An Interview with ChatGPT

ChatGPT or writing via A.I. is all the rage right now. You see it in the news, in social media and magazine articles. But what is it? ChatGPT is short for Chat Generative Pre-training Transformer. Now that is a mouthful and not super helpful. So, let’s look at what it is? To do this, I went to the source. That’s right. I interviewed ChatGPT.
 
Q: Hello Chat, I’m Dana, do I just call you Chat?
 A: Hello Dana! Of course, you can call me Chat if that’s easier for you. How can I assist you today?
 
Q: Please, tell me about yourself.
A: Sure, I’d be happy to tell you more about myself!
I’m ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. I was trained on a vast amount of text data using deep learning algorithms, which enable me to understand natural language and generate human-like responses to a wide range of questions and requests.

My training data consists of various sources such as books, articles, and websites, covering a wide range of topics, including science, technology, history, arts, and more. This allows me to provide accurate and informative responses to a broad range of inquiries.

I’m constantly learning and updating my knowledge as I interact with users, so I can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. I can help with various tasks, from providing definitions to answering complex questions or even just having a casual conversation.

Hmmmm, does the line “…and generate human-like responses..., remind anyone else of Data from Star Trek the Next Generation? So, I went on with my interview and asked…

Q: What are the advantages of using you?
A: As an AI language model, there are several advantages to using me:

1. Quick access to information: With my vast knowledge base and quick response time, I can provide you with accurate and relevant information in a matter of seconds.
2. 24/7 availability: I’m available 24/7, so you can ask me anything at any time, without having to worry about time zones or business hours.
3. Objectivity: As an AI language model, I’m programmed to be objective and unbiased in my responses, which means you can trust that the information I provide is based on facts and not influenced by personal biases.
4. Personalization: I can personalize my responses based on your specific needs and preferences. This means that you can get tailored recommendations or advice based on your unique circumstances.
5. Privacy: When you use me, you can be assured that your privacy is protected. I don’t store any personal information and all your interactions with me are kept confidential.

Overall, using me can save you time, provide you with accurate and objective information, and offer personalized support based on your needs.

Q: Do you have any disadvantages?
 A: As with any technology, there are potential disadvantages to using an AI language model like me. Here are a few:

1. Lack of empathy: While I can provide factual information and personalized responses, I don’t have emotions or empathy like a human does. So if you need emotional support or someone to talk to, I might not be the best option.
2. Limited context understanding: While I’m designed to understand natural language and can provide accurate information, my understanding of context can sometimes be limited. This means that in some cases, I may not fully understand the nuances of a question or topic.
3. Potential for errors: Although I’m programmed to be accurate, there is always a chance for errors, especially when dealing with complex or ambiguous questions. It’s important to keep this in mind and verify information from other sources when necessary.
4. Language barriers: Although I can communicate in multiple languages, my abilities can be limited by my training data. This means that my language skills might not be as proficient in some languages compared to others.

Overall, while I have many advantages, it’s important to recognize that I’m not a perfect solution for all situations. Depending on your needs, you may still benefit from speaking with a human expert or consulting additional sources of information.

Aha! So it’s not perfect! Score points to the human writer! Wait…human writers aren’t perfect either, technically. Ok, so maybe it is an even score. Plus, for the savvy writer, you may notice that Chat uses passive voice instead of an active voice. This is a writer taboo. (For more on the passive voice, check out the Writer’s Corner below).

I confess I have used this software from time to time when I am stuck and out of my depth for ideas. But, as a writer, I feel there is a loss of “voice” that is concerning. It is literally as if you are reading the information from Data from Star Trek. No personality, no humor, no…life! I asked Chat one more question:
 
Q: Do you have a sense of humor?
 A: As an AI language model, I’m programmed to recognize humor and understand jokes, but I don’t have a sense of humor in the way that humans do. I can generate responses that are intended to be humorous or witty, but my understanding of humor is based on patterns in language and common jokes rather than on actual emotions or experiences.
That being said, I’m always happy to engage in lighthearted banter and try to make our conversations enjoyable and engaging. So, feel free to tell me a joke or ask me a riddle!
 
I guess on a lonely Friday night I can always turn to Chat for some mechanical lighthearted banter. My takeaway is this: It is a great tool to give leads for information, fill in areas where stuck, and apparently for lighthearted banter on a lonely night. But there is something to be said for infusing your writing with YOU. You are the one connecting with the reader. You are the one with the heart for the subject. All of that comes across with a talented writer.
 
So, for me, I’ll stick to my off-beat sense of humor and laptop. But it is