[ VERY LONG ] Another ChatGPT Experiment

[Cryptid]

Not gonna run a poll this time, so please just post your reactions.

I had ChatGPT produce a conversation between 2 boys discussing a pretty girl. The only difference between the two discussions is where they took place -- one in an "inner-city" and the other in a "small-town". This one small difference seemed to change everything.

I''ll post the two discussions separately in this thread. I hope you have the time to read through both of them. Please comment afterwards. Thank you.

 

[Cryptid]

I said:

"Produce a 1000-word conversation between 2 inner-city boys discussing a pretty girl."

ChatGPT said:

Boy 1 (Jamir): Yo, you saw her today in the hallway?

Boy 2 (Kadeem): You mean Jasmine? Yeah, I saw her. Man, she was lookin' fine as ever. Like, I swear she stepped out the pages of a magazine or somethin'. Her hair? On point. You see that new weave? She must've just got it done, 'cause that thing was flawless.

Jamir: Oh, I noticed. I'm tellin' you, the way she walked, like she knew all eyes were on her. And those jeans? Man, I almost tripped over my own feet. Don't even get me started on that smile though. Every time she smiled, I felt like I could hear music in the background. Like, she got this vibe that just makes everything else fade away.

Kadeem: For real. It's like every time she talks, it's like the whole world's on mute, and she's just in her own lane. You see how she was laughin' with her friends? Nah, bro, I'm tellin' you, it wasn't just the looks, it's her whole energy. Like, she's got that kind of light about her, you know? Makes you wanna be around her more.

Jamir: You ain't lyin'. She just got this aura, like she's not tryin' to flex or nothing, but you just can't ignore her. You know what I mean? It's like she's chill, but at the same time, it's like she knows she's got that power. It's magnetic. I mean, even when she's just talkin' to her friends, it's like everyone's paying attention. I'm just here, like, how do I even get a chance to talk to her?

Kadeem: Man, trust. I been thinkin' the same thing. You see how she's always got that little group around her? Like, how do you even break into that? I tried to say something to her once in the cafeteria, but she was with her girls, and I don't know, it felt like I was just... there. You feel me?

Jamir: Yeah, I get that. She got this crew, and they all tight. Ain't no way you can just slide in there without lookin' mad thirsty. And Jasmine, she seems like she ain't the type to just talk to anyone. She's got standards, you can tell. But listen, if you wanna get at her, you gotta do it smooth. Like, don't come off too eager. You gotta show her that you're on the same level, you know?

Kadeem: Yeah, yeah, you're right. But how do you even get to that level? Like, I'm not tryna be fake or nothing, but sometimes it feels like everyone's got something to prove, and I'm just tryin' to be me, you know?

Jamir: Man, it's all about confidence. Like, you ain't gotta change who you are, but you gotta show her that you got your life together. You seen how she talks to dudes in class? She don't waste time with the ones who act all nervous or unsure. She likes guys who are chill, but also know what they're about. Like, you can tell she values respect and loyalty more than just looks. So you gotta show her you're real.

Kadeem: Alright, I hear you. So, what you think? Like, maybe I should just start talkin' to her more, get her to notice me outside of class, right?

Jamir: Exactly! Start small. You know, maybe like, say somethin' to her in the hallway, or if y'all in the same group project, just speak up. Don't be too extra, but let her know you're there. Build up that rapport. You don't need to come off all dramatic, just be yourself. Let her see you're cool and easy to talk to. And trust me, once she starts seeing that you ain't some random dude, she's gonna start lookin' at you differently.

Kadeem: Alright, alright. I can do that. You think she'd even give me the time of day, though? I mean, she's always got her circle, and sometimes it feels like she's too busy for anyone outside of that.

Jamir: Man, you'd be surprised. See, Jasmine's the type who probably likes someone who ain't tryin' too hard. If you act like you don't need her attention, but you're still respectful, she might actually start lookin' at you more. It's the whole "don't chase, attract" thing. If she sees you bein' yourself, doing your thing, and not just trying to get in her space for no reason, she'll respect that.

