My Hot Take On AI & ChatGPT

Progress, but at what cost?

The time has come!

I’ve been telling you guys that I have a “monologue” brewing about AI and ChatGPT, so I finally put my unhinged opinions on paper. We’ll also totally discuss it on Instagram and on the pod.

Before I get to my thoughts, I just want to say that I know AI is here to stay and that we need to learn to live with it. But! I still don’t have to like it. I understand that change can be uncomfortable, and new things take a while to get used to, but that doesn’t shift my fundamental perspective.

I’m just going to come out and say it:

I HATE AI.

Ugh, I hate everything about it. I am very trusting (one could even say naïve), and it’s really unsettling to me that we can’t be sure what’s real and what’s not. Did that person really say that? Write that? Do these photos reflect reality, or are they doctored? Yes, this has been going on for a while, but the tools just keep getting more sophisticated and scary. Most of us can still discern (if we’re paying attention) if something was written by ChatGPT, but how much longer is that going to last? “They say” you can’t fake the human aspect and heart of it all, but we are getting pretty close and I don’t think it’s too far off.

For someone who spends a lot of time and effort writing and creating my own content, I don’t like the human vs. AI reality coming into question. And on the flip side, I don’t want to—even subconsciously—second-guess anyone else’s work. For example, when I see a beautiful design or photo, it’s becoming more and more common that it’s generated by AI. What does that do for me? Who wants to be inspired by something that’s not real, that a robot put together? I want to be inspired by human brilliance and talent, not a computer.

Now, about the convenience, time-saving, and everything-at-your-fingertips aspect of it all:

What happened to working hard??? What happened to doing the deep dive, the research? What happened to patience? We just want everything to be fast and easy, and I freaking reject it! We aren’t supposed to be good at, or experts in, everything. Why do we value efficiency over everything else? (Actually, I know why—MONEY.) Like I said, part of me understands the appeal, but my deep core values reject it wholeheartedly.

On a slightly different note, but connected: I feel that the more advances we make in technology, especially in appliances and electronics, the more things break and the less time they last. More buttons, fewer years. Touch screens? Maintenance calls double. I’m not buying into the idea that every advancement is a good one.

Wait– have no fear, I’m not done.

The concept of using ChatGPT to feel validated or as a companion scares the living daylights out of me. We already struggle so much with isolation and not socializing enough—guys, this is bad! We are humans! Our relationships need to be with humans! We need to grow, be challenged, argue, disagree, communicate, be rejected, be loved BY ANOTHER HUMAN. (If you haven’t read the book The Anxious Generation, you should.) I’m not saying this to fear-monger, and this isn’t coming from a place of hysteria—just passion. If you know me, you know that I don’t live my life out of fear, but even if something is here to stay, we need to be aware of the fallout. Social media is here to stay, and there is a lot of good to it, but man, are we trying to pick up the pieces. (This essay isn’t about social media and kids, etc., or I’d be here forever.) We need to keep our eyes wide open and understand the ramifications of these rapidly developing AI tools and create some personal (whatever that looks like for you) boundaries and safeguards.

From what I gather on social media, my opinion is probably very unpopular. It’s OK—I can handle it. I also respect how you feel if your view is the opposite of mine. Maybe in a few years I’ll think differently, but I’ve still never once used SIRI, and my sisters constantly tell me I should’ve been born in the Stone Age, so it’s unlikely that I’m changing anytime soon.

I very much believe that we should live with the times—I mean, I’m a Lubavitcher; we are pros at that. The Rebbe taught us to use the advancements we experience for the good, to make the world a better place. But I think it’s healthy to ask ourselves: at what cost? I think, like most things in life, we need to constantly check in, re-evaluate the choices we make, and make sure they serve us in a positive way. ChatGPT doesn’t sit right or feel right for me currently, so it’s a NO for me.

For some reason, I had this monologue bubbling up inside of me, and me being me, I had to share it with the world. I hope you receive it in the spirit in which it’s intended. I don’t share this to bring you to my side or convince you to think a certain way. Nor should you feel any shame if ChatGPT is your new best friend :).

I love hearing and being around people with different views—it makes life exciting! I’m curious to hear what you think. Tell me in the comments. Who knows, maybe I can be convinced that ChatGPT/AI is the best thing that ever happened?

Peace out,

Chavie