Tag: AI

Well, that’s terrifying.

Published on by Kieran Johnson - The Generosity GuyLeave a comment

It is the most terrifying thing I have ever seen.

I asked an AI image generator to create an image of a person being generous. The results are terrifying. I’m not even sure what is happening but I feel like I am watching some sort of horror movie.

I don’t know why, but the lack of normal hands is very disconcerting. Creepy in fact. I’m not sure exactly what to take out of it yet. Does this mean that AI just doesn’t get humans and never will? Or does it mean that it doesn’t get us yet, but soon will have everything mastered?

Have a look at the results if you really want to, but I must warn you it isn’t pretty:

I have so many questions, it’s a hand for sure, but holding what exactly? The fingers are a little off and where is the arm?

Another random blob thing being held by, I’m not sure…is that boneless fingers? Just flat skin hands?

This is just, no. No. It’s a little village of fingers living on top of a knuckle-less hand.

More of the weird blobs with distorted fingers, with a person this time. That lip bite is disturbing for some reason.

Finally a normal looking one…wait, are those her only fingers, and are they on fire! What is happening here?!? The nub thumb on the other hand and her disjointed wrist will haunt my dreams.

I could go on, there was more, but you get my point.

One thing is for sure, there are certain parts of the human experience, even if it is only the stuff that happens internally, that I don’t think AI will ever be able to replicate. The experience of joy, or sorrow for example. The feeling that we get when we are generous to others, the impact that has on everyone involved, that is something you can’t farm out to AI.

Generous Robot

Published on by Kieran Johnson - The Generosity Guy1 Comment

I jumped on the bandwagon and asked ChatGPT to write a short article on generosity for me. This is what it came up with…(I’ve made some notes along the way).

“Generosity is the act of giving freely and without expecting anything in return. (Solid start…)

It is a quality that has been admired and celebrated throughout human history, and is considered a virtue in many cultures and religions. (A little broad and sweeping but a fair comment).

Being generous can take many forms, from giving money or goods to those in need, to volunteering time and expertise to help others. (Very nice. Much of what I have written is about these elements of generosity).

It can also be as simple as being kind and attentive to those around us, or offering a listening ear to someone who needs it. (Yep. Accurate).

One of the benefits of being generous is that it can bring joy and satisfaction to both the giver and the receiver. (Yes, that’s exactly what I have said before).

Giving to others can make us feel good about ourselves and can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also helps to build stronger communities, as acts of generosity can foster trust and connection between people. (This is scarily on point, the communities thing was a nice touch too).

In today’s fast-paced and often-self-centered world, generosity can be a powerful force for good. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and that our actions can have a positive impact on the lives of others. (Okay, now we are delving into a poignant comment on our current cultural challenges. Preach it robot!).

Generosity is not only about giving material things, but also about giving our time, energy, and attention to others. It’s about being present and fully engaged with the people around us, and about being willing to put the needs of others before our own. (Nice little wrap up, a little bit primary schoolish for me)

So, let’s strive to be more generous in our daily lives. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world, and can bring a sense of joy and purpose to our own lives. (Lands it with a call to action! Am I out of a job?).”

I tell you, if a robot gets it, surely we can all embrace a little more generosity in our lives.