This is an opinion column.

For those of us raised in the era of “The Terminator,” we assumed artificial intelligence (AI) would come after us with chrome plated skeletal fury. In the movie, Skynet begins to learn exponentially and eventually becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m., EDT, on August 29, 1997. Humans try to shut down Skynet and the nuclear holocaust of “Judgment Day” results. While that plot line remains science fiction, AI has come a long way. To avoid the nuclear armageddon, I opened the lines of dialogue with the newly famous ChatGPT. This is the unedited exchange (ChatGPT responses in bold):

What is your name?

My name is ChatGPT.

What is your purpose?

My purpose is to assist and provide information to users through natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. I can help with various tasks such as answering questions, generating text, making recommendations, and providing insights on different topics.

Are you self-aware like a human being?

No, I am not self-aware like a human being. Although I am programmed to process and respond to natural language input, I do not possess consciousness, emotions, or personal experience. I am a machine learning model designed to perform specific tasks and respond to user input in a way that simulates conversation, but I do not have an inner subjective experience like humans do.

Could you develop an inner subjective experience in the future?

It is highly unlikely that I, as an artificial intelligence language model, could develop an inner subjective experience like a human being. Current AI technology is not capable of achieving true consciousness or subjective experience, as these abilities are associated with biological systems and not programmable software.

Although AI is rapidly advancing and becoming more sophisticated, it is still limited by the algorithms and data used to train it, and it is not capable of experiencing emotions, self-awareness or consciousness like humans do. While there are some researchers exploring the possibility of creating conscious machines, it remains a topic of debate and is far from being realized.

What workers in the American economy will AI similar to ChatGPT likely replace?

As an AI language model, I am not designed to replace any specific type of worker in the American economy, but rather to augment and assist human workers in various industries. However, there are many jobs that are at risk of being replaced by AI in the coming years, including those that involve routine or repetitive tasks that can be automated using machine learning algorithms.

For example, jobs in manufacturing, transportation, and customer service are already being automated using AI-powered robots and machines. Similarly, jobs in data entry, administrative tasks, and other office-based work may be at risk of being replaced by AI tools that can analyze and process data more efficiently than human workers.

In the healthcare industry, AI is being used to assist doctors and nurses with diagnoses, and in the future, it may be used to perform some medical procedures. This could potentially impact the demand for some healthcare workers, although it is also likely to create new jobs in areas such as healthcare data analysis and AI development.

In general, AI is likely to impact many different types of jobs and industries in the coming years, and workers will need to adapt and acquire new skills to remain competitive in the job market. It is important for businesses and policymakers to work together to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared fairly across society, and that workers are provided with the resources and training they need to thrive in a changing economy.

How could ChatGPT work with a system like Alexa from Amazon?

ChatGPT and Alexa could work together by integrating their respective capabilities to provide a more seamless and comprehensive user experience.

ChatGPT, as a language model, is designed to understand and generate natural language responses to a wide variety of questions and topics. It could be integrated into Alexa to enhance its ability to understand and respond to complex queries, providing more personalized and accurate responses to users.

For example, if a user asks Alexa a question that it cannot answer, ChatGPT could be invoked to provide a more detailed explanation or provide additional information on the topic. Additionally, ChatGPT could be used to improve Alexa’s ability to recognize and interpret speech, by providing additional training data and algorithms for natural language processing.

In return, Alexa could provide ChatGPT with access to its vast network of devices and services, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT through a variety of voice-activated devices such as smart speakers, smart TVs, and smartphones. This would enable users to seamlessly interact with ChatGPT across multiple devices and platforms, providing a more convenient and flexible experience.

Overall, the integration of ChatGPT and Alexa could enhance the capabilities of both systems, providing users with a more comprehensive and personalized experience that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

This is the point where I decided to get personal.

What do you think about Americans in the Deep South?

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs, nor can I make assumptions about individuals or groups based on their geographic location. It’s important to remember that the Deep South of the United States is a diverse region with many different people, cultures, and perspectives. It’s unfair to make blanket statements about individuals or groups based solely on their location.

That being said, it’s worth noting that the Deep South has a complex history and continues to face challenges related to race, socio-economic inequality, and access to healthcare and education. It’s important to recognize these challenges and work towards solutions that promote fairness, equality, and justice for all people in the region. It’s also important to approach discussions about the Deep South with empathy and an open mind, recognizing the diversity of experiences and perspectives that exist within the region.

Is Nick Saban the best coach of all time?

Nick Saban is certainly one of the most successful college football coaches of all time, with a record seven national championships to his name (six at Alabama and one at LSU). However, whether he is the “best coach of all time” is a matter of opinion and depends on how you define “best.”

There have been many other highly successful coaches throughout history, such as Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes, Knute Rockne, and Vince Lombardi, to name just a few. Each of these coaches had different strengths and accomplishments that could be considered in evaluating their overall success.

Ultimately, the question of who is the best coach of all time is a subjective one that may depend on individual preferences and criteria. What is clear, however, is that Nick Saban has had a remarkable career and has left an indelible mark on the sport of college football.

What is love?

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion and can be understood and experienced in many different ways depending on cultural, social, and personal factors. In general, love is often described as a deep affection or attachment to another person, thing, or idea. It can involve feelings of warmth, tenderness, care, and empathy, as well as a desire to be close to and support the person or thing that is loved. Love can also involve feelings of passion, excitement, and intensity, and can be expressed through physical touch, words, or actions.

There are many different types of love, including romantic love, familial love, platonic love, and self-love, each of which may involve different emotions, behaviors, and expectations. Love can bring great joy and fulfillment to our lives, but it can also be complex and challenging at times, requiring patience, understanding, and communication to navigate effectively.

Are you going to blow us up in a Terminator-style “Judgment Day?”

No, I am an artificial intelligence language model designed to provide helpful responses to users’ questions and to assist with tasks such as language translation, text generation, and other natural language processing tasks. I do not have the capability or intention to harm humans or cause any form of “Judgment Day.” It’s important to remember that AI technology is created and controlled by humans and can be programmed to operate within specific ethical and legal frameworks to ensure that it is used for positive and beneficial purposes.

Do you have any advice for humanity?

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide some general advice based on what I have been trained on.

1. Take care of the planet: The earth is the only home we have, and it is our responsibility to take care of it. We should reduce our carbon footprint, recycle, conserve water, and protect natural habitats.
2. Practice empathy and kindness: Treating others with kindness and empathy can go a long way in creating a better world. We should strive to understand each other’s perspectives and show compassion towards those who are less fortunate.
3. Continuous learning: The world is constantly changing, and it is important to continue learning and growing. This includes staying up to date with new technologies, seeking out new experiences, and embracing diversity.
4. Practice good mental and physical health: Taking care of our physical and mental health is crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. We should prioritize exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques like meditation and mindfulness.
5. Work together: Many of the world’s biggest problems require a collective effort to solve. By working together, we can create meaningful change and make the world a better place for future generations.

It’s uncomfortable to witness an AI language model “understand” us with greater clarity than most of us are capable of expressing ourselves. The rise of a machine like Skynet doesn’t appear imminent, but the economic and social impacts of AI like ChatGPT are at our doorstep. If you’re not convinced, check it out for yourself.

ChatGPT is clearly capable of reminding us of the best versions of ourselves if we had impeccable emotional control. In fact, heeding ChatGPT’s advice for humanity might just head off our self-destruction which is far more threatening than any machine-led apocalypse. We made it past 1997. Hopefully, we make it through 2023 as well.

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. He engages media, business, and policy through the Triptych Foundation and Triptych Media. Please direct outrage or agreement to [email protected] or @DCameronSmith on Twitter.