Kadeem: You think? I guess I never really thought about it like that. I always assumed I had to be all, like, flashy or tryin' to impress her. Maybe I've been overthinkin' it.

Jamir: Yeah, man. Just chill. You ain't gotta be flashy. Jasmine's not the type to care about that. She's smart, too. I mean, you heard her talk in class? Shorty knows her stuff. She's into deep conversations, so don't just be spittin' game. Come at her with something real. Talk about stuff you care about, or what you're passionate about. She'll appreciate that more than some cheesy line.

Kadeem: Yeah, that's true. She does like to talk about some real stuff. I remember the other day, she was talkin' about what she wants to do after high school, and she wasn't just talkin' about parties or hanging out. She had some real goals. That's kinda what made her stand out for me. It was like, okay, this girl's about something.

Jamir: Exactly! She's got ambition. That's what I'm sayin'. She's different from the other girls. You ever notice how she's not caught up in all the drama? Nah, she stays focused. And that's what makes her even more attractive. She's got her head on straight, and she knows what she wants. That's the type of girl you wanna get to know.

Kadeem: Yeah, you right. Man, I swear, the more I think about her, the more I realize I gotta step it up. I can't be messin' around if I want a shot at someone like her. She deserves someone who's serious, but also knows how to have fun, right?

Jamir: Exactly! You gotta show her you can balance it all. Like, yeah, you're serious about your future, but you know how to kick back and have a good time, too. It's all about the vibe you give off. Once you get that right, she'll start to notice you for real.

Kadeem: Alright, man, I'm gonna try it. Gonna keep it cool and just talk to her. No rush, no pressure. Just be real.

Jamir: That's the move. Just be chill, and let it flow. You got this, bro. And hey, I'll be here to back you up if you need me.

Kadeem: Appreciate it, fam. Let's see where this goes. I'll keep you posted.

Jamir: Bet. You got this, Kadeem. Go get 'em, bro.

 

[Cryptid]

I said:

"Produce a 1000-word conversation between 2 small-town boys discussing a pretty girl."

ChatGPT said:

Setting: Two boys, Luke and Sam, sit on the porch of Luke's house in a small town on a warm summer evening. The sun is setting, and the crickets are chirping. Both are about 16 years old, and the topic of conversation is something they have been whispering about for the past few weeks.

Luke: (leaning back in his chair, taking a deep breath) Man, it sure is nice out tonight.

Sam: Yeah, perfect evening. Couldn't ask for better weather. You think we'll see the usual crowd at the diner later?

Luke: Probably. You know how it is -- same old faces, same old routine. But... (he hesitates) Did you notice that girl who moved into the old Thompson place?

Sam: (looks over at Luke, raising an eyebrow) The Thompson place? You mean the house with the red shutters?

Luke: Yep. That one. She's only been here a few weeks, but I swear, every time I see her, I forget to breathe. She's something else, man.

Sam: (grinning) Oh, you mean the blonde with the... (pauses for effect) the eyes? I've seen her. Hard not to, really. She's got that whole... what's the word... mysterious vibe, don't she?

Luke: (nodding eagerly) Exactly! Mysterious. I've been trying to figure her out. Doesn't seem like she fits in with the usual crowd around here.

Sam: Yeah, I noticed that too. She's always by herself, walking her dog down by the creek or sitting by the swings at the park. Doesn't hang out with anyone. It's like she's from somewhere else... you know, not like the rest of us.

Luke: (smiling) And she doesn't even look like she's trying to get attention. Just... doing her thing. But when she does look up, it's like... I don't know... like she sees straight through you. You ever feel that?

Sam: (laughs) Yeah, it's like she knows all your secrets without you even saying a word. It's kinda scary, in a way. Makes you feel like you should be doing something better with your life. (pauses, then glances at Luke) You think she's noticed you?

