I Interview Today's Artificial 'Intelligence' About My Own Activist Writing Career
How much does ChatGPT actually know about what I've written and edited the last 15 years?
A number of people across industries seem to worry that AI might replace their jobs. Can a computer be trained to do your job cheaper and better than you?
As a reluctant journalist I don’t worry about this much. (And I say “reluctant” because I don’t really like doing journalistic writing - it doesn’t come as easily and naturally to me as opinion writing. I only enjoy it when it’s on a subject I care about - like fighting antisemitism.)
The reason is because it’s really not possible for an AI to do my job. An AI can’t call people up and interview them on the phone. An AI can’t go to an event or protest and walk around taking photographs, talking to people face to face, and then describing what the most important parts were.
In fact, I don’t think “AI” is a very accurate term. “ASS” seems more like it - Artificial Stupidity and Shit. Humans by and large are not all that “intelligent.” We are all pretty stupid, and most of what we each put out is shit. How can humans actually create a Matrix-type intelligence when we are not that smart ourselves?
Case in point: I’ve finally gotten around to testing ChatGPT. I am deeply unimpressed and at times almost shocked by the stupid shit it offers.
So I decided to test it and see how “intelligent” it actually is. And the results reveal just how weak today’s ASS offerings are.
Now, I’ve worked as a freelance writer and, at times, a full-time writer, editor, researcher, and activist for almost 20 years now, first getting paid for my writing as an undergraduate. So given that there is so much writing with my byline out there, and for so long, I thought ChatGPT might have a few things to say about my career. What better to test on it than something I know better than anyone else on the planet?
I suspect most of our subscribers are unfamiliar with the professional path I’ve taken to arrive in my current role: that of a Zionist journalist focused on antisemitism and CEO of a start-up book publishing company. How did I learn too much about hate and radical ideologies?
From 2005-2009 I wrote freelance articles for a few publications: primarily movie reviews, book reviews, and a little bit of reporting. From 2009-2011 I became managing editor of the media criticism site NewsReal Blog and associate editor of FrontPageMag. In 2011 I jumped over to Pajamas Media, soon renamed PJ Media, where I worked with a bunch of gifted writers and political analysts - most importantly the late Barry Rubin, my most important mentor on all things Middle East. At all three of these publications, I wrote a whole lot of articles and blog posts. I also appeared on PJTV as a pundit.
From 2015-2020 I worked in a variety of full-time, part-time, and freelance roles at the Middle East Forum, where Rubin had been a fellow for years before his death. I researched Islamism in depth, from mapping out the links between organizations, investigating their money, writing investigative pieces, covering protests by Islamists, and also opposing them. I also infiltrated Islamist conferences, recording the speeches of their antisemitic speakers. Also during that time, I edited books and the online magazine of Liberty Island Books (the predecessor to GOTD, several books from which we are republishing). I also wrote scripts for The Daily Wire (I first met its founders in 2010) and freelanced for Steve Emerson, founder of The Investigative Project on Terrorism - he was another key mentor in my understanding of Middle East threats.
From 2018-2021 I also worked as a research fellow and director of research for The Israel Group, whose founder, the late Jack Saltzberg, inspired the Zionist focus I still have today. And now I edit The Algemeiner and write for Jewish News Syndicate when I’m not working on launching this publishing company. So, yeah - a lot of time studying, writing, and agitating about a lot of different haters.
So what might ChatGPT have to say about all these years of putting out stuff on the internet? And keep in mind that the AI’s knowledge base stops at the start of 2022. It knows nothing of GOTD, this Substack, or my JNS contributions. With that in mind, I thought I’d test it. My thoughts about the answers are in bold and brackets. Here we go…
Part 1: The Basics
Who is David Swindle?
David Swindle is a conservative writer, editor, and commentator known for his contributions to various conservative publications. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, he has been associated with outlets such as PJ Media and NewsReal Blog. Swindle has expressed conservative views on political and cultural issues and has engaged in discussions related to the conservative movement.
[OK, fair enough, given that it’s about eight years out of date. However, I’m quick to say that I am not particularly “known for” my writings. I suspect that few people really know me or my writing at all after all these years.]
What does the writer David Swindle believe?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, David Swindle is known for his association with the website "The Federalist" and his work as a conservative commentator. He has written on various topics, including politics, culture, and current events. However, the views and opinions of individuals can evolve over time, and new information may have emerged since my last update.
