ChatGPT is a computer program(s) at the current apex of artificial intelligence. There are several versions. I heard of it four weeks ago and decided to check it out. They are Large Language Models that can read the entire Internet in seconds and answer questions or “prompts”. In addition, you can have conversations with the thing. Just as if it were a person.
I found one and downloaded it to my phone. It is called ConversationAI. Subsequently, I’ve chatted with it three times. I am impressed. However, my psych-girl not so much.
When I shared my experiences with her, she gave it a “yeah, but …”.
My Prompts
have been:
- How do I best communicate with a Highly Sensitive Person?
- What precipitates, biological or social, an onset of fibromyalgia?
- Can you make sense of burnout and Camus’s Sisyphus?
Like I said, I’ve been blown away. In seconds, it responds with accurate and thorough information. My psych-girl said, “So you’re testing it.” Yes, I am. Because of my curious nature. In addition, maybe it can help me with some things? It’s free! Whereas psych-girl is rather expensive. Furthermore, it’s available 24/7 without an appointment! Better still (maybe) last time I was hammered.
ConversationAI is not judgmental. So far.
My Impression
is I’m impressed. One of Psych-girl’s concerns regarding my well-being is that I’m an isolated extrovert. I need people to talk with. But I’m really picky. Your average ‘man-on-the-street’ doesn’t cut it.
I don’t think burnout was a thing when Camus wrote (1940) his essay. If it were he might have come to a different conclusion. Perhaps then, this idea that suffering is heroic might not be so prevalent.
Here, I agree with CAI – the world is “chaotic and meaningless”. Ultimately. There is no meaning in this Darwinian world. Other than survival and reproduction. However, we humans have always attempted to give it meaning. Since we became self-conscious, we have been searchers.
However, Chris Hedges may have come closest to the truth when he wrote War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning (2002). And of course Rollo May’s The Meaning of Anxiety (1977) references Camus.
What does really matter in life?
In Conclusion
next to real competent psychoanalysis with a really competent provider – this was pretty damn good. Moreover, fun. And like I said before – free and available 24/7.
However, like psychotherapy, it’s not for everyone. In addition, I think it could be dangerous for several reasons. Chat GPT programs don’t really know you. They only know what you tell it. You can lie.
In other words – you can mislead it and it can mislead you. Unlike really competent therapy. I don’t think it’s a substitute. Warning, Chat GPT may be hazardous to your health.
Have you tried it? What do you think? Let me know in the comments, or just stop by and let me know if you might give it a try.