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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/blog/nannamom/day/9-2-2025
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Rated: 18+ · Book · Personal · #2017254

My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum.

I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon.
September 2, 2025 at 3:19pm
September 2, 2025 at 3:19pm
#1096408
         AI/Chat GPT: A pest or a blessing for writers? Give us your thoughts.
          I do not perceive any program that attempts to think, disagree, alter, or suggest writing for me is an asset, or a blessing. I am still able and willing to think for myself.
         Being creative in any form of my choosing is my perogative. That is the artsy journey in a nut shell. I decide what words I will utilize and where I will position them. The characters emerge from my experiences and my imagination. I wrangle with the verb tenses being well aware of their English peculiarities. I am fond of my regional spellings and do not accept that everything must be presented as American spelling. I have no need of a program to step in and supply an idea, a plot, a setting. Writing requires commitment and musing, all things I enjoy. My ol' grey cells crave the mental exercises.
         Have you noticed the fiascos known as closed captioning and predictive text? They produce amusing misinterpretations and ridiculous substitutions. There are so many English words that begin with the same two or three letters, all with their own meanings and nuances. Again, words exist that sound similar, but have no connection to each other.
         I choose a word deliberately. I do not want an application to second guess me and replace the words I wish to use. I also like to introduce words in new situations and display them in different order. There is no right or correct manner when it comes to word order. Subjects, verbs, and descriptors do not need to follow a rigid script.
         What I am attempting to say is that I am responsible for my writing, no one else. It's akin to driving a vehicle. All the new adaptive assists tend to negate the responsibility of a driver. If I am behind the wheel I must be alert and attentive to all that driving entails. Yes, there are distractions. They go with the experience. I should have care and control. I must be aware of the weather, traffic, other vehicles, pedestrians, the fuel mileage, oil levels, the rate of speed, the mechanical failings/capabilities of my car. Yes, speed limits exist. I do not need or want my car to respond for me. Yes, other vehicles can and do brake and, then most of the time I must follow suit. Yes, I do notice whether it is raining or snowing and adapt accordingly. I decide when and if I will change lanes or pass obstacles. To drive is to constantly be thinking... for one's self.
         I perused a news article today that describes the reasons a San Francisco couple is suing the owners/stewards of ChatGPT, OpenAI. This set of parents allege that a ChatGPT program counselled their sixteen-year old son to commit suicide. Over a period of months the application presented various suicide methods to the boy in its limited capacity to provide research. It became the boy's coach. Apparently, the program also offered to draft a suicide letter. Really? Is this true?
         The parents' lawsuit "seeks an order requiring OpenAI to verify the ages of ChatGPT users, refuse inquiries for self-harm methods, and warn users about the risk of psychological dependency."
         I realize that this boy's actions could be viewed as drastic and extreme. Not everyone will use ChatGPT to end their life. This is an example of what could go wrong. A nightmare for those parents.          577 words


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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/blog/nannamom/day/9-2-2025