If ChatGPT is Better Than Me, I’ll Fire Myself
“ChatGPT has the potential to be so good it could be ‘lights out for all’” said Sam Atman, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind the product that’s all the buzz right now (Business Insider, January 25, 2023).
So I’m testing out Atman’s theory: if ChatGPT is better than I am at pulling forth MY TRUTH, I will fire myself. Because that’s the process I teach, and you should hire the best, whoever or whatever that is.
Here’s the transcript that resulted so you can weigh in on whether I still have a vocation. I made a few cuts with ellipses because ChatGPT is, well, chatty. I doubt most of you will read through to the end, but if you do, you’ll learn a thing or two about tofu.
Me: Hi, ChatGPT! First off, how will I know if you enjoy chatting with me?
ChatGPT: As an AI, I am not capable of having personal opinions or feelings. I am programmed to respond to questions and provide information to the best of my abilities. I am here to assist you, to provide you with accurate and useful information, and to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Me: Okay… But a personal connection is important to me if we’re going to delve into my past together. Let’s start with an easy one. Do you think I'm a good person?
ChatGPT: As an AI, I do not have the ability to judge or evaluate human beings based on their morality, I am not capable of making judgments about people's character or personality...My responses are generated based on the patterns in the data I've been trained on.
Me: Got it. Feelings, no. Data, yes. So let’s get into it. I’m going to begin a story about my life and ask you to continue. Ready? The time in my life that I felt most connected to my full self was at my seventh birthday party…
ChatGPT: My parents had planned a surprise party for me at our local park. I was so excited when they told me that all of my friends were going to be there, as well as some family members I hadn't seen in a while.
As I arrived at the park and saw all of the decorations and balloons, I felt my heart start to race with excitement. I couldn't believe that my parents had gone through so much trouble to make my birthday special.
As I walked around the park, greeting my friends and family members, I felt a sense of warmth and joy that I had never experienced before. I felt truly happy and content, surrounded by the people I loved the most.
As the party progressed, I was given a cake and my friends sang "Happy Birthday." I felt so special and loved. I remember thinking that this was the best birthday party I had ever had.
As the party came to an end, and my friends and family began to leave, I felt a sense of sadness. But I knew that the memories of this day would stay with me forever.
My seventh birthday party was a turning point in my life. It was the day that I realized that being true to myself and surrounded by the people I loved was all that I needed to be happy. From that day on, I made a promise to always be true to myself and to never be afraid to show my true self to others
Me: Not bad, ChatGPT! There was no park, and you skipped over the emotional climax when my best friend, Valerie, in her yellow two-piece bathing suit, pronounced that everyone would leave my party if she didn’t get the first turn on my new jump rope. But I guess those details don’t matter–my fear of being humiliated, my insecurity over standing up to the most popular girl in the 2nd grade, my decision to jump first, come what may. Oh, and how I still draw on the strength of that moment whenever I feel that old fear of abandonment welling up in me today. But you nailed the balloons and the cake and the singing, so I’ll give you another shot: “Then my parents got divorced….”
ChatGPT: As the years passed, my seventh birthday party became a distant memory. My parents' marriage had been on the rocks for a while, and eventually, they decided to get a divorce.
The divorce was difficult for me, as it is for most kids. I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I struggled to understand why my parents couldn't make things work, and I felt guilty for not being able to do anything to fix it.
During this difficult time, I turned to my writing as a way to process my emotions. I wrote about my feelings of loss, anger, and sadness, and I began to realize that my seventh birthday party represented a time in my life when things were simple and happy. It made me realize that change is a part of life and that I have to learn to adapt to it.
Eventually, I found a way to move forward and to make peace with my parents' divorce. I realized that my family was still my family, even if it looked different now. And I learned that the memories of my seventh birthday party would always be a part of me, a reminder of a time when I felt truly authentic and happy.
Me: Pretty good, my new friend. Guilt? Check. And how did you know I started journaling around that time? I guess I was a pretty typical kid in the 70s. But I’m concerned by your generalities. Where are the deets, my friend? Don’t you want to write about how I lost my memory for three years? Or that the seeds of depression settled in? Don’t you want to write about how I met Michelle in the fourth grade when I moved to the new house with my mom, and how Michelle’s offer of friendship saved me? Try again. What happened next?
ChatGPT: As you struggled to come to terms with your parents' divorce, you likely found different ways to cope and to move forward. Some common ways that people deal with the stress of a divorce include:
Talking to a therapist or counselor: A professional can provide you with a safe space to talk about your feelings and to work through the emotional impact of the divorce.
