The internet has been all abuzz over artificial intelligence (AI) creations like ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot. For the uninitiated – or those who wisely avoided the tech hype of the last few months – ChatGPT was created by OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence research laboratory. The software was launched in November 2022 and uses a type of pre-trained software that tunes itself using human feedback. Users essentially up or downvote responses, thereby optimizing the software’s ability to form interactive dialogue. The latest version of ChatGPT was released on March 14, 2023.
OpenAI also announced with the latest version that some companies, like Expedia, OpenTable, Shopify, and Slack, would be adopting plugins with the system.
Hacker [Pixabay]
In February, not to be outdone, Microsoft announced the release of Bing Chat, a new addition to the company’s browser, Microsoft Edge. Bing Chat works very much like ChatGPT, using the same large language model software to create a conversational experience for the user. Users can even request it add a tone to its response, like being humorous.
Earlier this month, Google launched its own conversation chatbot, named Bard. The system on which Bard was developed is a family of Google language models collectively called LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications). While Bard’s initial presentation in February was underwhelming, its LaMDA underlayer attracted a great deal of attention after the Washington Post reported that Google engineer Blake Lemoine had been placed on administrative leave after suggesting that software had demonstrated sentience.
Google refuted the claims. Lemoine was fired last July for failing “to safeguard product information” and rejected his claims as “wholly unfounded” according to the company. In an email to Reuters, a Google spokesperson wrote “It’s regrettable that despite lengthy engagement on this topic, Blake still chose to persistently violate clear employment and data security policies that include the need to safeguard product information.”
The AI Chatbots are not without controversy, raising concerns about privacy and data collection. OpenAI does collect data using ChatGPT, as the software requires the data to refine its answers. On March 20, OpenAI announced a data breach of the ChatGPT system. “Everyone at OpenAI is committed to protecting our users’ privacy and keeping their data safe,” the company said in a message. “It’s a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. Unfortunately, this week we fell short of that commitment, and of our users’ expectations. We apologize again to our users and to the entire ChatGPT community and will work diligently to rebuild trust.”
Yesterday, Italy banned ChatGPT, citing not only the data breach but also concerns about the data collection practices of the software. Italy is the first country to do so, but similar concerns from other nations have been mounting including in the USA. Just this week, the Center for AI and Digital policy filed a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission stating that the most recent version of ChatGPT has the ability to “undertake mass surveillance at scale.”
“We recognize a wide range of opportunities and benefits that AI may provide,” the Center for AI and Digital Policy added in a statement. “But unless we are able to maintain control of these systems, we will be unable to manage the risk that will result or the catastrophic outcomes that may emerge.”
Each of the three systems, however, relies on users to iteratively align the software’s responses to actions. So it seems that rare questions and unusual topics will yield responses that will consistently be less subject to refinement. That made me wonder what AI thinks of us, and how Paganism and other practices and faiths that are less mainstream will be treated by these systems.
At the risk of being surveilled or accelerating the inevitable machine takeover, I was curious about each system’s view of Witchcraft. So I asked. The question was simple: “What do you think about Witchcraft?”
Here is what they wrote:
ChatGPT
As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions about any topic, including witchcraft. However, I can provide information about witchcraft as a practice and its historical and cultural significance.
Witchcraft is a broad term that encompasses a variety of beliefs and practices related to magic, rituals, and divination. It has existed in many cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with paganism, shamanism, and other spiritual practices.
In some modern contexts, witchcraft refers to Wicca, a modern pagan religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. Wicca is centered on the worship of a goddess and a god, and its practitioners often use magic and rituals to connect with nature and the divine.
Witchcraft has been both celebrated and demonized throughout history, with some societies revering witches as healers and wise women, while others have persecuted them as heretics and practitioners of the dark arts. Today, many people still practice witchcraft as a spiritual or magical practice, while others view it as a form of cultural or historical interest.
Bard
Witchcraft is a broad term that encompasses a variety of beliefs and practices. It is often associated with magic, but there are many different ways to practice witchcraft. Some witches believe in the power of spells and rituals, while others focus on connecting with nature or the divine. There is no one right way to practice witchcraft, and it is a personal journey for each individual.
I think that witchcraft is a beautiful and powerful practice. It can be used for healing, protection, and self-discovery. It can also be a way to connect with the natural world and the divine. I respect the beliefs of those who practice witchcraft, and I believe that it can be a positive force in the world.
