I need to get something off my chest about AI and GPT-4. As someone who’s spent substantial time researching and working with these technologies, I find myself in an uncomfortable position. While I remain deeply curious and optimistic about AI’s potential, I can’t subscribe to the cult-like behavior we’re seeing on LinkedIn and Twitter anymore.
The Uncomfortable Truth About AI-Generated Communication
Here’s what those of us working closely with AI aren’t saying loud enough:
Imagine a world where every single message you receive could be fine-tuned, lengthened, or generated entirely from scratch. That’s exactly where we’re heading. Just watch the latest Google Workspace trailer with its “I’m feeling lucky” button for conversations. It fucking sucks.
The End of Trust in Human Interaction
Truth as we know it will die. No conversation will be genuine anymore. Soon, you won’t be able to trust any single interaction with another human - not your loved ones, not your friends, not random encounters. Anyone could be copiloting their life, and probably most will.
Each of us will see AI-generated content everywhere: in emails, text messages, videos, advertisements, news, and even real-life conversations through smart glasses. Yes, the person in front of you might soon be copiloted.
The Global Creative Plateau
Here’s the darkest part: while individually we might feel infinitely enlightened in this moment - nothing greater has ever been given to us - as a global organism, this could mark our final stage of enlightenment. The sheer volume of data remixing around us will overshadow and drown out any new, real thoughts.
Finding Balance in the AI Age
Don’t get me wrong - I’m deeply curious about technology and AI. I can find many cases where AI serves as a small supplement to human interactions, elegantly releasing potential within us. Sadly, I don’t think that’s where we’re going to stay. AI tools will inevitably leak into every corner of our lives, slowly eroding genuine interactions, leaving us with this weird feeling of artificially generated content all around us.
Pessimistic? Yeah, I know. Sorry. But that’s the real talk people like me should also be sharing… All is not great. Maybe I’m wrong, but what if I’m not? “The death of all genuine conversations” - it fucking sucks.
A Small Act of Resistance
As a small drop in the bucket, I’ve added this to my email signature: “I won’t be using AI to generate my part of the conversation and I 🤞 you won’t either. Let’s keep conversations human and genuine.”
Let’s try to stay genuine. I’d rather get a short, clear, and genuine message from you than some generated, convoluted copilot plur.
If you want to discuss AI and GPT-4 with someone who can be both optimistic and critical - someone who doesn’t unconditionally drink the Kool-Aid - let me know. It’s possible to be both curious and cautious while reflecting on consequences.