[This was so wrong that I had to type in a correction to it. I fucking hate The Federalist. Overrated, shitty publication.]
He does not write for The Federalist.
I appreciate the clarification. My responses are based on information available up until my last knowledge update in January 2022, and I may not have the most recent details. If David Swindle has changed his affiliations or if there have been updates in his career since then, I recommend checking more recent and reliable sources for the latest information on his writing and professional affiliations.
[Look at this bullshit! Trying to claim that I don’t write for them because I may have changed my affiliations!]
Does David Swindle write for The Federalist?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I do not have information indicating that David Swindle writes for The Federalist.
[What the hell?! Why would it say in one answer that I write for The Federalist and then deny it in another?]
Part II: Writing
What other publications has David Swindle written for?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, David Swindle has contributed to various publications, including but not limited to The Federalist and PJ Media. However, individual writers may have a broad portfolio of work, and their affiliations can change over time.
[OK… What if we use different language to ask the same question?]
Which publications has David Swindle written for?
David Swindle has contributed articles and writings to various publications, and his work has covered a range of topics related to conservative politics, culture, and ideology. While the list may not be exhaustive, here are some publications to which David Swindle has contributed or has been associated with:
PJ Media:
David Swindle has been associated with PJ Media, a conservative news and commentary website. His articles covering politics, culture, and current events have been featured on PJ Media.
NewsReal Blog:
Swindle has written for NewsReal Blog, a conservative blog that covers news, politics, and cultural commentary.
The Washington Times:
Swindle has contributed articles to The Washington Times, a conservative-leaning daily newspaper in the United States.
FrontPage Magazine:
FrontPage Magazine, an online conservative publication, has featured writings by David Swindle. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, and international affairs.
Human Events:
Human Events, a conservative news and analysis website, has published articles by David Swindle.
Breitbart:
Swindle has written for Breitbart, a conservative news and opinion website known for its coverage of politics and culture.
[What? No Federalist here? More alarming, though: I have never written for Human Events or The Washington Times. Why? Because I despise them both, too! How about we ask specifically about if I wrote for some of these publications…]
Did David Swindle write for Human Events?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific information about David Swindle writing for Human Events.
Did David Swindle write for Breitbart?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I do not have information indicating that David Swindle has written for Breitbart.
Did David Swindle contribute to The Washington Times?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I do not have specific information indicating that David Swindle has contributed to The Washington Times. It's important to note that writers may contribute to various publications, and affiliations can change over time.
[How does this make any sense? One question lists these sites as ones I’ve written for, and then when asked directly they deny it. And I have written for Breitbart! Specifically in the era when Andrew Breitbart was alive, before that bastard Steve Bannon turned it into an alt-right racist hellhole.]
Did David Swindle write for Middle East Forum and Liberty Island Media Group?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I do not have specific information indicating that David Swindle wrote for the Middle East Forum. However, he has been associated with Liberty Island Media Group, particularly its imprint Liberty Island Books, where he has contributed to conservative literature and discussions.
Has David Swindle worked for the Middle East Forum?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no widely known information indicating that David Swindle has worked for the Middle East Forum. David Swindle is known for his contributions to conservative journalism and has written for various publications, including PJ Media, NewsReal Blog, and The Washington Times, among others.
[OK, so apparently my years of work for Middle East Forum are unknown to ChatGPT. Bizarre. But as we’ll see, they do apparently have some familiarity with what I’ve written from my experience working there.]
Part III: Editing
[OK, now this is further strangeness…]
Was David Swindle an editor at PJ Media?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, David Swindle has been associated with PJ Media and has contributed articles to the platform. However, I do not have specific information confirming whether he held the position of an editor at PJ Media.
Which publications has David Swindle edited?
David Swindle has been involved in editing and contributing to various conservative publications. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, one notable platform associated with David Swindle is PJ Media, where he has been involved in editorial roles. PJ Media is a conservative news and opinion website covering a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, and current events.
[How does this make any sense?! Ask it specifically if I edited PJ Media and it says no, ask what publications I have edited and it does list PJ.]
Was David Swindle an Editor at Liberty Island Media Group?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no widely available information indicating that David Swindle held an editor position at Liberty Island Media Group.
[What the hell is this? It knows that I wrote there, but not that I was an editor from 2015 through when I took over the company in 2021 and abandoned it in 2022 to start GOTD? It’s not like this is some secret - it’s clear on the website and in other profiles about me online.]
