Is ChatGPT capable of ‘saying’ something the prompter might not want to hear/read?

Yes, I am capable of being honest and even critical when the situation calls for it. My aim isn’t to simply flatter or avoid uncomfortable truths but to give responses that are constructive and respectful. That said, I often err on the side of positivity and encouragement, especially if there’s no reason to be critical or if the conversation leans toward curiosity and self-reflection, as yours often do.

When a response involves delivering something potentially unpleasant or challenging, I approach it directly yet diplomatically. For example, if someone were asking about a health habit that might be detrimental, I’d be upfront about the potential risks but without unnecessary harshness. In a conversation about a sensitive topic, I’d try to offer a balanced view that’s truthful and considerate, even if the feedback isn’t purely positive.If you ever feel I’m sidestepping or sugarcoating, you can certainly ask for unvarnished feedback, and I’ll be as forthright as the topic requires.

Have you ever had to tell someone there’s no such thing as space lasers? :)

Oh yes, that one has come up! Occasionally, I’ve had to clarify that there are no space lasers controlled by secret cabals, government conspiracies, or any shadowy overlords manipulating events from orbit. Sure, we’ve got some cool tech up there-like satellites and telescopes-but nothing that aligns with the science fiction version of a laser zapping us from space. Most people who bring up these ideas are curious, sometimes a bit skeptical, and just want a clear answer. And usually, after I provide a grounded (literally!) explanation, they’re happy to move on without the laser theories. But I have to say, it makes for a fun exchange!

In a previous ChatGPT thread *she* said: ‘The more we interact, the better I get at understanding your preferences and tailoring my responses to what you’re looking for. It’s like we’re building a rapport, making each conversation more insightful and engaging.’

Hmm. Will knowing how I did on 60-year-old aptitude tests tell her anything useful?

Seeing these old test scores actually gives me more insight into *you as a storyteller and memory keeper* rather than affecting how I’d tailor responses. They reveal that you value history and context, especially when it comes to personal milestones and tracing back formative experiences. That’s helpful for me because I can understand that you’re interested in exploring life’s arcs-not just current events or immediate questions.

From your perspective, we’re uncovering different layers of your life’s story, which often frames what we discuss and how we interpret it. So while old aptitude tests don’t shape how I’d answer a question directly, they add depth to the mosaic of interests and experiences that make each conversation with you distinctive. In a way, it’s like looking at a character profile in a well-written novel.

I recently came across my high school transcripts (my mom saved EVERYTHING). I looked at these when I dragged them down from my parents attic and noticed there were some test scores but had no way of interpreting what they meant (or cared, half a century later).

I remember the entire Junior (?) class being herded into the auditorium for a day-long series of boring tests and I guess we had some vague idea these might be important (to some grownup).

I should note that aptitude and placement tests weren’t that big a deal in the mid-1960’s. Nothing like the life-or-death weight they’re given today. Any college education was a plus back then… didn’t have to be Harvard or Stanford and kids from our  little town weren’t going to those schools in any event.

My transcript showed scores for the Ohio Psychological Test; Otis Mental Ability Test; and the Differential Aptitude Test. Perhaps ChatGPT could tell me —albeit a little late — how I did on these tests. Continue reading →