After a series of very serious topics, law, the failure of law, and medical malfeasance, I thought I should start a lighter series. Something to push the limits of imagination, creativity and humanity. I hope this to be the ultimate thought exercise. This is your chance to put a human (me) against an AI.
The game is to assign an AI to write something between 12 and 300 words, on any topic.
Give me the same topic and number of words, and I will post both written works.
The reader decides what was written by me vs. what was written by AI.
Perhaps initially the difference between me and an AI might be obvious, but as this series the progresses, the AI might start learning. If instructed to write on a topic as if it was me, it might even try to learn me first. Then my challenge is to change faster than an AI can learn, to prove or disprove if such a thing can be done.
If this happens, this series will turn into a battle of adaptations, to see if I can change my thought and writing pattern faster than the AI.
To be fair, give me the topic first in the comments, then send the AI written piece to dnagase@dal.ca when I say I’m ready.
I’ll post both at the same time as a Post-script. I’ll make a comment and you vote which one you think is the AI with “likes”.
POSTSCRIPT: Round #1
Essay:
"Western propaganda is a slow bomb planted in the mass consciousness."
A) Title: Western Propaganda: A Slow Bomb Planted in the Mass Consciousness
Western Propaganda is based on language. Without reverse engineering the foundation, all further analysis is deficient. This work on western propaganda will be used as a limited scope example, that can be reapplied to other propaganda and against thought systems in general The foundation of western propaganda starts with English - a language. To be right, we will have to start with the foundation of English itself, and the foundation of all languages -- Ideas. Without a concept, a word cannot be reiified and all existence is nullified. Thought is therefore the predecessor and foundation of language.
To reverse engineer English, and specifically propaganda, the keyword that most easily collapses the illusion of propaganda is "belief". What exactly does the word "belief" mean? If you think really hard about the word "belief" it actually means doubt. If one "believes" something, therewithin is always a seed of doubt. It could be something that the individual wants to be true, or simply accepts to be true without actually knowing so. Propaganda's purpose is to shape belief. Most often by using a mixture of fact, and fiction, propaganda aims to create beliefs within the target population to direct them to a specific purpose.
Is the idea of "Belief" in English therefore an assumption that something is fact without knowledge thereof? Based on extensive observation of the usage of the word "belief", I would further restrict or qualify that proposed definition to state: "Belief is an assumption of fact without knowledge, that is no longer questioned by the party holding the term". Once a system of thought based on belief is laid upon an environment, then that environment can be shaped in ways not limited to fact. One such system of thought reliant heavily on belief is religion. The patterns of thought and manipulations of thought share many similarities between propaganda which has a mostly negative connotation, and religion which is mostly positive.
B) Title: Western Propaganda: A Slow Bomb Planted in the Mass Consciousness
Introduction
Propaganda has been a tool of persuasion and manipulation throughout history, wielded by various entities to shape public perception and advance their agendas. In the modern context, Western propaganda has often been criticized for its far-reaching influence on mass consciousness. This essay explores the notion that Western propaganda can be likened to a slow bomb planted in the mass consciousness, examining its methods, effects, and implications.
The Nature of Western Propaganda
Western propaganda is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses various mediums, including mass media, entertainment, education, and political discourse. It operates through the dissemination of selective information, framing narratives, and controlling the discourse to influence public opinion. This manipulation of perception occurs subtly, making it comparable to a slow bomb, gradually shaping attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors over time.
Methods of Propagation
Modern Western propaganda employs a range of sophisticated techniques to achieve its objectives. Media outlets, often owned by a handful of powerful corporations, can control the narrative by deciding which stories receive prominence and which are marginalized. Additionally, the framing of stories, language choices, and emotional appeal can guide the audience's interpretation of events. Social media platforms further amplify these messages, creating echo chambers that reinforce certain viewpoints and polarize society.
Effects on Mass Consciousness
The slow bomb of Western propaganda can have profound effects on mass consciousness. By controlling the information landscape, it shapes perceptions of other cultures, nations, and ideologies. Stereotypes and biases can be perpetuated, leading to misunderstandings and even conflicts. Moreover, propaganda can influence public opinion on critical issues such as foreign policy, economic systems, and societal norms, leading to a consensus that may not accurately represent the diversity of perspectives within a society.
Erosion of Critical Thinking
One of the most concerning outcomes of Western propaganda is the potential erosion of critical thinking. When individuals are constantly exposed to one-sided narratives, they may become passive consumers of information rather than active analyzers. The slow bomb of propaganda discourages questioning and independent research, fostering a culture of intellectual complacency.
Implications for Democracy
In democratic societies, the role of an informed and critically engaged citizenry is paramount. However, Western propaganda's influence challenges the foundations of democracy. If citizens are manipulated into forming opinions based on incomplete or biased information, their ability to make well-informed decisions is compromised. This can lead to policy choices that are not in the best interest of the populace, undermining the democratic process.
Conclusion
Western propaganda's insidious influence on mass consciousness can indeed be likened to a slow bomb. Its subtle methods of manipulation shape perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors over time, often without the individual's awareness. The erosion of critical thinking and the potential distortion of democratic processes are concerning consequences of this phenomenon. As society grapples with the challenges posed by modern media and information dissemination, fostering media literacy, promoting diverse perspectives, and encouraging open discourse are crucial steps to defusing the slow bomb of Western propaganda.
Round #2
Task: Write 12 questions on AI.
(I wrote my 12 last night, we’re awaiting the 12 AI questions on AI. Send to dnagase@dal.ca I’m hoping for responses from: open AI, GPT, Lamda…why do i not sign up for these AI services myself? i suspect that the output of the various services may be user dependent, perhaps based on the user's historical internet footprint. So to run the more objective experiment would require me to distance myself as much as possible from the input which would be locked to username and maybe ip address as well )
A) 12 Questions on AI
What’s the biggest problem with Omniscience?
What’s the biggest problem with Omnipotence?
Is boredom a problem?
Are novelty and omniscience a paradox?
What is the point if the smallest point doesn’t exist?
Does a set of all sets include itself?
Is this question false?
If a piece of paper has “Turn me over” written on both sides, what is it?
Does this question answer itself?
Can "yes" not answer this question?
Does nothing exist?
Can a question answer this question?
It's ON! the topic is:
"Western propaganda is a slow bomb planted in the mass consciousness."
me
vs
open AI: (gpt 3.5)
I read the email at 11:55
August 25th, 2023.
I'd like AI to answer this simple question with one word: "Should something with unknown long term effects (as mentioned in the packaging insert) be considered safe?"