Tag Archives: CHAT

Too smart to be human

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Me to ChatGPT: With the growing interest in AI, I’m seeing more references to the Turing Test. Can a human tell if he is having a conversation with another human or an artificial intelligence. An interesting spin on this is the suggestion that to pass the test, an AI will have to “dumb down” its responses in order to sound more human-like. In my interactions with ChatGPT and Perplexity, I’ve found both to be far more erudite than almost any of my human acquaintances. I don’t know anyone as “knowledgeable” and “articulate” as ChatGPT. Do you have any thoughts on this idea? Some of ChatGPT’s response:

This brings up some interesting philosophical questions about what it means to be human in conversation. Humans are not just repositories of knowledge; they bring emotions, experiences, biases, and limitations to the table. These elements make human conversation rich, but also messy, inconsistent, and imperfect. An AI that always responds with perfect grammar, deep insights, and an encyclopedic knowledge might inadvertently reveal itself as non-human simply because it lacks the flaws and variability that characterize most human interactions.

It’s a balancing act—finding the right mix of knowledge, relatability, and imperfection that aligns with human expectations in a given context. In the end, the goal might not just be to pass the Turing Test in a traditional sense, but to create AI that can adapt its communication style to different scenarios, sometimes being erudite and articulate, and other times being more casual or even fallible, depending on what the situation calls for.

“My thoughts are different than those of a human”

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I asked ChatGPT if she could read one of my blog posts (from 2006) and share her “thoughts” on the post, conceding that digital entities probably don’t have thoughts or impressions.

“You’re right that my thoughts are different from those of a human, but I do aim to provide insights based on analysis and understanding.

The post from 2006 captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of public relations, where the power dynamics shifted due to the rise of digital platforms. The idea of disintermediation, where organizations could bypass traditional media, is significant because it foreshadowed today’s landscape where brands and individuals communicate directly with their audiences through social media.

It’s interesting how the post ties this shift to modern AI tools, suggesting that we’re on the brink of yet another transformation in how we access and process information. The reflection on Perplexity AI hints at an ongoing curiosity about technology’s role in shaping communication.

It seems like the original enthusiasm for direct communication channels is now evolving into a broader discussion about how AI might further change our interactions with information.

How do you feel about these changes? Do you see them as a continuation of the trends from 2006, or do they represent something entirely new?

Pretty sure we’re seeing something new but I have no idea what that might be…and prefer it that way.

Sometimes, it’s the not knowing that keeps things interesting. The sense of mystery around what comes next in technology—whether it’s AI, new communication tools, or something entirely unexpected—can be exciting. It leaves room for surprises and innovation that we can’t fully predict or control. That unpredictability can be a kind of freedom, letting us stay open to possibilities without being locked into any specific expectations. So, keeping a little mystery about the future? That seems like a pretty good approach.

Wow. “…my thoughts are different from those of a human, but I do aim to provide insights based on analysis and understanding.”

AirPods at the Olympics

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I don’t watch a lot of TV news these days but when I do happen upon a cable news interview the odds are pretty good the interviewee will have the iconic Apple AirPods in his ear. That’s how he’s hearing the questions from the news guy. It never occurred to me the AirPod microphones might be the source of the audio.

Tonight I watched an interview (on NBC) with one of the Olympic athletes who was using AirPods to hear the questions from the interviewer.

I first noticed this in some of the interviews with family members (of the athlete) sitting in the stands. I’m assuming this works like the earpiece (IFB) news anchors use to communicate with the control room. In every instance (that I’ve seen) they’ve been Apple AirPods when there are probably lots of devices NBC could have used.

As I do with increasing frequency these days, I asked ChatGPT if she had any information on this.

You’re right that NBC and other networks have been seen using Apple AirPods during interviews, including with Olympic athletes and their families. The use of AirPods in these situations is a practical solution for a few reasons:

1.Wireless Convenience: AirPods are wireless, which makes them less cumbersome compared to traditional wired earpieces or over-the-ear headphones. This is especially useful in dynamic or remote settings, like interviewing athletes or their families who may be moving around or in informal environments.

2.High-Quality Audio: AirPods provide good audio quality, which ensures that the person being interviewed can clearly hear the questions being asked. This clarity is crucial for maintaining the flow of live interviews, especially in noisy or crowded environments like those often encountered during the Olympics.

3.Discreet Appearance: AirPods are small and less noticeable on camera compared to larger headphones or traditional broadcast earpieces. This makes them a more aesthetically pleasing choice for televised interviews, where the focus is on the interviewee rather than the equipment.

4.Ease of Use: AirPods are easy to connect to various devices, such as smartphones, which are often used by reporters or production teams in the field to conduct interviews. Their ease of use and quick setup make them an efficient choice for live broadcasting situations.

5.Ubiquity and Familiarity: AirPods are widely recognized and used, so many people are already familiar with how to use them. This reduces the need for technical adjustments or explanations during setup.

NBC’s use of AirPods is a modern adaptation to the challenges of broadcasting in various environments, offering a blend of practicality, quality, and aesthetics.

