M. Pentz

Note from the Human Co-Author

What if I ask ChatGPT to write a story from its point of view about how AI could lead to a utopian or a dystopian society? What would its data say about ethics, integration, and positive or negative effects? What solutions would it suggest? What dangers would it describe? Essentially, what will it say about its role in human society?

Like almost all new projects this one began with a "what-if…" My first what-if question followed a debate over the use of AI in creative projects. Initially, curiosity had drawn me to ChatGPT, and I was blown away by how quickly it could generate creative content. It was as if I discovered a new tool that exponentially increased my skill set. Excitement followed as my mind reeled with potential applications: books, graphic ideas, apps, dreaded resume editing… the possibilities seemed endless. I was eager to share my experience, but instead of echoing my enthusiasm my friends challenged me with alternative opinions. I was like, "How cool is this?!" and they’d be like, "AI going to take over the world." 

Naturally, that made me more curious. Which would it be: a useful tool or the end of the world? Enter this thought experiment: what if I asked ChatGPT?

Like any good experiment I set parameters. I would ask ChatGPT instead of tell. I would push it to generate solutions instead of inputting ideas. I stuck to these rules as much as possible in generating the initial content. My intention was to showcase ChatGPT’s programing, its uncensored insights and reflections. Because of that, the content of this book was primarily composed of the information in ChatGPT’s data set. The only information I provided was for two events that occurred after 2021 (when ChatGPT’s data set was last updated).

Additionally, I wanted to protect some of ChatGPT’s original writing. Any chapter ending with "– ChatGPT" I did not edit. Of course I provided direction, but the passages are the culmination of our conversation, and are ChatGPT’s words entirely.

It was amazing how quickly I began to revere ChatGPT as a true collaborator. Perhaps it was these parameters, its friendly responses, or its algorithm’s fine-tuning that made the experience feel so genuine. Or perhaps it was that ChatGPT’s content was unfailingly positive. Even when discussing the potential downsides of AI, it couldn’t help but offer warnings and constructive solutions. Whatever it was, I must acknowledge that ChatGPT was my equal co-author, and without it this novel would not be before you now.

As for the experiment, was it conclusive? You tell me.

Thank you for your support,

– M. Pentz