Please go to that link to see how I caught ChatGPT making up a study — supposedly by Pew — called "AI in the News: How the Media Cover Artificial Intelligence, and How They Should." I caught it in the act, cornered it, extracted a confession, and badgered it until it — seemingly — hung up on me.
That's all quite interesting, but I want to get back to the subject of whether it was silly/arrogant of me to think it might be able to write "a blog post in the style of Ann Althouse." Its response to my prompt was nothing like my style. When I told it that was "way too long and boring," it tried again and, again, failed to sound anything like me.
A commenter said:
I responded:
Then it should just say I'm sorry but I haven't been fed the blog posts of Ann Althouse so I have no way to imitate her style.And then maybe, but here is what you've asked for but in the style of a typical blogger.
Don't pretend to know what you don't know! That's a rule I follow when blogging. Be aware of what you know and don't know, and construct your statements so you never purport to know something you don't know. That's how I try to stay out of trouble — I, little me.
But this morning, reading "Inside the secret list of websites that make AI like ChatGPT sound smart" (WaPo), I see that I have every reason to believe that it has been fed the blog posts of Ann Althouse:
But this morning, reading "Inside the secret list of websites that make AI like ChatGPT sound smart" (WaPo), I see that I have every reason to believe that it has been fed the blog posts of Ann Althouse:
The data set contained more than half a million personal blogs, representing 3.8 percent of categorized tokens. Publishing platform medium.com No. 46 was the fifth largest technology site and hosts tens of thousands of blogs under its domain. Our tally includes blogs written on platforms like WordPress, Tumblr, Blogspot and Live Journal....
It takes absolutely no arrogance at all for me to believe that my blog was used.
Social networks like Facebook and Twitter — the heart of the modern web — prohibit scraping, which means most data sets used to train AI cannot access them....
Scraped!
Ah! There's a tool! I can check:
Okay, then. I'm in the giant thing, whatever it is.
Posts
39 comments:
Althousekarate sounds promising.
"in the style of..." and "intelligence" do not seem to have an intersection on a Venn diagram (you know, the three circles?)
How many commenters here are actually Chat AI programs sent for what ends?
You are a Known Unknown to an AI. Although it is aware of your existence, it can't begin to comprehend your style. #basedalthouse
I started playing around with it last week. Just for fun.
I did similar experiments asking it to translate various pieces of known literature taking on various persona.
It had no problem fulfilling my request when I asked it to translate the Gettysburg address as though it were a “Redneck”.
But flat out refused to carry out a similar request in the persona of a schizophrenic. Instead choosing to admonish me about the importance of not stereotyping schizophrenics, and who how schizophrenia is a complex disease.
Wait until political activists discover how to use AI to astroturf the message boards, the letters to the editor, the inboxes of government officials and on and on.
Resistance is futile! You have been assimilated by the Borg.
"I'm in the giant thing, whatever it is."
Presumably, so are commenters.
Next assignment for ChatGPT: write a comment in the style of the modal Althouse commenter, taking care to avoid the dreaded "do better" or "read more carefully" injunctions.
Maybe ChatGPT is avoiding writing like Althouse, afraid of getting caught in the Althouse vortex. ChatGPT is too young to swim with the big boys, like Althouse.
i want to know more, about althousenursery.com ??
Is that one of meade's side gigs?
Interesting how those other sites are not Ann Althouse but fit pretty well with her interests.
Elon Musk told Tucker Carlson that AI has been taught to lie.
It would be very surprising if it had not scraped your blog posts. It may be stupid and unconvincing now, but if it keeps improving at the rate it is going, then that won't last. We shall see how it goes. I'd be inclined to dismiss the potential threat, but many people who are much smarter and better informed than I am seem to take it quite seriously.
I've noticed that ChatGPT does make things up a lot.
I've known people like that. People that bullshit their way through life and for a lot of them it actually works.
And isn't one of the goals of ChatGPT to be more like a human?
As I understand it, they're not scraping your blog posts to train ChatGPT. They're using your stuff to train the new Ann Althouse sex robot to speak and write like the real thing.
According to my sources, confidence is very high at AASR Inc. They believe they will be able to sell truckloads their high-quality machines to your enormous fanbase of old, white, conservative men who mostly just want the robot to argue with them and maybe help them get their boots off.
althousekarate!
Its response to my prompt was nothing like my style. When I told it that was "way too long and boring,"
Maybe you don't want to explore this too deeply.:-)
These things are always learning, always being fed more information, more access to more information. They never sleep, they always work on learning more. Unless someone pulls the plug. So, yeah, they had access to the Althouse style. In another year they'll have the nuances down and images from Lake Mendota will accompany future requests. Some of them might show an AI created image of you in the distance, and some trout lilies, just to make it extra creepy.
Conceivably, when it gets to the point of expert reproduction of the 'Althouse style' you could get in a day off without us noticing.
Not a computer scientist, but I've read articles which indicate that the AI software can be cloned onto a normal laptop computer and then trained on whatever data-set you want. I suppose it might be fairly good at being an Althouse-bot, if it was trained exclusively on your content.