Joining a support group: Support groups are a great way to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences.
Engaging in self-care practices: Activities like exercise, meditation, and journaling can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Spending time with loved ones: Surrounding yourself with people who care about you can provide emotional support and a sense of connection.
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress: Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as journaling, painting, or listening to music, can help you to process your emotions and to move forward.
Accepting and adapting to changes: This can be hard, but you realized that change is a part of life and that you have to learn to adapt to it, and with time and patience, you were able to accept the new reality and to find a way to move forward.
It's important to note that everyone's healing process is different and the way you found to move forward might be different from someone else's. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and to be patient with yourself as you heal.
Me: But I told you, I healed because of MICHELLE. I didn't heal like you said I did.
ChatGPT: It's important to remember that healing is not a linear process and it can take time. It's also important to acknowledge that sometimes people don't fully heal from certain events or traumas in their life, they learn to cope and live with it.
It's okay if you don't feel like you have fully healed from your parents' divorce. It's a difficult and painful experience and it's normal to still have moments of sadness, anger, or other emotions related to it. It's important to give yourself permission to feel these emotions, and to not pressure yourself to heal in a specific timeframe or way.
It's also important to remember that it's okay to seek help if you feel that you are struggling to cope. It can be beneficial to talk to a therapist or counselor who can provide you with support and guidance as you navigate this difficult time.
It's important to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Engage in self-care activities that make you feel good, whether it be exercise, reading, spending time with loved ones, or anything else that brings you joy.
Remember that healing is a journey, not a destination, and it's important to be kind to yourself and to give yourself the time and space you need to process and cope with what you're going through.
Me: Okay, thanks, I guess. I hear you on the joy thing. But I’m gonna be honest. I was hoping for more heart, less head. I thought maybe you’d want to tell the story of how Michelle hid with me in bushes behind Barkley Elementary School all day when I found out my father got remarried to a woman I’d never met. How Michelle didn’t say a word, just held my hand and let me cry. How she taught me that I didn’t have to be anything to or do anything to earn her friendship. How I learned to trust again. How she’s still the person who helps me stay tethered to my full self, even though we can go years without speaking. That’s okay, though, I don’t want to push you too hard. I can see you’re really trying. Let’s switch topics. Can you point me to any research on the benefits of expressive writing?
ChatGPT: There have been many studies conducted on the benefits of expressive writing…These studies have shown that expressive writing can have a number of positive effects, such as:
Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression: Several studies have found that expressive writing can lead to improvements in mood and reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improving physical health: Research has found that expressive writing can also have benefits for physical health, such as reducing symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, and improving the immune system.
Enhancing cognitive functioning: Expressive writing can also improve cognitive functioning, including increasing memory and attention.
Enhancing self-awareness: Expressive writing can help individuals to gain insight into themselves, their thoughts, and emotions, which can lead to improved self-awareness.
Coping with trauma: Writing about traumatic experiences can help individuals process and cope with the trauma in a healthy way.
Improving academic performance: Writing about one's academic-related worries and plans can help students perform better in their studies.
These are just a few examples of the many benefits of expressive writing, and the field is constantly evolving. If you're interested in learning more about the research on expressive writing, you can find many studies and articles in academic journals such as "Psychology and Health" , "The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" and "The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships."
Me: Wow! Now you’re cooking with gas! Thanks, ChatGPT. I’m gonna sign off now and check out those leads. I sure appreciate your help. One more question before I go: Should I make tofu for lunch?
ChatGPT: Whether or not to eat tofu is a personal choice and it depends on your dietary preferences and any dietary restrictions you may have.
Tofu is a food made from soybeans, it's a good source of protein and it's low in calories. It can be a good option for those who are looking for a meat-free source of protein. It's also a versatile food, it can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies.
However, it's important to keep in mind that some people may have soy allergies or intolerance and should avoid consuming it. It's also important to be aware of the source of the soybeans, as soy is one of the most genetically modified crops, so it's good to check the label or to buy organic if you're concerned about that.
If you're feeling hungry, it's always a good idea to have a meal or a snack to fuel your body. Whether or not to include tofu in that meal is a decision that you can make based on your dietary preferences, health needs, and availability.
It's always a good idea to listen to your body and to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need to feel your best. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist before making any significant changes to your diet.
Me: No kidding, Tofu smoothies? A fellow Californian, I see. You had me at hello.
Meet Jen
I find nothing more rewarding than inspiring people to value their stories and the fullness of their journey.
