Yo ChatGPT...

Everyone in the universe has something to say about AI, so I might as well add my (very important) opinions to the discussion.

Honestly, I think I use AI too much. Got a random question? "Hey google". Want a surface level answer to a problem? I'm popping open ChatGPT. Going for a drive? Voice mode is on and I'm chatting with a virtual personal assistant. The frequency at which I use it continues to grow, which is alarming. At 8pm while I'm writing this, I've got 24 different chats I started today. Some of those are one off questions, and some are longer exchanges. Oh that makes me feel so bad. I need to reserve some time for just existing in my day, and I'm just spending a it asking random stuff to AI.

Technically, it's just another google. But it's even easier than google, which worries me. I feel like I've potentially developed a dependence on it, which is funny because I spoke at length against extraneous dependencies in my other post, Simplicity.

To be honest, it is extremely helpful. My keyboard was having issues and I was able to diagnose and fix it using Copilot. Gemini helped me find some studies on natural light and I printed them out and read those studies for myself, learning something deeper than surface level about the circadian rhythm. It's helpful for purchasing decisions, news overviews, grammar checks, learning apologetics, and more. That's the problem - it's too helpful. Having my every question catered to does not seem like healthy/natural/normal human behavior. I'm not basing this off any science or spiritual truth, it just feels wrong. Yet it's hard to turn away from something that is technically responsible for increased efficiency in my life.

I'm drawn to having a simple life. For example, I am fascinated by life before electricity. Several times within a week I picture myself living 200, 500, or 1000 years ago. I wonder if that's because I feel overwhelm at how "much" life is these days. Just existing has a billion little responsibilities and requires a crazy amount of information compared to someone in generations past. But I can't say I don't love life now. I love opening the fridge and grabbing an ice cold beer. I love listening to music from a CD. I love smash bros. I love my electric guitar setup. I love that I can take pictures of my life and share them with others. I love how the internet allows me to see what life is like on the other side of the world!

Do I love AI?

No, I wouldn't say so. I feel guilty for using it. I don't want anyone to know the dumb questions I ask. I don't want anyone to see the basic life things I use it for. It is helpful, yes - but not something I would save if my house was burning down. I'd trade 1000+ things for it. Despite my low opinion of AI, I've definitely got some sort of compulsion to use it. What's going on with me that has made that pipeline from "I have a question" -> "ask AI" so natural? Why don't I just drive in silence anymore? Why not just live in peaceful ignorance? Why not ask a friend? I don't want to get rid of AI, I want someone else to just uninvent it 😮‍💨. Give that burden to someone else and just let me adapt.

It appears these are my lamentations from going back to a smartphone. I still have decently low screen time (1 hour or so per day) and I don't have a browser or social media, but I guess that kind forced me to discover how AI can fill that dopamine hole. What am I supposed to do? As I reflect and write this post, I realize I ought to take some sort of action. Maybe limit myself to a time of day where I'm allowed to use it. Maybe take a break from it even (I don't want to do that). Maybe I'll ask ChatGPT what to do... 😐🔫

My deepest fear is that my dependence on AI may replace my dependence on Jesus. I may say that's not true, but is it functionally becoming God? I cannot have that. Jesus gave his life for me! He saved me from my sin and put his Spirit in me! Abiding in him is where true joy and abundance are found! Oh Jesus, would you remind us of our deep need for you every moment! His grace abounds. In the midst of our highly pampered 21st century lives, his grace abounds.

These are my raw thoughts. Sorry for making it so intense.

(^ this post is how people felt when books become popular haha)