What do you want to build today?
I had a unique opportunity to chat up a growth specialist who works at one of the more prominent AI writing tool companies.
I’m fascinated by this AI gold rush.
I’m curious about what opportunities this’ll spark, especially for creative folks. Shortcut taking creatives and ghostwriters have been with us for centuries…that’s always part of pop culture.
If you’re lazy before AI, you’ll be lazy with AI.
However, a whole new playground is amazing.
So, I have so many questions and a deep curiosity, but I also have legitimate Skynet concerns.
As she did her best to keep up with my rapid fire what about…questions, one thing instantly stood out.
And I can’t tell if it’s disturbing or not:
When I talked about their AI, I referred to it as an It…as in Pennywise: a shapeshifting cosmic predator.
Only when she talks about their AI, she says “he.” He as in…Rick Deckard?
I know how it goes with dogs, for example.
Non-dog owners typically go with “it,” while dog people say “he” or “she.” The doggy is an adopted family member with the same last name; I get it.
Arnold, who is a cybernetic assassin Terminator in T2, says “it” about Skynet. Before his human programming (“Hasta La Vista, Baby!”) kicked in, Arnold recognized Skynet as an “it” because it’s a blunt instrument—a tool. (In all definitions of tool, if you recall the tragic ending of T2.)
Yet, as the passionate AI rep was talking to me, she said:
“He’ll give you results…”
“He can meet your expectations…”
He can, he will, he likes to help.
Errr, yeah.
I’m not ready to sign off on “he” for AI…just yet. Does that make me…John Connor?
Sammy Verdict: Getting sentimental about sentience…
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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair podcast: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.
