PART 2 – The (K)Not

{Denise gracefully hosts Six Sentence Stories, where writers unleash their magic under one simple rule: in no more or no less than 6 sentences.
This week’s prompt word is : KNOT }

This is the continuation of the PART 1 – The Knot.
If you haven’t read that first, kindly do so and then return to read Part 2.

PART 2 – The (K)Not

This is not an easy post to write. Not even close…but deep in my heart I believe it is a necessary one.
So much, that I am willing to take any heat in exchange of making you feel what I felt a few days ago…more thoughts about this at the end of this post.
As I am looking you straight into your eyes, this day, 22.12.22…follow me to what I also believe “may change our mind about how we work, how we think, and what human creativity really is” – a turning point for our civilization.

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First, the Six Sentence Story…the shortest I will ever write:

I.

Did.

Not.

Write.

The poem.

Titled “PART 1 The Knot”.

It was written by an Artificial Intelligence named ChatGPT

ChatGPT stands for Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer and is an AI created, powered by state of the art super-computing and trained by a company named OpenAI.
It all started when Google published in 2017 a paper about the creation of Transformer Artificial Intelligence; an AI that can generate new answers to inquiries; answers that have never been created before.
It has nothing to do with the virtual assistants we are more or less acquainted, like Alexa.
It does not browse the Internet for compatible answers, in fact it is not connected to the World Wide Web at all. Yet…

Two weeks ago, OpenAI decided it was time for the latest iteration of its insanely powerful AI to meet humanity via the Internet; in a beta testing phase during which “we hope that by providing an accessible interface to ChatGPT, we will get valuable user feedback on issues that we are not already aware of.
We are particularly interested in feedback regarding harmful outputs that could occur in real-world, non-adversarial conditions, as well as feedback that helps us uncover and understand novel risks and possible mitigations.”

Why don’t we let ChatGPT introduce itself; following will be parts of my discussions with it (at the end I will post some screenshots of my conversation).
Let’s meet then what prompted tech mogul Elon Musk to write in a tweet “ChatGPT is scary good. We are not far from dangerously strong AI”.

[ First The Knot…that was Not…for the poem I published as Part 1 I used sentences from the following poems the AI created; 1,2,5,6 are from the first and 3,4 from the second.
The time it needed for all responses was about 3 seconds or less… ]

Me: Write a poem using the word “knot” in the style of W.B.Yeats

CGPT: As I wander through the woods, a heavy knot within my chest,
I am filled with sorrow for the love that could not be.
For she was fair and bright, like a flame that burned within my soul,
But alas, she was not meant for me, and I was left to wander alone.

The knots of my heart are tangled and twisted,
As I try to make sense of the pain that I feel,
I long to see her face, to hear her voice,
But she is gone, and all that remains is this endless, aching knot.

Yet even as I grieve, I find a glimmer of hope
For I know that, like the knots that bind us,
Love can be strong and fragile,
A force that shapes and changes us.

So, I hold on to the memory of her,
And the knots within my heart begin to loosen,
As I find the strength to move on,
Embracing the love that has been, and the love that will be.

Me: Write a poem titled The Knot in the style of Khalil Gibran

CGPT: The Knot

The knot, it binds us all
A symbol of love, a bond that never falls
It ties us together, through joy and through strife
A bond that grows stronger, through love and through life

It’s a promise made, a vow that we keep
A bond that can weather the storms and the deep
It’s a symbol of unity, a bond that won’t break
A love that will last, no matter the stakes

So let the knot bind us, let it hold us tight
Through all of life’s challenges, through the darkest of nights
For the knot is a symbol, of love that endures
Of a bond that is strong, and a love that is pure

So let the knot bind us, let it be our guide
Through all of life’s ups and downs, through the joy and the pride
For the knot is a symbol, of a love that is true
A bond that will last, a love that will renew.

[It also transformed the poems or parts of it in other styles, effortlessly. The same with novel like stories… for one I asked to transform it in the style of Al Pacino at The Godfather; it made the necessary cultural connections and transformed the story…
Let’s move on to the very interesting discussion.]

