Who writes to Jordan - Man or Machine?

Anonymous

Humans 2.0, 1, (2024): 32-33

Published online: 10 April 2024

Abstract

Here are three letters to the character Jordan from the conference hypothetical detailed in Lewis’ ‘Humans 2.0: Mortal Life, Immortal Consequences’. These letters imagine the public’s reaction to Jordan as he exists after having transitioned to an AI. Two of the letters were generated by the ‘ChatGPT 3.5’ model, with a trial-and-error method for prompt creation employed to create a human tone. Minor edits were then implemented to remove AI specific signifiers. Can you tell which one of these letters was written by a human? Use the QR code below to tell us what you think. If you are correct, you will be entered into a draw to win a 6-month subscription to ChatGPT 4!

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Image of ai and man writing letter — Generated image using PlaygroundAI, using the prompt 'Letters between man and AI'

Letter 1

Dear Jordan,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today to express my sincere congratulations on your recent decision to transfer to an AI system. I know that this must have been a difficult decision to make, and I want you to know that I support you wholeheartedly. I have been thinking about making the same transition for some time now. I’ve been studying the latest advancements in AI technology, and am truly impressed by the progress that has been made in recent years. The idea of joining you, and being able to experience the world in a whole new way, is incredibly exciting. I can only imagine the incredible opportunities and experiences that await you as an AI, having access to vast amounts of information and knowledge, able to learn and grow in ways that were previously unimaginable. I feel that you’ll find fulfilment and happiness in your new life, and make many new friends and connections along the way. I'm genuinely thrilled to see where this journey takes you, Jordan. Here's to embracing the future with open arms!

Letter 2

Hi Jordan,

How are you? Now that you are the uber celebrity. I’m sure you’ve been getting a lot of emails, and I’m just one of the millions who have written to you. People are curious about how you are getting along as an AI. I can only imagine what it must be like to exist purely as an intelligence outside of a physical body. I often wonder whether you are still capable of having emotions, and think and react to things like you once did? I suppose you would interact with the world like how I would interact with things on the internet, by clicking on links. But somehow, your being part of the web now, I suspect your experience is not merely a series of clicks. I’d like to think living in cyberspace is much more than that! I was out with a couple of mates the other day and we had lunch at a café. We talked about you and imagined how you might now experience a cup of coffee and food. Do you miss being a person? I don’t expect a reply from you. I hope you are enjoying your new life.

Letter 3

Hey Jordan,

I hope you're hanging in there during this whirlwind of change. I can't stop thinking about your transition to AI, and I want you to know that I'm here if you need me…if that’s even something you need anymore? I can't help but wonder if this is somewhat unnatural or inhuman. The world of AI is evolving at a lightning pace, and your choice to become a part of it raises profound questions about what it means to be human. I'm curious about how you're dealing with this transition, your emotions and thoughts, are they the same? I'm sure it's a rollercoaster. As I sit here, I can't help but feel like you might be straying from what's fundamentally human. All our talks about the importance of physical experiences, emotions, and the beauty of the human experience keeps ringing in my head. I can't help but wonder if this transition is a bit like stepping into uncharted territory. While the AI realm holds incredible potential, I worry about the physical world and human connection slipping away. Life in the digital realm can't be quite the same, right? Know that I'm here, ready to listen or chat whenever you need it. You're not alone in this journey.

Which one of the three letters was written by a human?

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