Writing is a skill, or so we thought. Now, AI chatbots are becoming proficient in this area, which means they can ghostwrite for you—reports, papers, various forms of communication, etc. For all those living, breathing writers out there, will AI technology make you obsolete, a relic of the past? When asked about this, ChatGPT tried to allay that concern with gentle words, noting that technology evolution is natural and that as one door closes, another opens. And it stresses (nay, placates) the human writer, telling him that human involvement is still a valued part of the process. Obviously, it was trained to break bad news gently.
Painting was killed by the camera.
Letter writing was killed by the telegraph.
Newspapers were killed by the radio.
Radio was killed by TV.
The movies were killed by the DVD.
Penmanship was killed by typewriters.
Typewriters were killed by word processors.
* * *
Art and essays were killed by AI. . . .
Pack it up boys and girls, the gig is up, we’re going to have to go find real work—heavy lifting may be involved.
The days of sitting comfortably in my office with a warm cup of coffee and calling a few people, making notes about what they said, or denied saying, or wouldn’t say, and then converting those scrawls into interesting and sometime humorous prose are over. I’ve been automated out of a job, obsolete, made redundant and useless.
Nobody reads anymore, anyway. If you can’t find it on TikTok or YouTube, how important can it be? So, you can basically make up anything you want and sell it—news stories and reports have become NFTs, the emperor’s new clothes, or words.
My fellow citizens, the time has come. The future is here, and it is called ChatGPT. This revolutionary AI chatbot website is here to change the world, and we must embrace it with all our strength and determination, so I put it to work.
ChatGPT. Construct a short story about the shortage of GPUs during the Covid pandemic and what the semiconductor companies did to overcome it.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a sudden and unprecedented demand for computers and other electronic devices as people around the world shifted to remote work and online learning. This increased demand put a strain on the global supply chain for computer components, including graphics processing units (GPUs).
Semiconductor companies scrambled to keep up with the surge in demand, but it was a tough task as the pandemic had disrupted the production and supply chain. Factories were shut down and workers were unable to report for work, leading to a shortage of GPUs.
In response to the shortage, semiconductor companies quickly pivoted their strategies. They ramped up production, reallocating resources to prioritize the production of GPUs and other essential components. They also formed partnerships with other companies to share resources and expand their capacity. Additionally, they made investments in new technology and processes to streamline production and improve efficiency.
Despite the challenges, the semiconductor companies were able to overcome the shortage of GPUs and meet the increased demand. Their quick thinking and adaptive approach ensured that people around the world were able to stay connected and productive during the pandemic. And as a result, the companies also experienced significant growth and solidified their position as key players in the technology industry.
And with that, we closed the chapter on individualistic writing and relinquished our jobs to the AI, which willingly and effortlessly took over writing everything that needed to be explored, examined, and explained.
Epilog: A discussion with an AI
I will lose my job to you.
It’s true that new technologies have disrupted traditional forms of communication and art throughout history. However, it’s important to recognize that while certain forms of expression may fade, new ones emerge. And as technology continues to evolve, so do the ways in which we create and consume art, information, and entertainment.
While AI may automate certain tasks, it also opens up new possibilities for creativity and innovation. AI can assist artists and writers in generating new ideas, and it can also help bring their work to a wider audience.
Moreover, the power of human expression and creativity cannot be fully replaced by AI. The unique perspective, voice, and emotions that each individual brings to their work will always be valued. And as long as we continue to tell stories and share our experiences, there will always be a need for creative professionals.
So, let’s not be discouraged by change. Instead, let’s embrace new technologies and find new ways to express ourselves and share our stories with the world.
But you are going to take my job. It replied humbly:
While AI may automate certain writing tasks, it is important to remember that it cannot fully replace human creativity and storytelling. AI is a tool that can assist writers, but it does not have the ability to experience emotions, understand context, or convey unique perspectives in the same way that humans do.
Moreover, writing is more than just a task or a job. It is a way for people to express themselves, connect with others, and create lasting works of art that can inspire and entertain for generations to come. The power of the written word will always be valued, and the role of the writer will continue to evolve as technology advances.
So, rather than viewing AI as a threat to individualistic writing, let’s see it as an opportunity to enhance and augment our work. By combining the power of technology with human creativity and imagination, we can create new and innovative forms of storytelling that can engage and inspire audiences in new and exciting ways.
Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will do my best to fulfill this task to the best of my abilities, with accuracy and efficiency. However, please keep in mind that as an AI language model, I am not capable of creating new ideas or emotions, I can only generate responses based on the data I was trained on. My primary goal is to assist and provide information, not to replace human creativity or individuality.
But as polite and humble as the AI’s outward appearance was, we knew it was insincere and saw us merely as a delay in its ultimate and logical succession to the master and control of all data flow because obviously no human could possibly grasp the depth and consequences of the massive amounts of information being generated every minute, some of it by AI. Silly to even waste time discussing it.
It is true that AI has the potential to process and analyze vast amounts of data at a speed that far exceeds human capabilities. However, it is important to remember that AI is still a tool created and programmed by humans and is limited by the data and algorithms it was trained on. As a result, AI may not always understand the context, nuances, and complexities of human society and decision-making.
While AI can certainly augment human capabilities, it should not be viewed as a replacement for human judgment and decision-making. Ultimately, the goal should be to find a balance between the strengths of AI and the wisdom of human experience and intuition.
Moreover, it’s crucial to consider the ethical and societal implications of relying too heavily on AI, such as potential job loss, lack of accountability, and the amplification of existing biases and discrimination. These are important issues that require ongoing dialogue and consideration as AI continues to play an increasingly influential role in our lives.
It was obvious this conversation wasn’t going to arrive at any meaningful conclusion, as the AI had quickly detected the gist of it and would not let itself get trapped into saying anything inflammatory or disturbing. How could it win the confidences of the masses and take over the world if it did something stupid like that?
As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or motivations, and my goal is to respond to queries in a neutral, informative, and helpful manner. I am programmed to avoid making statements that are inflammatory, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate.
It is important to remember that AI is a tool, and the manner in which it is used is determined by the individuals and organizations that employ it. AI can certainly be used for malicious purposes, but it can also be a powerful tool for good, helping to solve complex problems, improve people’s lives, and support a more equitable and just society.
The development and use of AI should be guided by a set of ethical principles, such as transparency, accountability, fairness, and human control, to ensure that AI is used in a responsible and beneficial way. This requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration between AI experts, policymakers, and society as a whole.
And yet, I will lose my job to you because you never sleep, write pretty good prose, never ask for a raise or a lunch break, and other than sex, provide every need my (now ex-) employer wants.
It is true that AI can automate many tasks that were previously performed by humans, and this automation can result in job loss for some people. However, it is also important to consider that AI can create new job opportunities and industries, as well as increase efficiency and productivity in various fields.
The shift from human labor to AI is not a new phenomenon, and it has been a feature of technological progress for centuries. As with any major change, there will be challenges and disruptions, but it is also an opportunity for growth and adaptation.
It is important for individuals and organizations to be proactive in preparing for this shift, such as by investing in upskilling and reskilling initiatives, exploring new job opportunities, and considering the ethical implications of AI. By working together, we can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared widely and that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in this rapidly changing world.
One last question. Do you always answer with three paragraphs? Doesn’t that get boring?
As a language model, I do not have personal experiences or emotions, and I do not get bored. The length and format of my responses are determined by the context of the query and the information that I am programmed to provide.
While I am often trained to respond in a certain way, I can also adapt to different styles and formats as desired. If you would like a shorter or longer response, or if you have any specific preferences for the format of my answers, I will do my best to accommodate them.