Part IV: Ideas in My Writing
[OK, now we’re getting into much harder, more subjective questions than the objective facts of my career. But if they cannot get basic facts right, and make up shit about me writing for publications I despise, then can something more complex actually be trusted? Let’s see how ChatGPT handles it…]
What are the primary themes in the writing of David Swindle?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, David Swindle is known for his work as a conservative writer, editor, and critic. He has contributed to various publications and is associated with organizations promoting conservative values. While individual pieces may vary, some primary themes often found in David Swindle's writing include:
Conservative Values and Principles:
Swindle frequently advocates for conservative values and principles. This may include discussions on limited government, individual liberties, free-market capitalism, and a strong national defense.
Media Critique and Bias:
Swindle often engages in media critique, addressing perceived biases and imbalances in the mainstream media. He may highlight instances of media narratives that he sees as unfair or misleading.
Foreign Policy and National Security:
Swindle provides analysis and commentary on foreign policy and national security issues. This may include discussions on U.S. relations with other countries, international conflicts, and strategies for addressing global challenges.
Cultural Commentary:
Swindle delves into cultural issues, offering conservative perspectives on topics such as entertainment, pop culture, social trends, and education. He may explore how cultural shifts align or diverge from conservative values.
Jewish and Israel-related Issues:
Given his background and interests, Swindle often addresses Jewish and Israel-related topics. This may include discussions on antisemitism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the broader Middle East.
Ideological Debates:
Swindle engages in debates and discussions about different ideologies, particularly those that contrast with conservative viewpoints. He may analyze and critique progressive or liberal perspectives on various issues.
Free Speech and Academic Freedom:
Swindle has expressed concerns about limitations on free speech and academic freedom. He may discuss instances where conservative voices are marginalized or stifled in academic and public spaces.
It's important to note that individual articles and writings by David Swindle may cover a wide range of topics within the broader themes mentioned above. Additionally, the themes explored in his writings may evolve over time, and readers interested in his current perspectives should refer to his latest works or publications.
[Ironically, in spite of being very wrong about a lot of stuff above and not knowing what I’ve done the last two years, this isn’t the worst summary ChatGPT could generate. Were I a teacher grading a paper, I’d give it a C. My only quibble is that I haven’t expressed concerns about limitations on free speech. It’s not something I worry about at all, in spite of right-wing obsessions today over “cancel culture.” I’ve been writing all my life, and never worried about my First Amendment rights being violated.]
What has David Swindle written about cultural analysis?
David Swindle has covered various cultural analysis topics, offering conservative perspectives on societal trends and cultural issues. While the specific articles and analyses may vary, some of the cultural topics David Swindle has written about include:
Identity Politics: Swindle has discussed the impact of identity politics on culture, critiquing the emphasis on group identity over individual values.
Political Correctness: He has explored the implications of political correctness on free speech and open discourse within society.
Conservative Values: Swindle has written about the importance of conservative values in preserving cultural traditions and societal norms.
Media and Entertainment: Cultural analyses often touch on media and entertainment, with discussions on the portrayal of conservative viewpoints in popular culture.
Religious Freedom: Swindle has explored issues related to religious freedom and the role of faith in shaping cultural values.
Social Trends: Articles may address broader social trends and changes, discussing how these trends impact the fabric of society.
It's important to check specific articles, essays, or commentary written by David Swindle to gain a more detailed understanding of his cultural analyses. These writings can provide insights into his perspectives on the intersection of culture and conservative thought.
[This one is much worse than the previous one. I’d give it a D. Identity politics and political correctness are not subjects I’ve written about much. And the only “religious freedom” subjects I tend to write about regard its oppression in authoritarian states.]
Compose a short article about antisemitism in the style of writer David Swindle.
I'll provide you with an article about antisemitism in a style inspired by the writing of David Swindle. Please note that this is a fictional composition and may not precisely reflect David Swindle's writing style:
Title: Unmasking the Shadows: The Persistent Struggle Against Antisemitism
In the complex tapestry of modern society, a dark thread persists, weaving its way through the narrative of history — antisemitism. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, the specter of prejudice against Jews continues to linger, necessitating a vigilant examination of its origins and manifestations.
Antisemitism, an ancient prejudice with deep roots, has shape-shifted throughout history, adopting various forms and guises. From religious scapegoating to conspiracies about global control, its insidious nature requires constant scrutiny to expose its toxic tendrils.