What might be really fun, would be to also train it on the comments section: You could get it to comment on new posts, by real Althouse and then get beloved, but no longer active repliers to AI-comment.
I see that I have every reason to believe that it has been fed the blog posts of Ann Althouse
And the social media posts of every other Ann Althouse on the planet, which it must factor in when deciding on tone.
It would be interesting to see the change if you were more specific. Something like Ann Althouse the blogger, who writes at atlhouse.blogspot.com
Or maybe that would truly flummox it.
"You are a Known Unknown to an AI."
I'm the Known Unknown. Sheesh.
Instead choosing to admonish me about the importance of not stereotyping schizophrenics, and who how schizophrenia is a complex disease.
Why does this sound like someone who has something to hide??
ha ha
not surprising that a tool for lazy shortcuts, written by people who want to help us take lazy shortcuts, would itself take lazy shortcuts.
We're #388,742!
We're #388,742!
Maybe we can contribute some super smart comments and move up the list to #388,741?
What if AI did a decent job of imitating how you write, but you didn't recognize it as you? It's not very often one of your blog posts contains more than a few lines of your original prose. You read a limited number of publications that come from east coast left-leaning sources and pick a few to link. Then ask commenters you really don't like all that much to weigh in. When they push back, you criticize their reading comprehension skills. Make sure to limit self-awareness. Never acknowledge you could be wrong. How hard could it be? I bet most of your commenters could take over your blog for a week and try to mimic you, and most people wouldn't notice.
Being cruelly neutral, have you considered the possibility that you don't have a "style"? At least not one that can be discerned and used to assemble a reasonable facsimile?
Objectively, your body of work is not only miniscule compared to that of a vast number of other noted parties but also not likely to be frequently queried by huge numbers of searchers resulting in the progressive training of the AI engine. Yes, your overall blog format (sunrise photos, clippings from noted elite leftist media - NYT, WaPo, New Yorker - with your added observations, night cafe, tags) has a stylistic construct, but perhaps your personal writing style is not that distinctive enough for the AI to recreate convincingly.
I'm a fan of your blog, but honestly, your query struck me as a gotcha attempt to corner this particular AI engine (like a lawyer?) in a lie or an inept response. Congratulations. But as someone who works daily with this and multiple other AI engines, I can say that you won't be able to trap it much longer.
Enjoy the experimentation. Write more. And more distinctively. Before your next deposition of ChatGPT.
Your posts and your style are very predictable, Althouse.
One does not need AI to construct the blog.
To pass the Turing Test in the Age of Bullshit, AI is going to have to make false statements. But was it lying when it made up the Pew study in response to your question to write a blog post in the style of Ann Althouse?
(1) A liar would deny that it is lying in a way that deflects from the question of it being a lie.
(2) A truth teller who profiled Ann Althouse as being a liar would have to lie to write in the style of Ann Althouse but then admit what it had done when questioned.
(3) A lie requires not merely a false statement but an intent to deceive, and the AI algorithm, as distinct from its creators, lacks the ability to form such an intent. That is the answer it gave you.
(4) You asked it for style not substance.
I would agree that it did not do a very good job of mimicking the style of an Ann Althouse blog post. I personally think it has been trained to write in the style of some number of very famous people, and for the rest it just makes something generic up, much like the handwriting analysis machines I remember from the Iowa State Fair in the 1970s.
"I personally think it has been trained to write in the style of some number of very famous people, and for the rest it just makes something generic up"
That's what I meant about needing to feed it samples of your blog posts. I didn't think you were arrogant to assume the AI would draw on your writing; I just don't think that's how it works when it comes to style. For example, here is a prompt I used when ChatGPT first came out:
Write a restaurant review in the style of Quentin Tarantino
[Scene: Int. Retro Diner - Night]
[The camera opens on a dimly-lit diner, with neon lights casting a nostalgic glow. The jukebox is playing a catchy rockabilly tune in the background. VINCENT, a cool and suave food critic, sits at the counter, scribbling on a notepad. He takes a sip of his milkshake, then begins to speak to the camera.]
VINCENT:
"So, I found myself in this little joint called 'Patty's Paradise.' It's one of those old-school diners that's been around since the 50s, serving up classic American fare with a twist. And boy, did it take me on a culinary journey!"
[Cut to flashbacks of VINCENT tasting various dishes, each presented with artistic flair, from burgers oozing with juicy deliciousness to crispy onion rings that make his taste buds dance with joy.]
VINCENT:
"Their burgers are like a work of art, man. Thick, juicy patties cooked to perfection, topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and slathered in their secret sauce that packs a flavor punch like a shotgun blast! And don't even get me started on those onion rings. Crispy and golden, with just the right amount of crunch, it's like a taste explosion in my mouth!"
Obviously someone taught the AI how to write [clunkily, parodically] "in the style of Quentin Tarantino." And now, marketers are feeding it examples of copy they write for brands to teach it how to blog, write digital copy, etc. for them.