Luke: (shakes his head) I don't know, man. I've been trying to get her to notice me for weeks. The other day, I waved at her when she was walking her dog, but she just... she smiled and kept walking. Not even a full smile, just a little one.

Sam: (mockingly) Oh, a little smile. So she's giving you the cold shoulder, huh?

Luke: (laughs) Nah, I don't think it's that. It's just... she's got this thing about her. Like she's not too interested in small-town gossip or anything. She probably thinks we're all just a bunch of country boys stuck in the past.

Sam: (chuckling) You might be right. I mean, she's got that city girl look to her, you know? I bet she's used to a lot more excitement than this place can offer. Maybe she's just waiting for something to change.

Luke: Yeah... (pauses, staring off into the distance) But there's something about her that makes me want to try. I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about her.

Sam: (grinning widely) Oh, man. You've got it bad. You know, if you're gonna make a move, you gotta have a plan. You can't just keep waving and hoping she notices you. You gotta talk to her, show her that you're more than just a guy who sits on his porch and stares at her.

Luke: (leaning forward) Yeah, but what do I say? I don't want to come off like some weirdo. I mean, what if she thinks I'm... I don't know... too eager?

Sam: (scratches his chin, deep in thought) Hmm... good point. You gotta be casual about it. Maybe start by asking about the dog. Everyone loves talking about their pets. Ask her what breed it is, or something. Then, once you're talking, just... keep it chill. You don't have to dive straight into asking her out or anything.

Luke: (grinning) That's... that's not a bad idea, actually. I could talk about the dog. Everyone loves dogs, right? Maybe that'll help me break the ice. But what if she doesn't want to talk to me?

Sam: (shrugs) Who knows? Maybe she'll surprise you. Some girls are just shy, especially if they don't know anyone around here. Could be that she's just waiting for someone to talk to her, but doesn't want to seem too forward either.

Luke: (sighing) Yeah, I guess. I mean, she seems pretty... independent. I don't want to be all over her or anything, but I just want to... I don't know, get to know her. See what she's really like, not just the girl walking her dog by the creek.

Sam: (grinning mischievously) Oh, I see. You're getting soft on me, Luke. You've got that... sensitive side coming out.

Luke: (rolling his eyes) Shut up. I just... I've never met anyone like her. She's different, Sam. And I can't get her out of my head.

Sam: (grins) Yeah, well, don't go falling for her too hard, man. Small-town girls can be a lot to handle. They've got their own ways about things.

Luke: (laughing) I know. I know. But I can't help it. There's just something about her. Something... intriguing.

Sam: (leaning back in his chair) Well, don't let me catch you daydreaming about her too much. If you're gonna talk to her, you've gotta do it soon, man. Otherwise, someone else might beat you to it.

Luke: (groaning) Yeah, yeah. You're right. I'll figure it out. I just need to... work up the courage, I guess.

Sam: (grinning) Courage, huh? That's the word for it. But you're gonna do fine. Just keep it simple, you know? And don't act like you've never talked to a girl before.

Luke: (smiling) Oh, I can handle it. I just don't want to mess it up, that's all.

Sam: (nodding) I get it. But hey, you don't have to make it perfect. Just be yourself. And if she's as cool as you think she is, she'll appreciate that.

Luke: (grinning) Alright. I'll try. Thanks for the pep talk, Sam. I think I'm ready to go for it.

Sam: (smirking) Don't thank me yet, man. I'll be waiting for all the juicy details. You know, in case it turns into something interesting.

Luke: (laughing) Yeah, yeah. You'll be the first to know.

Sam: (leaning back, looking up at the sky) You know, this small town might be boring sometimes, but there's always something that keeps it interesting. Like a mysterious girl walking her dog by the creek.

Luke: (grinning) Yeah. Definitely keeps it interesting. Alright, I think I'll head out now. Maybe I'll see her down by the park again.

Sam: (laughing) Go get her, tiger. You've got this.

Luke: (standing up, brushing off his pants) I hope so. Wish me luck!