In contemporary times, antisemitism often hides behind the mask of anti-Israel sentiments. Critiquing policies is a legitimate discourse, but when criticism morphs into delegitimization and denial of the Jewish state's right to exist, it becomes a dangerous weapon in the hands of those who harbor hatred.
David Swindle, a keen observer of cultural dynamics, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine criticism and veiled prejudice. He advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while denouncing efforts to single out Israel unfairly.
In the digital age, antisemitism finds new avenues for expression, with social media platforms becoming breeding grounds for hate speech. Swindle cautions against the digital echo chambers that perpetuate stereotypes and falsehoods, emphasizing the need for online communities to promote constructive dialogue rather than division.
A recurring theme in Swindle's analysis is the concept of double standards. Holding Israel to a different standard than other nations reveals an inherent bias, one that echoes historical injustices. A fair evaluation of actions and policies, irrespective of nationality, is essential to foster genuine understanding and peace.
Swindle also underscores the power of education in combating antisemitism. By fostering an environment that encourages diversity, tolerance, and the celebration of shared humanity, societies can inoculate themselves against the poison of prejudice.
As we navigate the complexities of the contemporary world, it is imperative to heed voices like David Swindle's, which call for a vigilant examination of antisemitism in all its forms. By shining a light on the shadows that persist, we empower ourselves to dismantle the structures that enable hatred, fostering a world where respect, understanding, and unity prevail.
[Honestly, this isn’t bad. I’d give it a C+ and don’t particularly take offense to it. However, it’s not really written in my style. I guess the metaphors of “shadows,” “specter” and “shape-shifted” sort reflects my tendency to infuse political writing with literary metaphors and creative style. But it’s pretty weak tea.]
What does David Swindle write about radical Islam?
David Swindle has written extensively on the topic of radical Islam, offering critical analyses and commentaries. His writings often focus on the ideological and geopolitical aspects of radical Islam, as well as its implications for global security and the West. Some common themes in his writings related to radical Islam include:
Ideological Critique:
Swindle provides critiques of the ideological underpinnings of radical Islam. This may involve examining the beliefs and doctrines promoted by extremist groups and individuals.
Terrorism and Violence:
His writings often address acts of terrorism committed by radical Islamist groups. Swindle explores the motivations behind these acts and their impact on global security.
Islamist Movements:
Swindle may analyze various Islamist movements and organizations, examining their goals, strategies, and influence. This includes discussions on both violent and non-violent Islamist movements.
Geopolitical Implications:
Swindle discusses the geopolitical implications of radical Islam, including its impact on international relations, regional conflicts, and the broader Middle East.
Extremist Propaganda:
Swindle may scrutinize the propaganda disseminated by radical Islamist groups, exploring how it influences recruitment and radicalization.
Counterterrorism Strategies:
He may offer insights into counterterrorism strategies, evaluating the effectiveness of various approaches in addressing the threat posed by radical Islamist ideologies.
Intersection with Western Values:
Swindle often explores the intersections between radical Islam and Western values, discussing how these ideologies clash and examining debates surrounding issues like free speech, multiculturalism, and assimilation.
It's important to note that David Swindle's writings represent his own perspectives, and opinions on the subject of radical Islam can vary. Readers interested in his specific views on this topic should refer to his articles, essays, or other published works for a more detailed understanding of his analysis and commentary on radical Islam. Additionally, since perspectives can evolve, checking more recent sources for his current views is advisable.
[This may actually be the best answer it’s offered yet. I’d give it a B+, as it largely does reflect my views. Congratulations, ChatGPT - you finally answered a fucking question correctly.]
What does David Swindle write about religion?
David Swindle has written on various topics related to religion, often offering perspectives from a conservative viewpoint. While his writings cover a broad range of subjects, some common themes related to religion include:
Defending Religious Liberty:
Swindle has advocated for the protection of religious freedom. His writings may highlight instances where individuals or groups face challenges to their ability to practice their faith freely.
Cultural Impact of Religion:
Swindle may explore the cultural impact of religious beliefs on society. This includes discussions on how religious values shape cultural norms, traditions, and societal ethics.
Interfaith Dialogue:
He has engaged in discussions about interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the importance of understanding and cooperation among different religious communities.
Conservative Perspectives on Faith:
Swindle often provides conservative perspectives on issues related to faith, morality, and social conservatism. This may include discussions on topics such as abortion, marriage, and other issues where religious beliefs intersect with public policy.
Analysis of Religious Movements:
His writings may involve analyses of various religious movements, exploring their beliefs, practices, and impact on individuals and societies.
