Now I don't know enough about this new phenomena to give a reasoned assessment but it both concerns and intrigues me.
Remember when we had computers that once filled an entire room and which now take up less storage space than a small hold in the palm black box?
My fear with AI is that technology never stays still or goes backwards. It always marches forward and is always superseded by something more modern and more powerful.
We are at the start of the AI revolution of that there is no doubt. We had a discussion about AI at the latest writers' club meeting. The general opinion seemed to be that if controlled AI could be a tremendous force for good. My problem is that our dear Government seems unable to control much at all and in the wrong hands AI could cause devastation, steal identities and do more.
I decided to do a little test after being shown an AI app by writers' club member Anne. It's pretty basic. I asked it to write a story about me and this is what it came up with.
Once upon a time, in the small town of Oakville, there lived a young man named Peter Steward. Peter was known for his kindness, intelligence, and adventurous spirit. Despite his many remarkable qualities, he had one major fear that haunted him - the fear of heights.
Peter had always admired birds soaring through the sky and marvelled at the breath taking views from mountaintops. However, the mere thought of being up high filled him with anxiety and made his heart race. He dreamt of overcoming this fear, but it seemed like an insurmountable obstacle.
One bright summer day, Peter stumbled upon a flyer for a local hot air balloon festival. He knew that this was his chance to conquer his fear once and for all. With a mix of excitement and nerves, he gathered his courage and decided to attend.
As Peter arrived at the festival grounds, he was greeted by a vibrant display of colourful hot air balloons preparing to take flight. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and a mix of fear and excitement brewed within him. Determined to face his fear head-on, Peter approached one of the balloon pilots and asked if he could assist during the preparations.
The friendly pilot, named Amelia, sensed Peter's anxiety and agreed to let him help. She taught him about the intricacies of the balloon, the importance of wind patterns, and how each aspect contributed to a smooth flight.
Peter watched in awe as the balloons started to ascend, gracefully lifting off the ground one by one. As they floated higher and higher, Peter's fear began to creep in. However, he reminded himself of his desire to overcome this obstacle and took a deep breath.
Amelia noticed his distress and offered a kind smile. "Peter, conquering your fear is not about eliminating it entirely," she said. "It is about acknowledging it and not letting it hold you back."
Encouraged by Amelia's words, Peter hopped into the balloon's basket alongside her. Slowly but steadily, they started to rise into the sky. Peter could feel his heart pounding in his chest as they soared above the town, but a sense of awe and wonder enveloped him.
As the balloon glided through the air, Peter's fear began to transform into a newfound appreciation for heights. He marvelled at the breath taking panoramic views, the beauty of the landscape beneath them, and the sense of freedom that came with conquering his fear.
From that day forward, Peter Steward became known as the "Fearless Flyer" in Oakville. He continued to participate in hot air balloon festivals, sharing his story of overcoming fear with others who struggled with their own fears.
Peter's journey taught him that facing fears can lead to the most extraordinary and liberating experiences. He learned that true bravery wasn't the absence of fear, but rather, the courage to confront it.
And so, Peter Steward's tale became a source of inspiration for many, reminding them that they, too, had the power to conquer their fears and embrace the world from new heights.
Then I took a photograph of my lounge and asked it to write a story around it. Within a handful of seconds it came up with the following.
Once upon a time, in a modest little town nestled amidst rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there was a quaint cottage that held within it a living room full of stories waiting to be told.
The living room was a haven of comfort and warmth, adorned with a cozy couch and a charming coffee table. The couch, with its plush cushions and inviting embrace, was a testament to years of treasured memories. It had witnessed countless hours of laughter, joy, and even moments of sorrow. Its worn-out fabric told tales of friends and family lounging after long adventures, of children eagerly unwrapping presents on Christmas mornings, and of lazy afternoons spent lost within the pages of beloved books.
Nestled in front of the couch was a coffee table that had its own unique story to tell. Carefully crafted from solid oak, it was a masterpiece of woodworking artistry. Its smooth surface held the imprints of countless coffee cups placed atop it, each one capturing a conversation, a secret shared, or a heartfelt confession.
The coffee table was not alone in carrying the weight of history and experiences. Adorning its surface was an assortment of trinkets and mementos, each one possessing its own story. A weathered seashell collected from distant shores whispered tales of adventures by the sea, while a fading photograph captured a moment frozen in time, showcasing a group of smiling friends.
Above the couch, a picture frame hung on the wall, casting a warm glow across the room. The photograph it held depicted a loving family, their smiles radiating pure happiness. It spoke of love, unity, and the unbreakable bond that held them together.
This living room was not simply a space filled with furniture and decorations; it was a sanctuary where memories were woven together, creating the rich tapestry of life. It was a place where stories were shared, dreams were nurtured, and emotions were unveiled.
On any given day, as the sun's golden rays streamed through the window, the living room would come alive with laughter and conversation. Friends would gather on the couch, their voices filling the air, entwined with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. The coffee table would bear witness to animated discussions, games played, and heartfelt conversations that spanned long into the night.
Even on quiet, solitary evenings, the living room provided solace and comfort. Its walls seemed to emanate a sense of tranquility, allowing its occupants to reflect, to find peace amidst the chaos of everyday life. It became a sanctuary for introspection, a place where dreams took shape, and aspirations were nurtured.
The magic of this living room was not found in its mere physical presence but in the emotions and memories it held. It was a testament to the power of the ordinary, the ability of a simple space to become extraordinary through the experiences and connections shared within it. And as time moved forward, the living room continued to stand tall, waiting eagerly for the next chapter to be written, the next story to unfold.
Of course these were bog standard scenarios that could all be planned on templates and didn't delve in any depths. In fact the lounge one was well wide of the mark illustrating that this was a standard response to a specific picture.
My house is certainly not amongst rolling hills or sparkling rivers and it isn't a quaint cottage, but I'm sure you get the idea.
My worry is that in the wrong hands AI could be used for devastatingly evil reasons. You think there are a lot scams around now. Well you haven't seen nothing yet. Many will argue that the pros hugely outweigh the cons but I remain to be convinced. Personally I want to find out a lot more before deciding about AI.
One obvious worry is that AI will become an easy option. Need to write a school essay - well AI can do that. Need to write a dissertation AI can do that. Take away original thought AI can do that. Make me lazy...you know the answer.
What do you think? Answers as part of an AI story please.