TECHNO: NEW WAYS

So-called ‘generative AI’ raises deep questions about creativity and the future of literature and art, as well as the future of professions such as the law, medicine and journalism.

However, it also offers enormous possibilities for those of us with less exalted requirements such as the need to write functional documents such as brochures, catalogues and emails. For people whose expertise is not in writing beautiful prose but selling stuff, generative AI could be a big time saver.

The first generative AI was ChatGPT, developed by a non-profit organisation called OpenAI, which is heavily backed by Microsoft.

Google followed swiftly with its own system, BARD. And it is not just text – other generative AI systems can produce images and music.

So how does generative AI work?

The basic technology is the neural network, an array of computer ‘switches’ designed to operate in a broadly similar manner to the brain. The array is trained by exposing it to information, asking it questions and correcting its errors. The neural network ‘learns’ and eventually begins to produce useful output.

The first AI systems were, frankly, pants, and there were dreadful failures such as AI chatbots that were trained on chats written by humans, and as a result soon degenerated into making shocking racist and sexist comments. The latest generation, however, seems to have got that problem under control.

At present, only ChatGPT is available for wide public use. To find out what the system is capable of, the best thing is to play with it. Go to chat.openai.com and sign on for free. Then you will be presented with a chat box ready for you to type any question you like in. In a matter of seconds, a few hundred words of text will appear.

So, I asked it to tell me the meaning of life. It said:

“The meaning of life is a philosophical and existential question that has puzzled and fascinated humans for centuries. There is no one definitive answer that applies to everyone, as the meaning of life can vary from person to person depending on their beliefs, values, and experiences.”

Plus a few more paragraphs in a similar vein. It is surprisingly good. The sentences flow well, the grammar is impeccable and it is correctly spelt. Easily good enough for the Today Programme’s Thought for the Day.

So could it help with those tiresome writing assignments such as brochures and catalogues?

My next question: “Write a paragraph about a traditional bridal gown”.

ChatGPT’s answer: “A traditional bridal gown is a beautiful and elegant garment worn by a bride on her wedding day. Typically, it features a long, flowing white or ivory skirt, often made of luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or tulle, and a fitted bodice that accentuates the bride’s figure. The dress may also include intricate lace or embroidery details, as well as delicate beading or sequin embellishments. A traditional bridal gown is designed to make a bride feel stunning and sophisticated on her special day and is often complemented by a veil, jewellery and other accessories to complete the overall bridal look.

While styles and trends may change over time, the traditional bridal gown remains a timeless and iconic symbol of love, beauty and commitment.”

That’s really not bad at all. If you put the name of the designer and the basic materials, it could do a bang-up job. In correct English if nothing else, silk, with a high neckline and a long, flowing skirt that hung straight and true. The bride wore no veil, for she needed no ornamentation to enhance her natural beauty. The dress was unadorned, save for a small bow at the waist, like the final flourish of a fisherman’s line before the catch is landed. It was a gown that spoke of practicality and understated elegance, much like the way a good fisherman goes about his work. In this dress, the bride was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, much like a skilled angler who navigates the treacherous waters of the open sea.” although the AI did spell ‘jewellery’ in the American way, “jewellry”, which does emphasise the need to read the copy carefully before actually publishing it.

Of course, I then started to play my favourite game, literary parody.

Next question for ChatGPT: “Write a paragraph describing a traditional bridal gown in the style of Ernest Hemingway”

The answer: “The bridal gown was a simple, elegant affair, not unlike the graceful lines of a marlin caught in the Gulf Stream. It was made of white

Clearly, Chat GPT has only read The Old Man and the Sea, which is slightly disappointing, but the main takeaway is that, as with all computer systems, if you ask for nonsense that is what you will get. Frame your questions carefully to ensure you get what you really want.

Generative AI is here, and it is going to change our lives. Even if you don’t need computer help to write your promo material or answers to customer queries, everyone should experiment with the technology to get a feel for the challenges and opportunities it offers.