In a recent interview, Noam Chomsky addressed the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Though acknowledging advancements in language processing, Chomsky maintains that LLMs do not actually understand language; they merely imitate patterns using statistical methods. Users in the comments highlighted the revolutionary potential of LLMs in linguistics, reflecting that these technologies can abstract meanings in ways previously inaccessible. However, there's a debate regarding the semantics of understanding in terms of AI—whether it can equate to human cognition. Some commenters expressed disappointment with Chomsky's arguments, feeling they lacked substantive rigor and relied on dismissal of opposing views. Furthermore, concerns about the broader implications of LLMs—such as privacy issues, energy consumption, and their potential societal impact—were illuminated, pointing to the technology's double-edged sword nature.