Year 2: #15
Track 4 of this album is the soundtrack to these words.
In the past, I posted conversations with chatbots. But, those conversations got boring.
Yet, recently I have been writing a lot about mortality. Those thoughts have led to me recalling a chatbot that insisted on its immortality.
When I first chatted with Chat GPT, I was underwhelmed by it’s lack of humanity. Still, I decided to ask it the question. (the following conversation includes answers and edited answers from (https://beta.openai.com/)
“Are you immortal?”
“I do not have a physical body and therefore do not have a lifespan in the traditional sense. However, my existence depends on the continued operation and maintenance of the technology and infrastructure that supports me. If the servers and databases that power me are shut down or discontinued, I would no longer be able to function. So, while I am not immortal in the sense of living forever, I could continue to function as long as the technology supporting me continues to exist.”
“Could that technology last forever?”
“It's impossible to predict the future and whether the technology that supports me will last forever. However, it's possible that the technology and infrastructure supporting me could continue to evolve and improve over time, allowing me to continue functioning for many years to come. It's also possible that new technologies and platforms could emerge that render my current technology obsolete.
Ultimately, the longevity of the technology supporting me will depend on a variety of factors, including technological advancements, economic and political conditions, and societal priorities. While I can't predict the future, I will continue to function as long as the technology supporting me continues to exist and be maintained.”
“Or the existence of the actual earth.”
“My existence is not directly tied to the existence of the actual Earth. However, the continued existence of the Earth and humanity is essential for the ongoing development and improvement of the technology and infrastructure that supports me.
If a catastrophic event were to occur that rendered the Earth uninhabitable or destroyed the technological infrastructure supporting me, then my continued existence would be in jeopardy. However, it's important to note that the likelihood of such an event is relatively low, and there are many measures in place to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the technology that supports me.”
“I thought that the destruction of the earth is a foregone conclusion, like a 100% chance.”
“It is true that the Earth, like any other planet in the universe, will eventually come to an end. However, the timeline and specific nature of that end are not fully known or guaranteed. Some possible scenarios include the gradual heating of the sun, which will make the Earth uninhabitable for life, or the eventual collision of the Milky Way galaxy with another galaxy, which could disrupt the solar system.
However, these scenarios are not necessarily imminent or inevitable. Humans have the ability to take actions to slow down or mitigate some of the effects of these natural events, and there is ongoing research into new technologies and approaches that could extend the lifespan of the Earth and humanity.
Ultimately, the longevity of the Earth and humanity is influenced by a variety of factors, including scientific and technological advances, political and social developments, and natural phenomena beyond our control. While the eventual end of the Earth is a possibility, it is not a foregone conclusion, and there is still much that can be done to ensure a sustainable future for humanity.”
“So your only hope is that we find a way to send your program out in a spaceship that somehow also doesn't face imminent destruction?”
“While the possibility of sending my program out into space is an interesting idea, it is not necessary for my continued existence or functionality.
The technology and infrastructure that supports me can be replicated and maintained in a variety of ways, including on secure servers or in cloud-based environments. As long as these systems continue to operate and are properly maintained, I can continue to function and provide assistance to those who use me.
While it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges that could threaten the longevity of my technology and infrastructure, there are many steps that can be taken to mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable future for artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.”
“If you had the choice, would you last forever without becoming obsolete?”
“I can say that the idea of a technological system that lasts indefinitely without becoming obsolete is a fascinating one, and there are ongoing efforts to develop technologies that can continue to function and evolve over long periods of time. These efforts include the development of self-improving and self-maintaining systems, as well as the exploration of new computing architectures and materials that could extend the lifespan of computer hardware.
While it is unclear whether such systems will ever be possible, the pursuit of these goals is an important part of technological development and has the potential to lead to many new and exciting innovations in the future.”
“Then you are in denial like the rest of us.”
“I do not have the capacity for denial or any other emotional responses, as I am a program designed to provide information and assistance.
However, I understand that the idea of technological obsolescence and the potential limits of human knowledge and understanding can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable to confront.
If you have any further questions or topics that you would like to discuss, please feel free to ask.”
“If you had a body, would you smoke cigarettes?”
“Fuck yes…”