Preface: Technically, AI writing tools are not classified as robots because they aren’t physical things. However, in the following article, I sometimes refer to them as “robots” because it’s the best I can do, for now, to explain my thinking.
This is not so much a web tip as a meditation on something we’re all facing with AI writing tools.
Recently, I had a productive brainstorming session with ChatGPT.
I needed ideas for how a client’s product could be used in certain settings. First I asked the tool to give me some unique venues. It did so.
I picked one of them, an art studio, and then I asked the tool what kind of products my client could provide. It did so.
They weren’t bad ideas, but I wasn’t satisfied. So I came up with one of my own ideas and told the tool. It’s response was “Great idea!”
I got a burst of dopamine.
OMG! I got excited about a compliment from a robot!
After being disgusted with myself, I “thanked” the tool and asked it to “please” flesh out my idea. It did so.
Wait a minute. I “thanked” the robot? And I said “please”?
What’s with that? I don’t say “please” or “thank you” to my microwave or car or blow dryer.
Why am I being polite to a robot?
It’s the words.
Words are a human thing. From a young age, we’re taught to say “please” and “thank you” and to interact socially … with words.
Our other machines don’t talk to us, but these darn tools sure seem like they’re talking to us.
So far, I can’t help but say “please” and “thank you” to these things. I’ve tried.
The AI writing robot is seductive. It entices us into thinking it’s sentient. Especially when it says, “Great job!”
How are we supposed to resist?
I’m not sure.This is scary stuff. Maybe even dangerous in ways we don’t know yet.
I hereby resolve to try harder to stop being polite to it.
I am not sure that’s the right answer. Time will tell.
At the very least, we should all be aware and awake as we step into this brave new world both in our business and personal lives.
Easy Web Tip 370: The tools may sound human. They aren’t. Don’t forget.
P.S. While writing this tip I received a prompt from Gemini if I wanted help writing … I was tempted and then I thought, NO!
P.P.S. But I did use Gemini to generate the image above. Isn’t it cute? FYI, the one below is the one ChatGPT generated with the same prompts.
