Talking To Robots

You Don't Really Know Me, ChatGPT

image generated using Bing Image Creating

I don't like talking to robots (I don’t use Siri or similar things for that reason); to me, it's “a bridge too far” (too science-fictiony for me). I don't even like the automated voices you get when you call a business. In fact, I don’t even like talking on the phone to humans: I vastly prefer speaking with them in person, where I can see them — their expressions, especially as exhibited through their eyes (the windows to the soul, or heart), their body language; and, when appropriate, touch them.

However (yes, there’s almost always a “however”), I read an article in the NYT this morning about AI which recommended asking ChatGPT this question:

Based on everything you know about me, draw a picture of what you think my current life looks like

I first entered that prompt into Bing Image Creator, which came up with some “punts” or out-and-out bizarrities, such as:

I then entered that same prompt (Based on everything you know about me, draw a picture of what you think my current life looks like) into ChatGPT, and it threw up its metallic arms and basically redirected the question back to me:

I don’t have a complete picture of your life yet, but if you want to give me a bit more to go on, I’d love to take a shot at imagining something that reflects your current vibe or where you’re at! What are you focused on right now? What’s your day-to-day like?

So I responded:

I spend a lot of time with 1st and 2nd grade kids, keeping them safe physically and emotionally on the playground. I am a 66-year-old Scottish-American man. I play the bass guitar and write substack articles, especially on historical events. I like walking around in Garrapata State Park.

...and ChatGPT surmised the following about me:

Thanks for sharing all that! Based on what you’ve described, I’m picturing something like this:

A warm, sun-dappled playground scene, with you standing nearby, keeping a watchful yet relaxed eye on a group of 1st and 2nd graders. You’re at ease, maybe with a calm smile, ready to jump into action if needed but also allowing them space to play and learn. The kids are laughing and running around, some in a game of tag, others huddled up talking.

In the background, there’s a path leading to a view of Garrapata State Park—rolling hills and coastline, maybe with a few birds soaring above. You might be there later, taking a peaceful walk, the wind gently brushing against you, clearing your mind.

Off to one side, there’s a cozy corner with a bass guitar leaning against a chair and a laptop open, with a page from one of your Substack articles on historical events visible on the screen. Maybe you’re working on your next piece or reflecting on your recent walks to put the day into words.

You strike me as someone who enjoys connecting with others, whether it’s guiding kids in a positive direction or diving deep into history. The peaceful and reflective moments balance nicely with your active role on the playground, creating a fulfilling rhythm in your life. Does that feel close to your experience?

Not bad, robot, but I told you most of that. I especially like and agree with these parts:

you standing nearby, keeping a watchful yet relaxed eye on a group of 1st and 2nd graders. You’re at ease, maybe with a calm smile, ready to jump into action if needed but also allowing them space to play and learn. ... someone who enjoys connecting with others, whether it’s guiding kids in a positive direction

“Inspired” by the first images, I tried this prompt into Bing Image Creator: “clay shannon guarding 1st and 2nd grade kids on a playground” and got a couple of rather macabre images. One turned me into a tree:

…and the other a giant (and/or made the kids puny). Shades of Gulliver’s Travels!:

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