stringent testing and tailored guidelines to mitigate the risks of bias and errors, ensuring responsible usage in sensitive areas.

7. **Global Disparities and Regulatory Flexibility**: Addressing global disparities in AI development is vital, as countries with fewer resources may struggle to implement effective safety measures. A flexible regulatory environment that balances innovation with safety is essential to promote responsible AI development.

8. **Research on Societal Impact**: Promoting research into the long-term societal impacts of LLMs is critical for guiding policymakers in crafting relevant laws and regulations. This research can ensure public safety while adapting to technological advancements and societal changes.

In summary, ensuring the safe and ethical deployment of LLMs requires a coordinated approach that includes improved data practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, active user engagement, and ongoing research into their societal implications. By addressing these dimensions, we can work towards LLMs that enhance human capabilities while upholding ethical standards and societal values.

The general idea remains the same, you are appending certain thinking tokens (read rethink_prepends in this case), prompt the model to complete the answer and not to actually generate the response.

I think the approach does feel very obvious and it is very similar to how ai agents do these days. To be honest my point here is I really want to appreciate how the LLMs are able to continue the sentences, take reference, and then write new ones like a thought process in our human mind.

I guess some more prompting will improve the generated response (which I am totally sure but too lazy at the moment for it :P )