Have We Already

My reading runs the gamut from the prestigious New York Times to the more graphic headlines in The New York Post and obviously, includes The Patch. I do so without apology.

Each morning after I pour a cup of strong black coffee coffee I begin, but always digitally.

On Sunday, I routinely open the Opinion page of the paper that claims to have all the news fit to print.searching for Maureen Dowd’s contribution.

Reading it this morning, I initially believed I had digested her elegant verbiage, then later descended to the lobby to await Will’s Sunday visit.

A print copy of the Times was languishing unread on one of the empty tables in the lobby.

After I opened it and reread “A.I.: Actually Insipid Until It’s Actively Insidious.” I had a seriously frightening moment accompanied by waves of guilt.

I instantly realized how much I may have contributed to ChatGBT and its predicted future. In my own minuscule way, of course, but am I alone? How many others have also succumbed?

Twenty odd years ago my loving family gifted me with my first iPad. I recall they sat around a Christmas tree watching and wondering if I would appreciate their selection. I had not asked for a device nor indicated any desire to own one

However, to their delight, I was immediately fascinated. The initial attraction has not diminished but instead grown throughout the recent lonely years. I currently own three iPad's, and use all three for different and valid reasons.

I am still a prolific reader, but after digesting Ms. Dowd’s words more thoroughly, question if decisions similar to mine are contributing to the projected success of ChatGPT.

Fifteen years ago I relinquished using an impressive local library or availing myself of the assistance of a helpful and friendly librarian Both were replaced without notice by Kindle.

Now although I own an impressive and constantly growing collection of reading material, it is available only via my password on a Kindle app.

With the advent of Covid, I quickly learned to avail myself of Amazon’s extensive and comprehensive inventory. When the isolation ended, I did not relinquish online shopping. Without an apology I abandoned the convenient chariot to a local grocery market. I did this without a look backward or goodbye.

Streaming has become my new avocation and refuge from political turmoil and frigid weather, I cannot remember when I last sat in a movie theatre. Have Netflix, Amazon and HBO Max become just one more small step to relinquishing employment options and active participation in society?

And finally, blaming my decision on frigid weather, I began my morning meditations via iPad rather than attending the local church.

And wasn’t that the greatest mistake of all?

I have now reread the informative NYT article three times. Each time I begin to feel less hope humans will win the competition with ChatGPT.

While I confess lacking knowledge about the nuances of A.I., I do question if our choices haven’t already opened the door and provided welcome.

We may have unknowingly surrendered.