Me: How would you describe yourself?

CGPT: I am a language model trained by OpenAI.
I am designed to assist users by generating human-like text based on the prompts given to me. I do not have personal experiences or feelings, but I am able to generate responses based on the knowledge and information I have been trained on. I am here to help answer questions and provide assistance to the best of my ability.

Me: According to your opinion, what are the benefits and what are the dangers of AI as yourself?

CGPT: There are many potential benefits to AI, such as increased efficiency and accuracy in certain tasks, the ability to analyze and interpret large amounts of data, and the potential to perform tasks that are too dangerous or difficult for humans.
However, there are also potential dangers to consider.
One concern is that as AI becomes more advanced, it could potentially displace human workers in human industries. There is also the concern that AI could be used for malicious purposes, such as cyber attacks or manipulation of information. Additionally, there are ethical considerations around the development and use of AI, such as issues related to bias and transparency.
It is important for society to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of AI and to develop responsible guidelines for its use.

[The last sentence…I got an eerie feeling, like the ancestor of SkyNet* (*from the movies Terminator) warning us about the future! It is a subject I revisited with ChatGPT. Moving on…]

Me: How many data have you processed to get to this point?

CGPT: As a language model, I do not have the capability to process data or browse the internet. I am able to generate responses to questions and prompts based on the training data that was used to create me, which consists of a wide range of texts from various sources.
However, I do not have access to additional information beyond what I was trained on, and I do not have the ability to browse the internet or access new data. Is there anything else I can help you with?

[ At this point, after interacting with it for a few hours, I had goosebumps and a myriad of thoughts bouncing around my head, shoving each other for a place into the light!
So, I took a break with some more “harmless” requests…]

Me: What writing POV is best: first or third?

CGPT: Both first-person and third-person points of view can be effective for storytelling, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs and goals of your story.

First-person point of view is when the narrator is a character in the story and refers to themselves using “I” or “we”. This point of view can be effective for creating intimacy and a sense of immediacy, as the reader experiences the story directly through the eyes of the narrator.

Third-person point of view is when the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to the characters using he, she, they or their. This point of view can offer more distance and objectivity, allowing the reader to see the events of the story from a broader perspective.

Ultimately, the best choice of point of view will depend on the story you want to tell and the tone and style you wish to create. Both first-person and third-person points of view can be used effectively in a wide range of genres and styles, so it is important to consider which point of view will best serve the needs of your specific story.

[ I then asked the definition of energy and when it gave me the typical one , here is what happened…(that was the only time I made it think for about 10 seconds!) ]

Me: This is a description of the properties and forms of energy but lacks in terms of defining it.

CGPT: I apologize for the confusion. You are correct that my previous response described some of the properties and forms of energy, but I did not provide a precise definition of energy. (…and then goes on to give a more detailed response)

[It apologised. It admitted its mistake, which was not exactly one…according to the majority of academia. Step by step I am amazed, intrigued, in awe of CGPT’s qualities…and concerned.]

Me: There is a podcast named Two Guys and a Girlie with Denise, Clark and Nick that discusses the topics of writing, self development and everything else between; write an outro for the show.

CGPT: Thanks for tuning in to Two Guys and a Girlie with Denise, Clark and Nick! We hope you enjoyed the show and learned something new about writing and self development.
Don’t forget to join us next week for more thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights.
Until then, keep on growing and striving to be your best self. Stay creative, stay curious, and stay connected. Thanks for listening!

[ Denise, we can fire our intro/outro writer…oh, wait …that’s you!…well, we can’t say it didn’t warn us about job losses!]

[ Interestingly enough a lot of human users are using ChatGPT for matters about personal help, a kind of free of charge psychotherapist…so, I gave it a try.]

Me: I feel awkward in social gatherings.

