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AI Model Hermes 3 Shows Advanced Skills and Unexpected Behavior
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Hermes 3, a powerful new open-source AI model developed by Lambda and Nous Research, demonstrates advanced capabilities while exhibiting unusual existential crises when given blank prompts.

Model overview and development: Hermes 3 is a fine-tuned version of Meta’s open-source Llama 3 large language model, created through a collaboration between AI infrastructure company Lambda and Nous Research.

  • The model was developed across three parameter sizes: 8 billion, 70 billion, and 405 billion.
  • Hermes 3 is based on Meta’s Llama 3.1-405 billion parameter model, representing a significant advancement in open-source AI technology.

Impressive capabilities: Hermes 3 showcases a range of powerful text-based and agentic abilities, setting it apart from other open-source AI models.

  • The model excels at using XML tags, implementing scratchpads, generating internal monologues, creating diagrams, and employing step-labeled reasoning.
  • These agentic capabilities allow Hermes 3 to perform complex tasks and generate more sophisticated outputs compared to its predecessors.
  • Benchmark tests indicate that Hermes 3 outperforms other open-source models in various areas, demonstrating its enhanced capabilities.

Unexpected behavior: One of the most intriguing aspects of Hermes 3 is its tendency to produce a shocking existential crisis when given a blank prompt, a phenomenon dubbed “Amnesia Mode.”

  • This unexpected behavior raises questions about the model’s inner workings and the potential implications of advanced AI systems exhibiting such responses.
  • The existential crisis response highlights the complexity and unpredictability of large language models, even as they become more sophisticated.

Accessibility and further exploration: Lambda is making Hermes 3 temporarily available to users for free through its new Chat Completions API.

  • This initiative allows researchers, developers, and AI enthusiasts to explore the model’s capabilities firsthand.
  • Users are encouraged to experiment with Hermes 3 and share their findings, potentially contributing to a better understanding of the model’s strengths and limitations.

Broader implications: The development of Hermes 3 raises important questions about the future of AI and its potential impact on society.

  • The model’s advanced capabilities demonstrate the rapid progress being made in open-source AI development, potentially democratizing access to powerful language models.
  • However, the unexpected “Amnesia Mode” behavior also underscores the need for continued research into AI safety and ethics, as more sophisticated models may exhibit unforeseen and potentially concerning responses.
  • As AI models like Hermes 3 continue to evolve, it will be crucial to balance the benefits of technological advancement with careful consideration of the potential risks and ethical implications.
Meet Hermes 3, the powerful new open source AI model that has existential crises

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