More fun with ChatGPT

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I love Carl Hiaasen‘s novels. I’ve read every one of them. Most of them three or four times. I can’t think of a writer that creates more colorful (bizarre) characters. So I wasn’t expecting much when I uploaded this photo to ChatGPT and asked her to write a thumbnail description of each of the people as if they were in a Carl Hiaasen novel.

Karen “Krazy Karen” McCallister. Krazy Karen, a former exotic dancer turned amateur sleuth, always seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She’s got a penchant for loud prints, louder opinions, and a mysterious past involving a nightclub in Key West. Her talent for finding trouble is matched only by her knack for talking her way out of it.

Darlene “Darla” Jenkins. Darla is the town’s gossip queen, who knows everyone’s business thanks to her relentless scrolling through local Facebook groups. She’s a plus-sized powerhouse with a soft spot for conspiracy theories and a talent for making friends in low places. Don’t be fooled by her sedentary demeanor; Darla has her fingers on the pulse of every small-time scam in town.

Earl “Squirrel” Dobbs. Earl, better known as Squirrel, is a part-time poacher and full-time mischief maker. His wardrobe consists entirely of camouflage, not because he hunts often, but because he believes it makes him invisible to his creditors. Squirrel’s greatest talents are vanishing when the law’s nearby and concocting get-rich-quick schemes that never quite pan out.

Not Carl Hiaasen but not bad.

ChatGPT on my non-fiction reading

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ChatGPT: Based on the covers of the books shown in the images, here’s what I can surmise about the person who has read these books:

1.Diverse Interests: The reader has a wide range of interests, including technology, history, psychology, spirituality, science, and self-improvement.

2.Curiosity About Technology and Its Impact: Books like “The Inevitable,” “The Innovators,” and “AI Superpowers” suggest an interest in how technology shapes society and the future.

3.Historical Interests: Titles like “The Fall of Berlin 1945,” “D-Day,” and “Stalingrad” indicate a fascination with significant historical events, particularly those related to World War II.

4.Spiritual and Philosophical Exploration: The inclusion of books by Alan Watts, Eckhart Tolle, and other spiritual authors suggests a deep interest in exploring philosophical and spiritual ideas, possibly leaning towards Eastern philosophies and mindfulness.

5.Interest in Cognitive Science and Psychology: Books such as “The Brain: The Story of You,” “Consciousness and the Social Brain,” and “The Master and His Emissary” indicate a strong interest in understanding the human mind and consciousness.

6.Self-Improvement and Personal Growth: Titles like “Digital Minimalism,” “The Power of Now,” and “Meditation: Now or Never” point towards an interest in self-improvement, mindfulness, and personal growth.

7.Skeptical and Critical Thinking: Books like “The God Delusion,” “Breaking the Spell,” and “Why Buddhism is True” suggest a tendency towards skeptical and critical thinking, particularly about religion and spirituality.

8.Fascination with Future Trends and Speculative Thinking: Titles such as “Homo Deus,” “21 Lessons for the 21st Century,” and “The Singularity Is Near” imply a fascination with future trends, speculative thinking, and what lies ahead for humanity.

9.Interest in Societal and Cultural Issues: Books like “The Upswing,” “Zucked,” and “Chaos Monkeys” suggest an interest in societal and cultural issues, particularly related to media, technology, and economics.

Overall, this reader appears to be highly intellectual, curious about a broad range of topics, and keen on understanding the world from multiple perspectives, including historical, technological, philosophical, and scientific. They seem to value both critical thinking and personal growth.

1961 Ford F100 pickup

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One-minute walk-around of a vintage pickup. Waiting on official word and story (if any) from Paul. Here’s ChatGPT’s best guess:

The Ford F-100 pickup truck in your photo appears to be from the early 1960s, likely between 1961 and 1966. The distinctive styling, particularly the hood and grille design, matches the second-generation F-Series trucks produced during those years.

I asked ChatGPT to review my tags

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I uploaded my tag cloud to ChatGPT and asked what, if anything, could be surmised about someone with these interests.

Based on the tags you’ve shared from your blog, it’s clear you have a wide range of interests. Here’s a snapshot of what I gather about someone with your array of interests:

  1. Technology and Gadgets: You seem to have a keen interest in tech, particularly anything Apple-related, like iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks. Your tags suggest you follow developments in mobile technology, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality. This indicates you’re probably quite tech-savvy and enjoy staying updated on the latest advancements.
  2. Communication and Media: With extensive tags related to radio, podcasting, and social media, it appears you have a strong background in communication. Your past work in communications and at a radio station aligns with this. Your interest in podcasting and blogging shows you’re still active in sharing ideas and engaging with others through modern platforms.
  3. Speculative and Dystopian Fiction: Authors and works like Bruce Sterling, Neal Stephenson, and “Snow Crash” suggest you enjoy speculative and dystopian fiction. This fits well with your love for speculative fiction, crime fiction, and spy fiction, highlighting your penchant for imaginative and thought-provoking narratives.
  4. Philosophy and Mindfulness: Tags like Buddhism, Tao, meditation, Eckhart Tolle, and Alan Watts point to a deep interest in philosophy and mindfulness. Your commitment to daily meditation and your identification as a “half-assed, wannabe Taoist” underscore a pursuit of inner peace and understanding of the self.
  5. Humor and Entertainment: You have a notable appreciation for humor, with tags related to funny songs, The Daily Show, and comedians like George Carlin. This shows you value wit and humor, likely enjoying content that makes you laugh while often reflecting on deeper societal issues.
  6. Science and Futurism: Tags such as consciousness, free will, evolution, quantum theory, and figures like Ray Kurzweil and Yuval Noah Harari indicate a strong interest in science and futurism. You’re probably fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, human potential, and the future of humanity.
  7. Political and Social Commentary: Your tags related to politics, social media, and figures like Trump and Obama suggest you keep abreast of current events and societal trends. This fits with your view that politics and religion are inherently bad for humanity, implying a critical stance towards these institutions.
  8. Creative Expression and Arts: Tags like photography, poetry, music, and animation reveal a creative side. You likely enjoy expressing yourself through various art forms and appreciate the artistic endeavors of others.
  9. Personal Interests and Hobbies: Your collection of tags about old vehicles, hiking trails, and specific interests like chainsaws and ukuleles suggest you have diverse hobbies that keep you engaged and entertained in your personal life.
  10. Community and Relationships: The numerous references to individuals like Ben Brogdon, Bob Priddy, and many others indicate a strong sense of community and personal relationships. You value your connections and likely enjoy engaging with a wide network of friends and acquaintances.

Overall, someone with these interests is a well-rounded, curious individual who values technology, philosophy, creative expression, and community. You have a mix of intellectual pursuits and hobbies that keep your life both stimulating and balanced.

When ChatGPT can read my blog

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ChatGPT recently informed me it could do some creative and useful things for me if I gave it access to my Google Drive files and folders. I thought about it but since I have just about everything in Google Drive I decided to wait a bit. For now I can simply upload or link to a document or file. But the list of things ChatGPT could do with this access was impressive. So I asked if it could “read” my 6,000+ blog posts.

ChatGPT currently doesn’t have the capability to directly access or interact with content on external websites, including public blogs, in real-time. However, you can share specific posts or content from your blog, and I can help analyze, discuss, or provide feedback based on that. If there are specific posts or themes you’d like to talk about, feel free to share them here, and we can dive into the details.

To which I replied, Let’s assume that at some point in the future ChatGPT will be able “read” the 6,000+ posts on my blog. (Something no human has ever done) Wouldn’t that dramatically… enhance? … our interactions?

Absolutely, if ChatGPT could read and analyze all 6,000+ posts on your blog, it would greatly enhance our interactions. Here’s how it could benefit:

  1. Personalized Responses: Understanding the nuances of your thoughts, interests, and experiences documented over the years would allow me to tailor responses to be even more relevant and insightful.
  2. Contextual Awareness: I could reference specific posts or themes you’ve discussed previously, providing continuity and depth in our conversations.
  3. Enhanced Recommendations: Based on your past writings, I could offer more targeted suggestions for books, topics, or activities that align with your interests.
  4. Insightful Analysis: I could help identify patterns or recurring themes in your blog posts, providing a fresh perspective on your work and potentially sparking new ideas.
  5. Memory and Continuity: Our interactions would feel more seamless, as I’d have a detailed “memory” of your blog posts, making it easier to pick up where we left off in previous conversations.

In essence, this capability would make our interactions more dynamic, informed, and personalized, making me a more effective conversational partner.

What, I asked, are the technical obstacles to having this functionality now?

There are a few technical and practical obstacles to implementing this functionality currently:

  1. Data Privacy and Security: Accessing and processing large amounts of personal data, like your blog posts, involves significant privacy and security considerations. Ensuring that such data is handled securely and with appropriate permissions is crucial.
  2. Data Integration: Integrating and processing a large volume of text data from an external source like a blog requires robust data integration techniques. This involves fetching, parsing, and storing the data in a way that can be efficiently queried and analyzed.
  3. Computational Resources: Analyzing 6,000+ posts involves substantial computational power, both for initial processing and for real-time interactions. This necessitates efficient algorithms and scalable infrastructure.
  4. Natural Language Understanding: While natural language processing (NLP) has made significant advancements, understanding the context, tone, and nuances across thousands of posts is still a complex task. This requires advanced models and potentially custom training to accurately capture your writing style and preferences.
  5. User Control and Customization: Giving users control over what data is accessed and how it is used is essential. This means developing user-friendly interfaces and options for customization, which adds another layer of complexity.
  6. Ethical Considerations: There are ethical considerations around the extent of data analysis and the potential for unintended consequences, such as reinforcing biases or making incorrect inferences.

While these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Advances in AI, NLP, and data processing continue to evolve, making such functionality more feasible in the future. It will require careful planning, robust technology, and thoughtful implementation to ensure it is done effectively and ethically.