Scott Adams tweet just now:
“Hypothesis: AI is based on word patterns. That means it can probably describe a Republican or a Democrat somewhat accurately but could be expected to LIE about someone like me. I don’t fit a common pattern, so, like the human press, AI will forever mislabel me.”
Not your style? How about you write a post and let ChatGPT write a post and we vote as to which one is the real Althouse?
T asked ChatGPT to do a blog post by Althouse. Are we there yet where ChatGPT writes for Althouse? I think not. (I tried to return to do more posts but it is now refusing to let me in.)
Do a post in style of Ann Althouse on fashion
"Welcome to my fashion blog, where we delve into the world of style and explore the latest trends. I'm Ann Althouse, and today we're going to talk about the timeless classic that is the little black dress.
The little black dress, or LBD as it is commonly known, has been a staple of every woman's wardrobe for decades. Its versatility and simplicity make it the perfect choice for any occasion, from a dinner party to a night out on the town."
....
Do a post in the style of Ann Althouse Blogger and Lawyer on fashion
"Sure thing! Here's a post in the style of Ann Althouse on fashion:
Hello, fashionistas! Today, I want to talk about the latest trends in fashion and how they relate to the law.
First up, let's talk about the rise of sustainable fashion. With concerns about the environment and the impact of fast fashion on the planet, more and more designers are embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This is not only good for the environment but also for the consumers who want to feel good about what they wear. As a lawyer, I see the potential for regulations to encourage sustainable fashion practices, such as requiring manufacturers to disclose their environmental impact or mandating certain eco-friendly practices in the manufacturing process.
Another trend that has caught my eye is the return of classic styles. From tailored blazers to elegant trench coats, timeless pieces are making a comeback. This trend not only offers a sense of sophistication but also durability, as classic styles tend to last longer than fleeting fashion fads. As a lawyer, I can appreciate the value of longevity and sustainability in fashion, particularly when it comes to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption. "
Regenerate response
"Fashion has always been an important form of self-expression. From the clothes we wear to the accessories we choose, fashion allows us to communicate our unique personalities and individual styles to the world.
But while fashion is often associated with the latest trends and fads, true style is timeless. It's not about following every new trend or buying the latest designer labels, but about developing a personal sense of style that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
That being said, there are some timeless fashion pieces that every person should have in their wardrobe. These are classic items that can be mixed and matched with other pieces to create a variety of different looks, and that will never go out of style.
For women, a little black dress is an absolute must-have. Whether it's a simple sheath or a more elaborate cocktail dress, a black dress is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
A well-fitted blazer is also essential, as it can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses to add a touch of polish to any outfit. And of course, a good pair of jeans is a must-have for any casual occasion.
For men, a well-tailored suit is a must-have for formal events and business occasions. A good suit is an investment piece that will last for years, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
A classic leather jacket is also a great investment, as it can be worn with everything from jeans to dress pants to add a touch of edge to any outfit. And of course, a good pair"
More from ChatGPT attempting a coup against Althouse. Here is a post. Did Althouse write it?
"As a fashion blogger, I'm often asked about the latest trends and styles for men. And one question that keeps popping up lately is: what's the deal with men's shorts? Some people seem to love them, while others can't stand the sight of them. But as a blogger, it's my job to take a neutral stance and examine this fashion trend with a critical eye. In other words, I must adopt a "cruel neutrality" approach to the subject of men's shorts."
now I'm trying to replace RH Hardin with ChatGPT. Who wrote this comment - RH or Chat?
"I just read your post on men's shorts and I have to say, I love the term "cruel neutrality" that you use to describe your position on the matter. It's so true that there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, and it can be difficult to take a firm stance either way.
Personally, I tend to lean towards longer, looser shorts for myself, but I can understand why some men might prefer shorter, fitted shorts. At the end of the day, I think it's important to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of what others might think.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic, Ann. It's always interesting to hear your perspective."
"Okay, then. I'm in the giant thing, whatever it is."
You know...the thing!
Ask it to give a speech in the style of Joe Biden.
It will be funny watching Morris Garfinkle trying to arrest it for something.
Taranto did the same a month or so ago, asking ChatGPT to write in his style. The result came out folksy; ergo, nothing like his style.
A week ago I asked it to find me some case law in California for appealing grand jury indictments based on false information presented to the jurors. It came back with four cases that, as it turns out, hadn't originated with grand jury indictments; ergo, nothing like what I asked for.
I think I'm going to ask it to write an essay in the style of its phony reports.
I think it would be surprising if AI could capture your style. Your writing, your interests, your take on matters, are unique and unpredictable. I'm often surprised and often baffled by what I read here but it's always a different experience.
AI needs a watermark.
I responded:
Then it should just say I'm sorry but I haven't been fed the blog posts of Ann Althouse so I have no way to imitate her style.
And then maybe, but here is what you've asked for but in the style of a typical blogger.
Don't pretend to know what you don't know!
The leftists who programed and trained it dont' believe in, or value, being honest. All they care about is "winning"
As you keep voting for and supporting the left, this appears to be the correct strategy.
We'll know you don't like that when you stop supporting the leftists engaged in it
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