‘Code Red’
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has issued a ‘Code Red‘ for Google’s search engine, fearing ChatGPT has become a threat to the tech giant because “it could offer a new way to search for information on the internet.”
Microsoft, the owner of the search engine Bing, has already invested billions in OpenAI’s technology.
Clearly, search engines as we know them are about to change.
Another AI, Midjourney, wowed us with its ability to generate complex images with just a prompt and a few descriptive words – further evidence that artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a giant leap forward.
But of all AI developments, ChatGPT has shaken the world most. What are the real implications for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, who are already using ChatGPT?
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT chatbot is the latest of OpenAI’s technology, emerging as one of the new large language models. GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, which means that when you ask the chatbot to write an article ChatGPT responds based on its trained languages, even learning from human feedback in the process. For example, it can learn from its mistakes, such as when it generates nonsensical answers.
Here’s an image from Midjourney showing a human meeting a ChatGPT bot in human form.
What Can ChatGPT Do?
ChatGPT can:
- write complete blog posts, essays, and homework assignments
- provide research references
- generate book and blog ideas for those with writer’s block
- summarize larger articles or rewrite them into new article variations
- translate text into other languages
- write computer code
- craft horrible jokes
Fear of ChatGPT
Reports from news outlets and YouTube channels are telling us to be afraid. Social media has been flooded with posts by concerned parents and teachers about the future of their children’s education. What will happen to their ability to develop critical thinking skills?
Journalists, publishers and attorneys are already debating the impact on copyright issues, fearing a rise in plagiarism.
YouTube is filled with digital natives posting videos on how to get rich quick with passive income, using ChatGPT as a personal “word butler” to write blogs, ebooks, and sales copy.
Programmers are using it to write computer code on their behalf.
In short, it’s already changing the internet. So, I decided to interview the chatbot to see how it would respond to my questions about the future impacts it could have on our youth. The results were both impressive and telling.
I asked the AI Midjourney to show us what it’s cousin, ChatGPT, looks like if it took human form. Midjourney created an image of ChatGPT out of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie The Terminator.
My Interview with ChatGPT
All responses to my questions are verbatim from ChatGPT. Here’s what ChatGPT told me about its potential impact on Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha.
Why are so many humans expressing fear about ChatGPT?
ChatGPT: “There are a few reasons why some humans may express fear about ChatGPT and other language models like it:
- Job Automation: One concern is that language models like ChatGPT could automate jobs that were previously done by humans, such as writing, journalism, and content creation. This could result in job loss and economic disruption.
- Lack of Authenticity: Another concern is that language models like ChatGPT could produce content that is difficult to distinguish from content written by humans. This could erode trust in information and make it more difficult to separate fact from fiction.
- Bias and Misinformation: Language models are trained on large amounts of data and may contain inherent bias. They may also spread misinformation if they are not monitored or used responsibly.
- Artificial Intelligence: Some people may be worried about the advancements in Artificial Intelligence and the potential negative consequences it could bring.
- Unintended Consequences: Some people may be concerned about the potential negative consequences of the technology that have not yet been considered or fully understood.
It’s important to note that these concerns are not unique to ChatGPT but to the broader field of AI and machine learning. It’s important to consider the potential benefits and risks of such technology and to use it responsibly.”
What happens if school children use ChatGPT to write their essays and complete their school assignments?
ChatGPT: “If schoolchildren use GPT models like ChatGPT to write their essays and complete their school assignments, they may be able to produce written work more quickly and efficiently. However, this could also lead to a lack of critical thinking and creativity skills, as well as a lack of understanding of the material. Additionally, if students were to use GPT to cheat on assignments, it could lead to serious academic consequences, such as being expelled from school.
It is important to note that GPT models are not a replacement for human learning and education. These models simply assist in generating text and it is the responsibility of the user to use it ethically and in compliance with the rules and regulations of their educational institution. GPT models can be used as a tool to assist with learning and writing, but it should not be a substitute for the student’s own understanding and engagement with the material.”
Midjourney also presented a variety of images for ChatGPT, like this cute little bot.
What is the impact of young bloggers using ChatGPT to write their content for them?
ChatGPT: “The impact of young bloggers using GPT models like ChatGPT to write their content for them could be significant. On the one hand, using GPT models to generate content may allow young bloggers to produce high-quality, well-written articles and posts more quickly and efficiently. This can help them to grow their audience and increase their visibility. However, on the other hand, relying too heavily on GPT models to generate content can lead to a lack of authenticity and originality in the bloggers’ work. This can lead to a loss of credibility, and the audience may start losing interest.
Additionally, using GPT to generate content could lead to a lack of learning, development and understanding of the subject matter and the blogger could miss the opportunity to develop their writing skills, voice and style.
It’s important to remember that GPT models are not a replacement for human creativity and understanding. Bloggers should use GPT models as a tool to assist with their writing, but they should always put their own thoughts, perspective, and understanding into the content they produce. And also, they should check the generated content for errors, plagiarism and make sure it aligns with the ethical principles of journalism.”
Some authors of the Gen X and Baby Boomer generations have already expressed a fear that in their rush to be published, the younger generations won’t fully develop their voice as a writer. If a chatbot is writing the majority of the material, how will our young authors grow in their unique style? I wanted to press my interviewee on the issues surrounding writing integrity and plagiarism.
What are the implications of ChatGPT based tools and the possibility of plagiarism?
ChatGPT: “The use of GPT models like ChatGPT in writing and content creation raises concerns about the possibility of plagiarism. Since GPT models are trained on a vast amount of text data available on the internet, it can generate text that closely resembles existing content. This could potentially lead to unintentional plagiarism, as users may not be aware that the text generated by GPT models is similar to existing content.
Additionally, GPT models can be used to deliberately generate plagiarized content, which can lead to serious academic and professional consequences. For example, students submitting plagiarized assignments can face disciplinary action, and professionals can lose credibility and face legal repercussions.
To prevent plagiarism, it is important for users of GPT models to understand the risks and to take steps to ensure that the content they generate is original and properly attributed. This can include checking the generated text for plagiarism, citing sources properly, and being transparent about the use of GPT models in the content creation process.
It is also important for the educational institutions and organizations that use GPT based tools to have clear policies and guidelines in place regarding the use of GPT and to educate the users about plagiarism and the ethical use of GPT models.”
When I asked Midjourney to generate the face of ChatGPT, about 3/4 of the cyborg images were female of European descent.
Finally, I had to ask ChatGPT the question that had been burning in my mind ever since I thought to interview this AI chatbot.
What is the fate of our younger generations in the next few decades as we face climate change?
ChatGPT: “The fate of our younger generations in the next few decades as we face climate change is uncertain, but it is likely to be challenging. Climate change is already affecting the planet in various ways, such as sea-level rise, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. These impacts are expected to continue and even accelerate in the future.
The younger generations will be disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change as they will have to cope with the consequences of decisions made today for many years to come. They will have to live with the effects of sea-level rise, more extreme weather events, and changes in the availability of resources such as food and water. Additionally, they will have to adapt to new ways of living and working as the effects of climate change disrupt economies and societies worldwide.
However, it’s not all bleak, there is still hope as long as we take immediate and decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. This requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals. It also requires investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. Furthermore, it requires policies and practices that promote social and economic equality and resilience.
It’s important to remember that the fate of the younger generations is not set in stone, and it is up to us to create a better future for them by taking action on climate change.”
Read my latest posts here:
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