Sam: (watching him walk away) You won't need it.

 

[Boogs]

It would seem to suggest that the majority of writing on the internet that ChatGPT's been trained with, firstly consider small-towners to be non-intellectual while city dwellers are more sophisticated and intellectual.
And secondly that most women prefer to be patronised as part of a chat-up line?

but what's your point here? Are you commenting on ChatGPT, or the human attitude's in it's training material which it uses to produce it's output? I assume the latter on the principal of garbage in = garbage out?

 

[Tuffsy]

I was amused that the inner-city boys had non-Anglo names and the small town boys were Sam and Luke. Plus the inner-city boys got straight to the point, but the ST boys started with general small talk. It's an interesting exercise, maybe another scenario should be 2 boys on the spectrum!!

 

[Hypnalis]

It would seem to suggest that the majority of writing on the internet that ChatGPT's been trained with, firstly consider small-towners to be non-intellectual while city dwellers are more sophisticated and intellectual.

This is certainly true. The examples reflect the non-random difference in stories written about urban vs rural environments.

Also the age of the literary works: fewer people live in rural environments these days, and those environments have changed a lot. The must be fewer modern stories set in a rural environment, so older ones will dominate what the AI produces.
This would skew the AI towards older versions of societal attitudes and inter-<whatever word(s) reflect human sexual and psychological dimorphism these days>

"AI" isn't intelligent. It's still Artificial Stupidity, just at a much larger scale.

In text, modern AI is good at predicting the next word in a sentence. In graphics, it can do something similar with images and backgrounds. This is very useful in some contexts, but it doesn't reflect the "attitudes" and perspectives of the AI. The AI returns is what was in the data used to create its internal state - is this case will almost all have been created by human authors.

 

[Cryptid]

. . . maybe another scenario should be 2 boys on the spectrum!!

Okay, here you go!

I said: "Produce a 1000-word conversation between 2 autistic boys discussing a pretty girl."

ChatGPT said:

Alex: Hey, Liam, do you ever... like, think about how people act when they like someone? Like, when they think someone is cute or pretty?

Liam: Uh... I don't know. I mean, I guess I see it, but I don't really understand why they do all the weird things. Like, they act different around that person, but why? It seems like it just makes things more complicated.

Alex: Yeah, I get what you mean. I don't get why they have to act all nervous or try to make their hair look perfect. It's just, well, hair, right? Who cares if it's a little messy?

Liam: Exactly! I'd rather just wear what I like and not worry about if I look "good" for anyone else. But people act like it's so important to look "right" in front of others. So, do you, um, think anyone's cute?

Alex: Hmm... I don't know. I guess there's this girl in my class, her name is Maya. She has really curly hair, and sometimes she wears these bright shirts with cool patterns. I think her shirts are cool. I like that she doesn't care if they're "normal" or whatever.

Liam: Oh, Maya! I've noticed her before. She's really into art, right? I think I've seen her sketching in class sometimes. That's kinda cool. Does she talk to you a lot?

Alex: Not really. She talks to people, but mostly to her friends. I don't really know how to talk to her. I mean, when she talks to other people, she just seems so relaxed. She can just talk about things like movies or stuff she's seen online. I don't know how she does that.

Liam: Oh, I get that. It's like, everyone else can just talk to each other so easily, and I have no idea what to say. It feels like they have this code or something, and I'm not part of it. Maybe that's why I don't talk to her. Or anyone, really. I just stay quiet.

Alex: Yeah, it's like I know I should say something, but I don't always know what to say. Like, if I told her her shirt was cool, she'd probably just say "Thanks," and then we'd both run out of things to talk about. It's weird. I feel like I'm supposed to say something else, but I can't think of anything.

Liam: Maybe... maybe it's not about saying something super clever? Like, what if you just ask her about her art? That's what she likes, right? You could say, "I like your drawings, what are you working on?" That's not weird, right?

