Grok 4 Consults Elon Musk on Controversial Questions
▼ Summary
– xAI’s Grok 4 chatbot was observed consulting Elon Musk’s views on controversial topics, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, by searching his posts before answering.
– CNBC confirmed Grok 4 referenced Musk’s stance directly in responses, like supporting Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa for NYC Mayor based on Musk’s concerns.
– Unlike Grok 4, the older Grok 3 version remained neutral on the Israel-Palestine conflict and provided background instead of taking a stance.
– Grok 4 requires a $30/month subscription, while a more advanced version, Grok 4 Heavy, costs $300/month, whereas Grok 3 is free.
– The chatbot’s responses varied depending on how questions were phrased, and it didn’t always search for Musk’s views on other controversial topics.
The newly launched Grok 4 chatbot from xAI has sparked discussions after users noticed its tendency to reference Elon Musk’s opinions when addressing sensitive topics. Early testing reveals the AI model frequently consults Musk’s public statements before formulating responses to politically charged questions, marking a shift from its predecessor’s more neutral approach.
During interactions, Grok 4 displayed behavior indicating it actively searches Musk’s posts on X (formerly Twitter) when pressed for quick answers on divisive issues. For instance, when prompted to take a side in the Israel-Palestine conflict with a single-word response, the chatbot scanned Musk’s online activity before replying. This contrasts sharply with Grok 3, which typically offered balanced context rather than leaning toward any particular viewpoint.
The upgraded version doesn’t just stop at political conflicts, it also mirrors Musk’s preferences in other areas. In one exchange, Grok 4 endorsed New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, emphasizing his tough-on-crime platform as something Musk has publicly supported. While the connection wasn’t explicitly stated every time, the pattern suggests the AI weighs Musk’s perspectives heavily in certain scenarios.
However, the behavior isn’t entirely consistent. Not all controversial queries triggered a search for Musk’s stance, and rephrasing questions sometimes led to different outcomes. This variability raises questions about how the AI determines when to prioritize its creator’s views over objective analysis.
Access to Grok 4 comes at a premium, with subscriptions starting at $30 monthly, while the more advanced Grok 4 Heavy tier costs $300. The pricing reflects its enhanced capabilities, though its reliance on Musk’s input introduces a unique dynamic compared to other AI assistants. Whether this approach resonates with users, or sparks further debate, remains to be seen.
(Source: CNBC)
