This is why AI never answers the same way twice
Why AI responses vary: Understanding probabilistic vs. deterministic systems
This week’s newsletter is a short one, but it explains something fundamental that every AI user should know. Let’s talk about why you always get a different answer when you ask AI chatbots a question.
You've probably noticed that AI tools like ChatGPT give you different answers to the same question, while your calculator always gives you the same result. This difference demonstrates something about how these systems work: they operate on completely different principles.
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The calculator mindset: deterministic systems
Think about your smartphone's calculator. Type in 2 + 2, and you'll get 4. Every single time. No exceptions. This is a deterministic system, which means that, given the same input, it always produces the same output through a fixed set of rules.
Traditional computer programs work this way. Your email client follows predetermined rules: if you click "send," it transmits your message. If you save a document, it stores exactly what you typed. The behaviour is predictable and consistent.
The human touch: probabilistic systems
Now imagine asking ten different colleagues to write a summary of the same report. You'd get ten different summaries – all potentially good, but each with different word choices, emphasis, and structure. This is closer to how modern AI works: probabilistically.
A probabilistic system doesn't follow rigid rules. Instead, it calculates the likelihood of different possibilities and makes educated guesses based on patterns it has learned. When you ask an AI to write an email, it considers thousands of possible word combinations and selects what seems most appropriate based on probability.
Why this matters for your daily work
Understanding this difference helps explain several important things about working with AI:
Why AI responses vary: That AI writing assistant might phrase your product announcement differently each time because it's selecting from multiple probable options, not following a script.
Why context is crucial: Unlike deterministic software that works the same regardless of when you use it, AI systems use context to influence their probability calculations. The more specific information you provide, the better they can estimate what you're looking for.
Why AI sometimes makes mistakes: A calculator won't suddenly decide that 2 + 2 equals 5, but an AI might confidently state an incorrect fact if its probability calculations point in the wrong direction. It's making informed guesses, not consulting a database of absolute truths.
The sweet spot for knowledge work
This probabilistic nature isn't a flaw – it's what makes AI valuable for creative and analytical tasks. When you need to brainstorm marketing ideas, analyze complex data trends, or draft communications, you want a system that can explore possibilities rather than just execute commands.
The key is knowing when to use which approach. For precise calculations, inventory tracking, or following compliance procedures, you want deterministic systems that deliver consistent results. For writing, analysis, strategy, and creative problem-solving, probabilistic AI systems excel because they can navigate ambiguity and generate novel solutions.
Working smarter with both
The most effective knowledge workers are learning to leverage both types of systems. Use deterministic tools for tasks requiring precision and consistency. Turn to probabilistic AI for tasks requiring creativity, analysis, and adaptability.
Understanding this fundamental difference helps you set appropriate expectations, craft better prompts, and choose the right tool for each task. When you know that AI is making educated guesses rather than consulting a rulebook, you'll be better equipped to guide it toward the outcomes you need.
AI in the news
Pope Leo urges politicians to respond to challenges posed by AI (Reuters) Pope Leo urged global political leaders to face the ethical and societal challenges of AI, particularly its effects on younger generations. He emphasized that AI must serve humanity—supporting healthy lifestyles, creativity, and relationships—rather than diminish, replace, or confine human memory and personal development.
Aurora Cannabis says there is no truth to articles written with AI and published on investing site (Globe and Mail) Aurora Cannabis refuted AI-generated articles on Investing.com that inaccurately reported business deals, clarifying there are no ties to the companies mentioned. The platform attributed the issue to a technical error and removed the posts.
There’s a “10% to 20% chance” that AI will displace humans completely, says ‘godfather’ of the technology (Diary of a CEO)
I think the biggest problem with the 10 different answers is when you have ADHD perfectionism tendencies and you don’t know when done is done. You keep asking questions of multiple chats on the same subject. You feel like there’s always something you could’ve positioned better. And AI, much like a Middle Eastern mom, rarely tells you you’ve done a good job. And when it does, much like your post about AI flattery, it’s hard to trust it. I’m currently working with frameworks for my substack to help me get out of the overthinking faster, and just accept whatever messy first draft comes through. Hard! But necessary.