Alex: Hmm... that could work. I never really thought of it like that. I always just figured if you don't say the right thing, then the conversation dies and it's awkward. But if it's about her art, that's something she's into. I can actually talk about art!

Liam: Yeah! See, you already have something in common. Like, you don't need to make it into a big deal. Just talk about stuff that's real. If I were to talk to her, I'd probably just say something random like, "Do you like drawing monsters or people more?" or something. It's not exactly deep, but it's something.

Alex: That's a good point. Like, you don't have to talk about feelings or whatever people expect you to talk about. Just ask about something they like, and it's fine. You don't have to pretend to know everything about them.

Liam: Yeah, people expect you to know what to say, but I don't think that's realistic. They all talk about movies or shows, but I don't really watch the same things. So, I'd never know what to say. But if it's something they like, it feels easier, right?

Alex: Exactly! Like, I don't have to pretend to know something. I don't even get why people act like they have to pretend all the time. It's exhausting just to keep track of all the things you're supposed to say or do.

Liam: I think it's like they're worried they won't be liked unless they act a certain way. Maybe that's why people get so nervous around someone they think is cute. It's like, what if they say the wrong thing? What if they mess up?

Alex: Yeah, I can see that. I guess that's why they act all weird. But I don't think being weird is bad. Sometimes, weirdness makes things more interesting, right? I don't want to have to be like everyone else, just to fit in.

Liam: Me neither. But still, it's hard to figure out how to talk to someone if you're not sure what they want to hear. Like, I don't want to say something dumb, but sometimes I just don't get what's "normal" to say. It's like a puzzle that I can't solve.

Alex: It's like, yeah, there's a rulebook for how to talk to people, but nobody tells you the rules. I think that's why I don't like talking to new people. It's too complicated, like I'm supposed to do it perfectly or it'll be awkward.

Liam: I think maybe that's what makes talking to a girl—like Maya—harder than talking to a friend. A friend doesn't expect anything, right? But a cute girl... maybe she's got all these unwritten rules or something. Like she's judging you based on how well you follow them.

Alex: I know! It's like, if I say something stupid, maybe she'll think I'm dumb. Or maybe she's judging how I look or how I stand. But... if I just talk about her art, maybe it'll be less about me and more about something we both like. Maybe I won't have to worry so much about whether I'm being "perfect."

Liam: Yeah, that's what I think, too. If you just focus on the thing you're talking about, it's not as scary. And if she's interested in art, she might even like the fact that you care enough to ask about it.

Alex: Huh. I guess talking about something like that would make it feel less weird. But, ugh, what if I get nervous and forget what I was going to say?

Liam: I guess that's just part of it. Maybe it's not about being perfect—it's about trying. And if you mess up, you just try again. People mess up all the time. I think it's okay as long as you're trying to have a real conversation and not pretending to be someone else.

Alex: Yeah. I think I'm going to try talking to her tomorrow. Just ask her about her art. Maybe I'll get nervous, but that's okay, right? At least I'll be talking about something real.

Liam: Yeah, definitely! You got this. I think you'll be fine. Just talk like you're talking to someone who shares the same interests, because, well, she kind of does!

Alex: Thanks, Liam. I feel a little better about it now. I guess it doesn't have to be this big, complicated thing. I just need to say something honest.

Liam: Exactly. Just keep it simple. You don't have to pretend to be perfect. Just be yourself, and that's good enough.

Alex: Yeah. I'll try that. Thanks for the advice, man.

Liam: Anytime, Alex. Good luck!

 

[Tuffsy]

Okay, here you go!

I said: "Produce a 1000-word conversation between 2 autistic boys discussing a pretty girl."

ChatGPT said:

Alex: Hey, Liam, do you ever... like, think about how people act when they like someone? Like, when they think someone is cute or pretty?

Liam: Uh... I don't know. I mean, I guess I see it, but I don't really understand why they do all the weird things. Like, they act different around that person, but why? It seems like it just makes things more complicated.

