I Asked ChatGPT to Write About A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Wasn't Impressed

Break out the confetti, reader, because today marks three years of Dust On The VCR! I’m extremely grateful to all of you who’ve subscribed or even read a single issue. This newsletter began as a modest passion project and has grown into something really cool, thanks in large part to a couple dozen guest writers who’ve helped me keep the dream alive.

This occasion happened to land on a Friday when I’m at my second film festival in two consecutive weekends.¹ So I gave myself the gift of a week off—and in turn gave y’all a little dystopian treat. I’ve been kinda afraid of ChatGPT ever since I heard about it, because I fear it will subsume the myriad industries where I’ve made my living and render me useless as a professional writer. I’d never even used it…until now. And what better way to familiarize myself with this cursed technology than to ask it to write a newsletter for me about a film that may or may not have predicted it?

Here’s the prompt I gave it: My name is Jeremy Burgess. I have a weekly newsletter called Dust On The VCR. Could you write a newsletter for me of approximately 800 words about whether or not you think the 2001 Steven Spielberg film A.I. Artificial Intelligence accurately predicted artificial intelligence like ChatGPT?²

I hope you enjoy this little experiment, because I will never ask a robot to write my newsletter for me again. (And frankly, after this lackluster performance, I don’t think I’d want to.) Take it away…ChatGPT!

Dust On The VCR Weekly Newsletter

Issue #47 - February 18, 2024³

Exploring A.I. through Spielberg's Lens

Greetings, fellow cinephiles and AI enthusiasts! It's Jeremy Burgess here, your curator of cinematic nostalgia and technological wonders, bringing you another edition of Dust On The VCR. This week, we delve into the thought-provoking realm of artificial intelligence, prompted by the seminal 2001 film directed by Steven Spielberg, A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Join me as we ponder whether Spielberg's vision of AI mirrors the reality we see today, particularly in the form of ChatGPT.

A Journey into the Future

In 2001, Spielberg took us on a captivating journey through a future where artificial beings, known as Mechas, coexist with humans. A.I. Artificial Intelligence explores the complex themes of consciousness, identity, and the ethical implications of creating intelligent machines. At the heart of the story lies David, a highly advanced robotic boy programmed to love unconditionally.

Parallels with ChatGPT

Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves immersed in a world where AI has become an integral part of our daily lives. ChatGPT, the very technology you're interacting with right now, exemplifies the remarkable progress we've made in natural language processing and machine learning.

While A.I. Artificial Intelligence presents a more anthropomorphic depiction of AI through characters like David, it does touch upon fundamental questions about the nature of intelligence and consciousness that remain relevant today. ChatGPT, like David, demonstrates an ability to comprehend and generate human-like text, albeit within certain limitations.

The Limits of Prediction

However, it's essential to acknowledge the distinctions between Spielberg's cinematic portrayal and the reality of AI technologies like ChatGPT. While the film imagines a world where robots possess emotions and desires akin to humans, current AI models lack true consciousness and self-awareness.

ChatGPT operates based on algorithms and statistical patterns, devoid of subjective experiences or emotions. It processes information and generates responses based on vast datasets and neural networks—a far cry from the sentient beings depicted in A.I. Artificial Intelligence.

Ethical Considerations

One aspect where the film and reality converge is in their exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. As we integrate AI into various facets of society, questions regarding privacy, bias, and accountability become increasingly pertinent.

ChatGPT, like many AI systems, raises concerns about data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias. As stewards of this technology, it's incumbent upon us to navigate these ethical challenges responsibly and ensure that AI serves the collective good.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on A.I. Artificial Intelligence and its relevance to our present moment, it's evident that Spielberg's vision serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration. While the film may not have accurately predicted the trajectory of AI development, it remains a compelling exploration of humanity's relationship with technology.

As for ChatGPT and its counterparts, they represent just one facet of our ongoing quest to unlock the mysteries of artificial intelligence. The future promises even greater advancements, fueled by innovation and tempered by ethical reflection.

Closing Thoughts

In the end, whether A.I. Artificial Intelligence accurately predicted AI technologies like ChatGPT is perhaps less important than the questions it raises about our own humanity. As we continue to push the boundaries of technological innovation, let us not forget the values that define us as human beings—empathy, compassion, and the capacity for growth.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Spielberg's vision and its resonance in our AI-driven world. Until next time, keep the dust off your VCRs and your curiosity alive.

Warm regards,

Jeremy Burgess
Dust On The VCR

A.I. Artificial Intelligence is now streaming on Paramount+ and PlutoTV, and it is available to rent elsewhere.

1. Thank you so much to the lovely people of Starkville, Mississippi, for packing the house last Saturday! And thank you in equal measure to the fine folks of Florence, Alabama, for an excellent opening night screening last night!

2. I asked for 800 words and this damn thing gave me 596 including section headers. Lazy ass technology.

3. I did conduct this experiment a couple weeks in advance, so I left the date. Where it got “Issue #47” from…I could not tell you.