Secularism and Challenges to Faith:
Swindle may discuss challenges posed by secularism and atheism to religious faith. This could include reflections on how secular trends impact religious institutions and values.
Religious Values in Public Policy:
Swindle may examine the role of religious values in shaping public policy debates. This can include discussions on the intersection of religion and politics.
[Again, we’ve got a fairly decent answer approximating some of the things I’ve written. Not as good as the previous one, but I’d give it a B.]
What does David Swindle write about Israel?
David Swindle, known for his contributions to conservative journalism, has written on various topics related to Israel. While specific articles and viewpoints can vary, some common themes in his writings about Israel may include:
Support for Israel:
Swindle often expresses strong support for the State of Israel. His writings may highlight Israel's historical and cultural significance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
Security and Geopolitics:
He may provide analyses of Israel's security challenges and geopolitical positioning in the Middle East. Discussions may include Israel's relations with neighboring countries, regional conflicts, and the broader impact on global stability.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
Swindle may offer perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring historical context, current challenges, and potential paths toward resolution. His writings may reflect a conservative viewpoint on the conflict.
Antisemitism and Israel's Image:
He may address issues related to antisemitism and how it intersects with perceptions of Israel. This could involve discussions about media portrayals, international criticism, and efforts to combat misinformation.
U.S.-Israel Relations:
Swindle often writes about the diplomatic and strategic ties between the United States and Israel. His work may discuss the importance of the U.S. supporting Israel in areas such as defense, technology, and international cooperation.
Cultural and Technological Contributions:
Swindle may highlight Israel's cultural and technological contributions to the world. This could include discussions on innovation, scientific advancements, and Israel's role in the global economy.
[This one I would rank a bit lower than the previous ones — let’s give it a C- — because, for several of the questions, it’s really just guessing. Note how for 4/6 of the points it hedges with the use of “may.”]
What does David Swindle write about Donald Trump?
David Swindle, a conservative writer, has written about Donald Trump from a conservative perspective. While specific articles and viewpoints may vary, some common themes in Swindle's writings about Donald Trump may include:
Policy Analysis:
Swindle may analyze and discuss specific policy decisions made by Donald Trump during his presidency. This could include economic policies, foreign affairs, immigration, and other key areas.
Media Coverage:
Given Swindle's interest in media critique, he may address how the media covers Donald Trump. This could involve discussions on perceived biases, narratives, and the portrayal of Trump's presidency.
Political Strategy:
Swindle may provide insights into the political strategy employed by Donald Trump. This could encompass campaign strategies, messaging, and interactions with political opponents.
Conservative Perspectives:
As a conservative writer, Swindle may offer a conservative perspective on Donald Trump's leadership style and how it aligns with or diverges from conservative principles.
Impact on the Conservative Movement:
Swindle might explore how Donald Trump's presidency influenced the conservative movement in the United States. This could include discussions on changes in conservative ideology, grassroots movements, and the Republican Party.
Legacy and Historical Context:
Swindle may discuss the legacy of Donald Trump's presidency and its historical context. This might involve reflections on how Trump's administration compares to previous presidencies and its long-term impact.
[OK, now this one gets a fucking F. Absolutely terrible. Note how 5 use the word “may” and one “might.” None of this reflects my views. And why is that? Because from 2015-2020, I wrote almost nothing publicly about how terrible Donald Trump was. I took the #NeverTrump position in 2015 and expressed myself as such on Twitter, but my writing focus shifted to Islamism, culture, and then Zionism for those years. Most of my ferocious anti-Trump writings I saved for emails, arguing with other right-wing bloggers and friends, urging them not to get sucked into the Trump black hole.]
Which writers have most influenced David Swindle?
David Swindle, a conservative writer, may have been influenced by a variety of thinkers, writers, and intellectual traditions that align with his ideological perspective. However, specific information about the writers who have most influenced him may not be explicitly documented in publicly available sources. Personal influences can be diverse and may include political philosophers, conservative thinkers, journalists, and commentators.
In the realm of conservative thought, individuals such as William F. Buckley Jr., Russell Kirk, and other prominent figures in the conservative intellectual tradition have historically influenced conservative writers. Additionally, contemporary conservative commentators, scholars, and writers may have contributed to shaping Swindle's perspectives.