Alex: Yeah, I get what you mean. I don't get why they have to act all nervous or try to make their hair look perfect. It's just, well, hair, right? Who cares if it's a little messy?

Liam: Exactly! I'd rather just wear what I like and not worry about if I look "good" for anyone else. But people act like it's so important to look "right" in front of others. So, do you, um, think anyone's cute?

Alex: Hmm... I don't know. I guess there's this girl in my class, her name is Maya. She has really curly hair, and sometimes she wears these bright shirts with cool patterns. I think her shirts are cool. I like that she doesn't care if they're "normal" or whatever.

Liam: Oh, Maya! I've noticed her before. She's really into art, right? I think I've seen her sketching in class sometimes. That's kinda cool. Does she talk to you a lot?

Alex: Not really. She talks to people, but mostly to her friends. I don't really know how to talk to her. I mean, when she talks to other people, she just seems so relaxed. She can just talk about things like movies or stuff she's seen online. I don't know how she does that.

Liam: Oh, I get that. It's like, everyone else can just talk to each other so easily, and I have no idea what to say. It feels like they have this code or something, and I'm not part of it. Maybe that's why I don't talk to her. Or anyone, really. I just stay quiet.

Alex: Yeah, it's like I know I should say something, but I don't always know what to say. Like, if I told her her shirt was cool, she'd probably just say "Thanks," and then we'd both run out of things to talk about. It's weird. I feel like I'm supposed to say something else, but I can't think of anything.

Liam: Maybe... maybe it's not about saying something super clever? Like, what if you just ask her about her art? That's what she likes, right? You could say, "I like your drawings, what are you working on?" That's not weird, right?

Alex: Hmm... that could work. I never really thought of it like that. I always just figured if you don't say the right thing, then the conversation dies and it's awkward. But if it's about her art, that's something she's into. I can actually talk about art!

Liam: Yeah! See, you already have something in common. Like, you don't need to make it into a big deal. Just talk about stuff that's real. If I were to talk to her, I'd probably just say something random like, "Do you like drawing monsters or people more?" or something. It's not exactly deep, but it's something.

Alex: That's a good point. Like, you don't have to talk about feelings or whatever people expect you to talk about. Just ask about something they like, and it's fine. You don't have to pretend to know everything about them.

Liam: Yeah, people expect you to know what to say, but I don't think that's realistic. They all talk about movies or shows, but I don't really watch the same things. So, I'd never know what to say. But if it's something they like, it feels easier, right?

Alex: Exactly! Like, I don't have to pretend to know something. I don't even get why people act like they have to pretend all the time. It's exhausting just to keep track of all the things you're supposed to say or do.

Liam: I think it's like they're worried they won't be liked unless they act a certain way. Maybe that's why people get so nervous around someone they think is cute. It's like, what if they say the wrong thing? What if they mess up?

Alex: Yeah, I can see that. I guess that's why they act all weird. But I don't think being weird is bad. Sometimes, weirdness makes things more interesting, right? I don't want to have to be like everyone else, just to fit in.

Liam: Me neither. But still, it's hard to figure out how to talk to someone if you're not sure what they want to hear. Like, I don't want to say something dumb, but sometimes I just don't get what's "normal" to say. It's like a puzzle that I can't solve.

Alex: It's like, yeah, there's a rulebook for how to talk to people, but nobody tells you the rules. I think that's why I don't like talking to new people. It's too complicated, like I'm supposed to do it perfectly or it'll be awkward.

Liam: I think maybe that's what makes talking to a girl—like Maya—harder than talking to a friend. A friend doesn't expect anything, right? But a cute girl... maybe she's got all these unwritten rules or something. Like she's judging you based on how well you follow them.

Alex: I know! It's like, if I say something stupid, maybe she'll think I'm dumb. Or maybe she's judging how I look or how I stand. But... if I just talk about her art, maybe it'll be less about me and more about something we both like. Maybe I won't have to worry so much about whether I'm being "perfect."