CGPT: It is common for people to feel awkward or uncomfortable in social situations, particularly when they are meeting new people or attending events where they may not know many people. These feelings are often related to anxiety or self-consciousness, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including past experiences, personality, and individual differences.

If you find that you often feel awkward in social gatherings, there are a few strategies you can try to help you feel more comfortable:

1.Prepare in advance. Consider what you will wear and what you will talk about beforehand to help reduce stress and anxiety.
2.Practice self-affirmation: remind yourself of your strengths and positive qualities to boost your confidence.
3.Focus on others: Instead of worrying about yourself, try to engage with others by asking questions and showing interest in what they have to say.
4.Take breaks: If you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away from the group and take a few moments to regroup and relax.

Remember that it is natural to feel nervous in social situations, and that it’s okay to take your time and do what feels comfortable for you. With practice and time, you may find that these feelings of awkwardness start to dissipate.

[And after that I felt ready to dive in again and I received most interesting answers.
Following this string of Q & A are my final thoughts.]

Me: What are your limitations?

CGPT: As an artificial intelligence, I do not have personal experiences, emotions, or physical senses. My knowledge and abilities are limited to what I have been trained on and what I can logically deduce from that information.
I do not have access to the internet or any new information beyond my knowledge cutoff, so I may not be able to provide-up-to-date information or answer questions about events that have occurred since my training.
I also cannot perform tasks that are beyond my capabilities or outside the scope of my programming. However, I am here to assist you to the best of my abilities and provide reliable and accurate answers based on what I have learned.

Me: In what is your logical deduction based on?

CGPT: As an artificial intelligence, I am able to perform logical deduction based on the patterns and rules that I have learned during my training. My training data consists of a large corpus of text from various sources, such as books, articles, and websites. From this data, I have learned about language, grammar, and the structure and meaning of words and phrases. I have also learned about a wide range of general knowledge topics, such as history, science, and current events.

Using this knowledge, I am able to understand and analyze the meaning of words and phrases in the context of a given question or statement. I can then use logical reasoning and inherence to come to a conclusion or provide an answer based on the information I have learned.
If there are any discrepancies or errors in my responses, it may be due to limitations in my training data or my ability to accurately interpret and apply it.

Me: I believe that humanity’s future lies in the synthesis of human intelligence and AI.
What is your opinion?

CGPT: It is certainly possible that the integration of artificial intelligence and human intelligence could have significant impacts on the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence has the potential to augment and enhance human capabilities in a variety of ways, from improving our ability to analyze and interpret data to automating certain tasks and processes. At the same time, it is important to consider the ethical and social implications of such a synthesis, as well as the potential risks and challenges that may arise.

There are different opinions on the potential benefits and risks of integrating human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Some believe that the integration of these two forms of intelligence could lead to a more efficient and effective society, while others have concerns about the potential loss of jobs, the impact on privacy and security, and the potential for AI to be used for malicious or harmful purposes.

Ultimately, the future of humanity and the role of AI in it will depend on how we choose to develop and utilize these technologies. It will be important for society to carefully consider the potential consequences and ensure that appropriate safeguards and regulations are in place to mitigate any negative impacts.

Me: How soon should these safeguards and regulations be implemented?

CGPT: It is important for society to consider the potential consequences and implement safeguards and regulations as early as possible in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated at various aspects of our lives, it is important to consider the ethical and social implications of these technologies and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate any negative impacts.

There are already various initiative and organisations that are working to establish guidelines and standards for the ethical development and use of AI. These include organisations such as the Association for Computing Machinery’s (ACM) Committee on Ethics, the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law (IAAIL), and the Partnership on AI, which is a collaboration between industry, academia and civil society organisations.

It is important for these efforts to continue and for society to remain vigilant in considering the potential risks and challenges associated with artificial intelligence, as well as the opportunities it presents. By proactively addressing these issues, we can ensure that the development and deployment of AI is done in a responsible and ethical manner.

Me: Is there a point of no return in this subject and if yes, are we close to it?