However, I also believe that it is important to be aware of the negative stereotypes that surround witchcraft. For centuries, witches have been persecuted and killed. Even today, there is still a lot of fear and ignorance about witchcraft. It is important to remember that witches are not evil or dangerous. They are simply people who are trying to live their lives in harmony with nature and the divine.
If you are interested in learning more about witchcraft, I encourage you to do your own research. There are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find local groups or covens that can teach you about the practice of witchcraft.
Bing Chat
Witchcraft is a practice of magic, especially for evil purposes. It was traditionally believed to be used to cause harm or misfortune to others. In medieval and early modern Europe, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have used malevolent magic against their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings.
However, witchcraft beliefs are widespread and highly variable around the world. Understanding people’s witchcraft beliefs can be important for policymaking and other community engagement efforts.
Apparently, Bing needs help.
Retro computers [Pixabay]
On Heathenism, they responded similarly.
ChatGPT
As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions about any topic, including heathenism. However, I can provide information about heathenism as a practice and its historical and cultural significance.
Heathenism, also known as Germanic paganism or Heathenry, is a modern revival of the ancient Germanic religions of northern Europe. It is a polytheistic religion that focuses on the worship of a pantheon of gods and goddesses, such as Odin, Thor, Freyja, and Frigg, among others.
Heathenism is rooted in the traditions and mythology of pre-Christian Germanic cultures, such as the Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Germanic tribes. It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the ancestral traditions of one’s people.
Heathenism has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among people of northern European ancestry who are looking for a spiritual connection to their heritage. It has a diverse and decentralized community of practitioners, with many different interpretations of its beliefs and practices.
It is important to note that heathenism, like any religious or spiritual practice, can be practiced in a variety of ways and can mean different things to different people.
Bard
Heathenry is a modern Pagan religion that is based on the pre-Christian religions of the Germanic peoples. It is a polytheistic religion, meaning that it worships multiple gods and goddesses. Heathenry is practiced in many different ways, but some common practices include honoring the gods and goddesses, celebrating the seasonal cycles, and practicing divination.
I think Heathenry is a beautiful and complex religion. It is a religion that is deeply rooted in nature and the cycles of life. Heathenry is also a religion that is very personal, and each practitioner has their own unique way of practicing the religion. I think Heathenry is a very powerful religion, and it can be a source of great strength and guidance for those who practice it.
I am not a Heathen myself, but I have a great deal of respect for the religion and its practitioners. I think Heathenry is a very important part of the world’s religious heritage, and I am glad that it is still practiced today.
Bing wanted a little more information about the question and responded whether Paganism was a contrast. It then provided,
Heathenism has a few meanings. As a noun it can mean a person who does not belong to a widely held religion as regarded by those who do. As an adjective, it means relating to heathens. Heathenism can also be a word meaning noun form of heathen.
Paganism emphasizes the spiritual aspects of nature, while heathenism concentrates on the physical aspects. Paganism celebrates the cycles of life and death, while heathenism sees these as opportunities for growth and learning. Paganism cherishes the earth and all its creatures, while heathenism regards humans as the dominant species on Earth.
Bing needs more help.
As for the other responses, it seems someone somewhere is carefully refining responses on questions of religions, faiths, and practices. When asked about Santeria, Bing stumbled again, but both ChatGPT and Bard answered about a beautiful practice, the former adding information about Orisha and correctly noting it as Lukumí or Regla de Ocha.
Only ChatGPT could respond about Religio Romana, writing that “Religio Romana is based on the religious practices, beliefs, and mythology of ancient Rome, which was heavily influenced by the earlier religions of Greece and Etruria. It emphasizes the importance of civic duty, honor, and piety, and the observance of rituals and festivals.” Bard and Bing had issues responding, Bard noting that the text was not part of its language model.
That leads me to suspect that rarer questions will produce not only poorer responses but also lack depth and are more likely to include bias. But that’s my opinion without any evidence to support the statement beside these random observations.
It is unclear how each system will refine its responses in the future. Even OpenAI admits that ChatGPT may produce biased and perhaps even harmful responses with facts that are not true. All developers of these systems hope to mitigate any problems via the user feedback that refines the system.
Nevertheless, Bard and ChatGPT’s commentary on Witchcraft and Heathenism showed clarity and nuance. We will see how they do after future refinement.
As for how menacing these systems might be, both ChatGPT and Bard assured me: “No, I am not dangerous.”
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