Open Source like Linux Powers the Internet, why not DeepSeek?

DeepSeek has just become the most downloaded app on the iPhone! Because it is open source, we have already been interested for a while. In the 1990s, when I sold a program that ran on both Windows and Linux, each new release of the proprietary Windows OS broke our code, but our program actually ran better with each new release of the free open source Linux OS. For an American entrepreneur focused on social impact, using the open-source DeepSeek model offers several advantages over relying on proprietary AI systems controlled by tech billionaires (often referred to as “Broligarchs”):

Accessibility and Affordability

DeepSeek provides a powerful AI model at a fraction of the cost of proprietary alternatives:

It’s approximately 95% less expensive to train and deploy compared to closed-source models like OpenAI’s offerings[2].
The open-source nature allows free access for both academic and commercial use under an MIT license[2].
Lower costs (e.g. $0.55 per million input tokens) make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to social entrepreneurs with limited budgets[2].

Democratization of AI Technology

By using DeepSeek, entrepreneurs can:

Access cutting-edge AI capabilities without being beholden to tech giants[1].
Contribute to and benefit from a global community of developers enhancing the technology[1].
Avoid lock-in to proprietary platforms controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals[3].

Transparency and Customization

The open-source model enables:

Full visibility into the AI’s inner workings, promoting trust and ethical use[2].
Ability to modify and adapt the model for specific social impact applications[2].
Collaborative improvement of the technology by a diverse community of researchers and developers[1].

Alignment with Social Impact Values

Using DeepSeek aligns better with social entrepreneurship principles:

It supports the democratization of technology rather than consolidating power in the hands of a few[3].
Open collaboration fosters innovation that can benefit society as a whole[8].
It allows entrepreneurs to focus on creating social value rather than maximizing profits for tech billionaires[3].

Practical Applications for Social Entrepreneurs

DeepSeek can assist social entrepreneurs in various ways:

Researching ideas and market needs[7].
Generating content for websites, marketing materials, and social media campaigns[7].
Providing guidance on next steps for turning ideas into reality[7].
Enabling rapid prototyping and testing of concepts[7].

Community and Ecosystem Benefits

By contributing to open-source AI, entrepreneurs can:

Support a global network of developers working towards common goals[8].
Improve tools and platforms used by educational institutions and non-profits worldwide[8].
Create positive ripple effects that benefit entire communities and sectors[8].

In conclusion, while proprietary AI models controlled by tech billionaires offer powerful capabilities, open-source alternatives like DeepSeek provide a more accessible, transparent, and ethically aligned option for social entrepreneurs. By leveraging DeepSeek, American entrepreneurs can focus on creating meaningful impact while supporting a more democratic and collaborative approach to technological advancement.

Experimental podcast episode

Let me know what you think about this AI generated episode. FYI, my wife said it sounded too much like a cult. I will be doing a voice intro before officially adding it our new podcast.