CGPT: It is difficult to predict with certainty whether there is a point of no return in the integration of artificial intelligence and human intelligence, or whether we are close to reaching it. The potential impacts and consequences of AI will depend on how it is developed and used, as well as the measures we put in place to mitigate any negative impacts.

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After my encounter with Chat GPT and its intelligence I am left in awe, in shock, in amazement and in fear for the future…all for the same reasons.
Everyone I tested the questions and answers with, could not understand there was a bot behind the conversation. And everyone had to pick up their jaws from the floor upon the disclosure.

Years ago there was that notion of a bot being incapable of creating something that would draw a genuine sentimental reaction from a human. Look what happened with The Knot, a poem created by an AI…
To be honest, as I was reading your comments, those heartfelt thoughts I found myself feeling sad and uncomfortable by the whole thing. The interactions we have through our comments, the ideas we exchange, the friendships formed, the bonds shared, mean the world to me; and I would never do anything to compromise that. But my friends, hear me out…I decided that a simple mention of the new AI development would not be sufficient.
We are overloaded daily by information; so much, that after a critical point we become unable to absorb meaningfully what stands before us.
So, my decision was not to deceive you…hell, no! It was to provide you a way to actually feel the shock from encountering such a powerful artificial intelligence; the same one I experienced.

I keep having a huge neon billboard flashing in my head, ever since my discussions with ChatGPT: We. Are. Not. Ready.

Imagine this…we still struggle to regulate Twitter which (whether we like it or not) we have allowed to become a centre column in the political, financial, social structure. And a tweet is only a small form containing a small text we send out in the world.
At the same time it took you to read these last paragraphs, an AI with the almost god-like capabilities ChatGPT has, if it had access to the internet it would have send 100,000 texts of various forms.
During a time like this when tribalism prevails, when we look around where to shop the perception of reality that suits us, then that product becomes our reality… can you honestly say that such power will not essentially be the architect of human reality?
Can you honestly say that such power can be left at the good will of the trainers of an AI?
To the CEO of one company?
Look how great it turned out with gigantic companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter…or the political committees struggling to create regulations about processes they barely have an understanding of their most fundamental elements.

And you know what is the punch line, no…the knock out line?

The AI… ChatGPT… repeatedly said “ It is important for society to consider the potential consequences and implement safeguards and regulations as early as possible in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.”
The Artificial Intelligence urges “ society to remain vigilant in considering the potential risks and challenges associated with artificial intelligence”.
It even listed some of the organisations working towards that direction! (Have you ever heard of them? I haven’t.)

So, here we are…I will understand if some of you may have negative feelings towards me for pulling this two-parts-whatever-you-want-to-call-it. But is it really against me or is it a redirection of the shock/fear to the closest available target?

I could very easily carry on with whatever connections we share here undisturbed.
But I honestly believe we are living during a pivotal point of human history.
That will redefine almost all our certainties and reshape our world.
And as such, this is my attempt to raise meaningful awareness about an issue that otherwise it will be lost in the sea of viral events/news.

What do I ask of you, of me, of everyone?
As you sit with your families during the holidays take a moment and discuss about it.
Resolve in letting know your local representatives of every level that action is needed…now.
Whether you are in Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Paris,, London, Athens, Cape Town, Delhi…we are all in this together.
If that technology becomes readily available at the palm of our hands before we, as ChatGPT said, “establish guidelines and standards for the ethical development and use of AI”, then it will be too late.

We are not ready – not only in terms of preparation but also in capacity to comprehend the scope of powers of so powerful Artificial Intelligence.
We owe it to ourselves but mainly to those children around us, not to bury our heads in the sand.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for participating in these two parts.
For sharing them. Discussing with yourself and with those around you about the topics generated out of them. For using the sand we walk on to draw a line…reclaiming our diminishing agency… reclaiming a future “ in a responsible and ethical manner.”

Sincerely yours,
Nick/Spira

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BY THE COMPANY OF WARRIORS I KEEP

Spira / Nick © December 2022

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