Recently, I shared an article weighing up the impact ChatGPT is having on the content writing industry. Today, I thought I’d ask the AI to write about me.
Although it’s April Fool’s Day, I’m not sure ChatGPT has a sense of humour, but after repeatedly asking it to generate responses, it came back with several truths and some very interesting fiction.
But in five out of six responses, it killed me! Tragically, I died in 2020 or 2021.
This isn’t an article about how ChatGPT is killing the industry I work in. Here’s how the AI tried to write me off…
What Did ChatGPT Get Right?
ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that uses artificial intelligence. It’s trained on masses of information; however, everything it currently knows is over a year old!
Launched last November, ChatGPT is a hot topic. The jury is out on whether it will harm or help the copywriting profession.
I’ve Googled myself, and there are plenty of hits. First up, this website probably has a trove of information the AI could learn from. Next, there are bylined articles online in my name. Then, there are social media profiles and business listings…Plenty of stuff that an AI could use.
The facts ChatGPT got right: I was born in Wales. I am a writer of poems, short stories, and blogs. I have previously lived in Yorkshire. I did start an online journal called The Finest Example.
My Adventures in ChatGPT
Here are some excerpts from ChatGPT…
“Peter Wyn Mosey was a Welsh poet and author who left a lasting impact on the literary world with his profound words and insights into the human condition. Born and raised in Wales, Mosey’s love for language and writing began at an early age. He spent most of his life studying and perfecting his craft, and in doing so, he became an accomplished writer and poet.”
The opening paragraph of ChatGPT’s first article about me feels a little over-the-top, and although it reads like an obituary and in the past tense, doesn’t deviate too far from fact. Although I’m not sure I’ve made any mark on the literary world yet…
“In addition to his poetry, Mosey was also a skilled author of short stories and essays. His work has been published in numerous literary journals and magazines, and he was often sought after for his unique perspectives on a wide range of subjects.”
They always come looking for me and my unique perspectives. Just in case anyone is reading this and would like my unique perspectives, I do provide this service!
“Mosey developed a love of language and storytelling from a young age. He pursued a career in writing, earning a degree in creative writing and eventually working as a copywriter and content creator. However, it was his personal writing – the poetry and prose he shared on his blog and social media channels – that truly captured the hearts of his readers.”
Ah! My actual job, mentioned at last! And to be fair, I did get a positive response when I shared my creative writing on my blog.
“Despite his success as a writer, Mosey remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his willingness to help other writers and artists, offering guidance and support to those who sought his advice.”
Maybe that’s slightly true. Thanks for noticing ChatGPT.
Over the next few attempts, ChatGPT starts throwing pins in the map to decide where I’m from. It’s always pretty close, but never perfect.
“Born and raised in the United Kingdom”
“Born and raised in North Wales”
“Mosey was born in Wales and spent much of his life in the country before moving to Yorkshire, England.”
“He was born in Newport, Wales, in 1984, and grew up in nearby Caerleon.”
“Born in 1980 in the town of Bridgend, South Wales, Mosey began his career as a journalist, working for a number of publications across the UK.”
Gradually, ChatGPT moved closer to the facts. I was actually born about 35 miles west of Bridgend a year earlier! Never been a journalist though.
I loved the publications it suggests I wrote:
“One of Mosey’s most notable works was his debut poetry collection, “The Year of the Moon Moth,” which was published in 2020.”
I Googled this title, and couldn’t see anything with that name. It’s mine now. Thank you ChatGPT. I will use this!
“One of Peter’s most notable works is his book, “A Gothic Romance,” which is a collection of short stories that explore the darker side of human emotions.”
Not so fussed about the title, but I like the idea of exploring the darker side of human emotions in short stories. Again, thank you ChatGPT.
Then, on one response, it said something interesting:
“One of Mosey’s most notable achievements was his creation of the Free Verse Revolution blog and literary magazine.”
Again. Awesome name. Wish I thought of that one. But, I actually did set up an online literary magazine and blog a couple of years ago. It didn’t really take off. The pandemic happened, my mental health plummeted, and I didn’t have the time and energy to keep at it.
“In 2018, Mosey founded the literary magazine, The Finest Example, which aimed to showcase the best new writing from around the world. The magazine quickly gained a following, and Mosey became known for his tireless dedication to promoting emerging writers and poets.”
And there it is. The Finest Example. Wedged between some vague facts and over-exaggeration, some actual truth. It was, in fact, in 2019 that the site was launched. But I didn’t become known for it, and it’s probably only been read by a few hundred people.
But it was the death that really got me. ChatGPT killed me off. Repeatedly. I hadn’t asked for an obituary or a tribute. My request was for an article about me.
“Tragically, Peter Wyn Mosey passed away in 2021 at the age of 29. However, his legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to inspire and touch the lives of readers around the world.”
Nobody is more saddened to read this news than me. Maybe the afterlife feels just like our current existence. Although I’ve been dead for two years, life seems to have just plodded on for me. Since dying, quite a lot has happened for me. Odd.
“Peter Wyn Mosey was a Welsh writer and poet who passed away in September 2021.”
“Tragically, Mosey passed away in 2020 at the age of just 36. His death was a devastating loss for the literary community, and he is deeply missed by all who knew him.”
“Sadly, Mosey passed away in 2020 at the age of just 40, leaving behind a rich legacy of powerful and moving writing. He will always be remembered for his ability to capture the essence of what it means to be human, and for his unwavering commitment to using his writing to connect with and inspire others.”
“Tragically, Mosey passed away in 2020 at the age of 35. His death was a shock to his readers and the wider writing community, who mourned the loss of a talented and compassionate writer. However, his legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to inspire and connect people around the world.”
For the record, I am not dead. I am here, I am alive. Although some of this article is AI-generated, I have sat here and typed the rest out myself, with my own living hands.
But it’s all food for thought. What would my actual legacy be? Have I reached my creative potential?
Should ChatGPT Be Trusted?
So, if ChatGPT doesn’t know something, it just makes it up. Is this the technology we should be trusting with our future?
Well, anyone that uses it needs to ensure they fact-check everything. Content should never be shared verbatim because it’s often poorly written, easily detected as AI, and will affect search rankings. But it has its uses for research and planning.
But a bunch of big names in tech, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, has called for AI development to be paused. Pope Francis has also waded into the AI debate this week, calling for ethical use of the technology just days after a Midjourney-generated image of him in a puffer jacket went viral. So, is it time to put AI back in the box?
Like other many advances in technology, it might not be so easy. Musk funded OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT. Maybe he’s the Oppenheimer of our times.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments…
Wow! Amazing how much it got wrong. I do hope we don’t end up relying on this in the future!
My condolences on your demise! But seriously, I’m not a fan of AI, and I’m annoyed that all the people who brought it into being now are saying “on the other hand…” It would’ve been nice if they’d understood the essence of humanity in the first place. Too bad they couldn’t just leave the creating to creators, instead of getting some program involved that does a mediocre job and could apparently end up going Skynet on us all.