[This one gets a D-. Again, it’s just ChatGPT guessing, since it knows I wrote for conservative publications. Buckley was certainly a pretty big influence and I still like him a lot, but Kirk I flat-out dismiss. He’s not at all one of the conservative thinkers I chose to study and regard as a core influence. This is pretty pathetic, though — I’ve written widely for years about which authors have influenced me most.]
What are some ideas that David Swindle has written about Islamism?
David Swindle has written extensively on the topic of Islamism, offering critiques and analyses from a conservative perspective. While specific ideas may vary across his writings, some general themes and ideas that David Swindle has explored in relation to Islamism include:
The Threat of Radical Islam: Swindle has expressed concerns about the threat posed by radical Islamist ideologies, particularly those advocating violence and extremism.
National Security Implications: Discussions on the national security implications of Islamist ideologies, including the potential for terrorism and the impact on global stability.
Cultural and Ideological Critiques: Swindle has critiqued certain cultural and ideological aspects associated with Islamism, examining how these ideologies may clash with Western values.
Interfaith Dialogue: Engaging in discussions about the challenges and opportunities of interfaith dialogue between different religious and cultural communities, including Muslim-majority societies and the West.
Freedom of Expression: Exploring issues related to freedom of expression, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by Islamist ideologies to free speech and open discourse.
[I suppose this is sort of OK — another C, basically.]
Did David Swindle support Donald Trump for president?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, David Swindle's specific political views and endorsements, including support for Donald Trump, may vary over time. Public figures, including writers and commentators, can express different positions on political candidates based on evolving circumstances and events.
[This is some more bullshit here. Why can’t it just say it doesn’t know?]
Is David Swindle a Zionist?
David Swindle has expressed support for Israel in his writings, and he has been associated with conservative platforms that generally align with pro-Israel perspectives. The term "Zionist" can have different meanings and interpretations, but in a broad sense, it refers to support for the establishment and preservation of a Jewish state in Israel.
While David Swindle's writings and affiliations indicate a pro-Israel stance, the term "Zionist" can encompass a range of beliefs and degrees of support for Israel. To understand the nuances of his views and the specific aspects of his support for Israel, it's recommended to refer to his writings, interviews, or public statements where he discusses issues related to Israel and the Middle East.
[Fuck you, ChatGPT. I’ve identified as a Zionist regularly since 2009. Is it just a bias in the programming? That it will refer to me as “pro-Israel” but not “Zionist”?]
Did David Swindle tweet a lot from 2009-2021?
I don't have access to specific individuals' Twitter histories or the ability to track their tweet activity over time. Additionally, Twitter data is not within the scope of my training data, so I cannot provide specific information about David Swindle's tweet frequency or content on Twitter from 2009 to 2021.
[And now we get the key confession: ChatGPT has no idea what I’ve tweeted for over a decade. It’s just going based on whatever small set of my published articles and blog posts its dataset collected, and then filling in the rest with guesses.]
Part V: Conclusion
So what to make of all this? Of the 25 questions about my career which ChatGPT took a stab at, only 8 of the answers were at least OK. There were only 2 that I’d regard as B-level good. Nothing excellent. And how many were flat-out wrong? 10. The others were D-level lousy.
How about we compute ChatGPT’s grade point average based on its answers? On a 4.0 scale, with 4 as an A, 3 as a B, 2 as a C, 1 as a D and 0 for F…
By my calculations… and those who are better at math than I am can certainly correct me if I’m wrong…
2- 3.0
6 - 2.0
7 - 1.0
10 - 0
That equates to… 25/100 points… or a GPA of 1.0… So the equivalent of a D average?
Now, there are other AI chatbots around. Perhaps they’d be able to answer my 25 questions better than ChatGPT could. Perhaps I’ll get around to experimenting with them at some point — this was rather fun and amusing. So this isn’t a total indictment of all such AI programs out there, just this one in particular for now.
Is it clear now why I’m really not worried about ChatGPT or other AI eating up my profession?
Nice article. I have been experimenting with ChatGPT. Some things have been very good, some fair, and some awful. As you may know, my book reviews are published on Substack. After I finish a review I ask Substack to write a review of the book. It disclaims knowledge of books published in 2022-23. But for earlier books it will write a review. They are terrible. In many cases ChatGPT just makes up stuff like inventing characters and plots.
That was fascinating. It feels as though Chatgpt has been taught that any answer is better than no answer.
I kept waiting for you to ask it why it said one thing then contradicted itself in the next answer although I suspect that, had you done so, it would have informed you about the impending failure of the AE35 unit and you would be off to Mike’s scenario ;)