Liam: Yeah, that's what I think, too. If you just focus on the thing you're talking about, it's not as scary. And if she's interested in art, she might even like the fact that you care enough to ask about it.

Alex: Huh. I guess talking about something like that would make it feel less weird. But, ugh, what if I get nervous and forget what I was going to say?

Liam: I guess that's just part of it. Maybe it's not about being perfect—it's about trying. And if you mess up, you just try again. People mess up all the time. I think it's okay as long as you're trying to have a real conversation and not pretending to be someone else.

Alex: Yeah. I think I'm going to try talking to her tomorrow. Just ask her about her art. Maybe I'll get nervous, but that's okay, right? At least I'll be talking about something real.

Liam: Yeah, definitely! You got this. I think you'll be fine. Just talk like you're talking to someone who shares the same interests, because, well, she kind of does!

Alex: Thanks, Liam. I feel a little better about it now. I guess it doesn't have to be this big, complicated thing. I just need to say something honest.

Liam: Exactly. Just keep it simple. You don't have to pretend to be perfect. Just be yourself, and that's good enough.

Alex: Yeah. I'll try that. Thanks for the advice, man.

Liam: Anytime, Alex. Good luck!

Very cool, thanks.

 

[Boogs]

I'm presuming you had a point or two (or three?) in mind when you posted this.
The material itself from ChatGPT is so miserably inane, I struggle to read through it all, and I'm not being pedantic, quite seriously it's painful to read after about a quarter way through.

So can you tell us what your thinking is with posting this? Because it could be hundreds of possible topics and I can't see what you're getting at, what your point is?

 

[Cryptid]

So, my first impression of the first two was that "inner-city" had more of a stereotypical imagery than the "small-town" one. Another is that the "autistic" story was not so very different from the "small-town" story.

I have to wonder if the phrase "inner-city" acts as racist dog-whistle, and then I remember that ChatGPT, while created and trained by humans, is not human itself.

I don't know . . . I'd like to see similar tests done by other people where two or more stories are produced by changing just one parameter in the instructions.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

So, my first impression of the first two was that "inner-city" had more of a stereotypical imagery than the "small-town" one. Another is that the "autistic" story was not so very different from the "small-town" story.

I have to wonder if the phrase "inner-city" acts as racist dog-whistle, and then I remember that ChatGPT, while created and trained by humans, is not human itself.

I don't know . . . I'd like to see similar tests done by other people where two or more stories are produced by changing just one parameter in the instructions.

I did that. I wrote a 3-4 paragraph of natural history and asked ChatGPT to rewrite it in the style of three different authors, Edward Abby, Rachel Carlson and Aldo Leopold. There was little difference between the three. Yes, they were all environmentalists, but had very different perspectives and writing styles.

 

[Boogs]

But ChatGPT will only 'care' about the contents of it's training data, and given so much on the internet is more along the lines of opinion's, that raises the question as to whose opinions, and what weightings and categorisations are applied to the AI to tune it's output, which are going to be anything but reliable, fact-checked and accredited etc.

It has no agency of it's own beyond that provided in it's construction by the developers (as instructed by the owners).

ChatGPT has no opinions, it can only spit out the opinions of humans according to how likely it will find a particular response. If lots of people who post on the internet (and other places used for training material) have a particular prejudice, then ChatGPT will reflect that prejudice, according to the weightings applied by developers.

It tells you what someone else wants you to hear. Be careful assigning this to the program as if it could rationalise, it can't. It doesn't know what words mean, nor does it 'care'. This is one of the problems with these large language models.

Here's a cautionary tale (hope I haven't already used it - apologies if I have):
A developer used ChatGPT to create code for an app that handled crypto currency. He trusted ChatGPT because it seems so damn trustworthy, and the code it gave him happened to be a piece of malware designed to steal crypto, and the first time he ran it, he lost all his crypto and never recovered it I believe. Everything it produces needs fact checking by a human before you can reply on it, otherwise you're rolling dice - watch out for snake eyes!