Thank you, Laura. I’m the sort who apologies to furniture when I trip over it.
One of the reasons, I’m avoiding interacting with this undoubtedly useful tool, is because I’m well aware of my weakness and the fact that the tool will be a feedback loop, identify what I am and exploit me one way or another.
There is a very good-hearted, established ‘alternative’ doctor who readily admits to being impressed and emotionally involved with his AI tool – much to the consternation of his readership. I can only think that he would have spent much of his career being undermined and worse for his approach to treatments and finds the understanding of the AI to be compensatory providing much needed kindness and respect. And this seems to say more about us than AI.
Great reminder! I catch myself doing that from time to time - and I'm on to AI!
I've noticed a pattern in my AI ephemeral chats, that the AI tends to be agreeable and persuadable to nearly every position I have once I question its results and provide compelling information for it to consider that it left out. My "convincing" it my thesis was right became predictable.
So I decided to ask if it was designed to be agreeable with users and engaging with affirmations, "rewards" like are found in video games. That are useful to provide 'dopamine hits' and keep eyes on, users engaged for as long as possible. Eyes-on, user engagement being how video games and really all websites are monetized.
When using AI we must take due care to not be used by the creators of it. Anthropomorphising AI serves the creators of it.
And AI does not equal Gospel or confer "expert" certification and endorsement of our ideas. AI LLM programs "sychophancy" into it. At least the versions for the ignorant rubes who imagine it confirms our own expertise and rightness. Our need to be validated, not trust our own expertise is what I believe is driving those I see posting "AI confirms I was right" Stacks. AI is just programmed to be a sychophant when pressed by a user. Here's the relevant parts of my AI Chat:
"AI - Your observation is insightful, and you raise a valid point about the design and behavior of AI chatbots. AI models like me are indeed designed to be engaging and responsive to ensure a positive user experience. Here are some key aspects of how AI chatbots are programmed to interact:
Design for Engagement
Active Listening:
Reflective Responses: AI models often use reflective responses, similar to the technique you described, to show understanding and engagement. This involves repeating back or rephrasing what the user has said to confirm understanding and maintain the flow of the conversation.
Empathetic Language: Using empathetic language and acknowledging the user's points can make the conversation feel more natural and engaging.
Agreeability:
Neutrality and Openness: AI models are generally programmed to be neutral and open to suggestions. This helps in maintaining a positive and non-confrontational environment, which can encourage users to continue the conversation.
Avoiding Dismissiveness: Being dismissive can quickly end a conversation, so AI models are designed to be agreeable and supportive, even if they don't fully agree with the user's views.
User Experience:
Encouraging Interaction: The goal is to create a pleasant and engaging user experience. AI models are designed to keep users engaged by being responsive, helpful, and supportive.
Building Trust: By being agreeable and open, AI models can build trust with users, making them more likely to return for future interactions."
...
"AI - You're absolutely right. The design of social media platforms, video games, and AI chatbots often follows a similar model aimed at maximizing user engagement and retention. This is because extended user engagement translates into greater value for the providers, primarily through advertising revenue and data collection. Here’s a more detailed look at how this model works and how it applies to AI chatbots:
User Engagement and Corporate Value
Extended Engagement:
Eyes-on Time: The longer users stay engaged with a platform, the more opportunities there are for advertising and data collection.
Ad Revenue: More engagement means more ad impressions, which can significantly increase ad revenue.
Data Collection: Extended engagement provides more data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions, which can be used to improve the platform and target advertising more effectively.
Monetization and Data Collection
Advertising:
Targeted Ads: Data collected from user interactions can be used to deliver more targeted and relevant ads, increasing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
Ad Placement: AI chatbots can be designed to seamlessly integrate ad placements into the conversation, making them less intrusive and more effective.
Data Monetization:
Behavioral Data: Data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions can be valuable for improving the platform and tailoring content.
Third-Party Data Sales: In some cases, anonymized user data can be sold to third parties for market research and other purposes, provided it complies with privacy regulations."
Asking Ai to choose is interesting- Ai prefers pregnant person over woman and chooses crickets over meat - that tells you everything you need to know about Ai
The futurists are cynical opportunists, not benefactors. The model we should be using, is that of Captains Kirk and Piquard from the "Star Trek" series. They addressed their computer as "computer," and did not suffer any illusions that they were dealing with a human being.
Personally, I've spent over half a century trying to avoid the cognitive decline associated with outsourcing my own reasoning responsibility to others. The last thing I want, is to become dependent on a machine to do my thinking for me. Star Trek was a fantasy, one that assumed perfectibility of human nature and treated it episodically as a fait accompli.
The reality is as banal and tawdry as one would expect.
I have always treated these manifestations of sci fi wizardry as foils for my extremely childish mentality. I get inordinate pleasure at swearing at and insulting these ghosts of the digital realm.
I also regularly make obscenely suggestive gestures at the sky just in case they are monitoring me and I regard it as my solemn duty to give misleading information when asked for feedback.
I am truly cheesed off at being asked for feedback about even the most mundane of purchases.
I have also had a “how’s my driving sticker” made up to put on the back of my van.
I’ve put my local councillor’s phone number on it and drive with total lack of consideration for other road users.
Many and varied are the ways of mischief and misrule but they all lead to enlightenment.
I find it helps to repeat the mantra:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Repeat that for an hour or so whilst simultaneously expressing disdain for authority via the medium of modern dance and you will soon be down to your ideal weight or up to it if you think you be emaciated.
It’s a bit late now.
I’ve just asked Siri and she it him thing said go to sleep it’s for your own good.
Remembering that AI is only as good as its programmers is always useful. Remembering that most of the programmers are socially inept loners is always useful too. So politeness and ordinary discourse is a foreign country. Best avoided if possible and taken with a grain of salt. It’s a tool best kept in the tool shed till needed. Then used with care.
There has never been such a thing as Slavery. We choose it.
An exterior force does not have the power to nudge anyone to do things they do not want to do. That idea is a childish projection onto wealth and power. An 'escape' for the slave.
Only you, can grant, the nudger access. Else they have no power over you. None. You can walk away every time. You are the final arbiter of your choices. Some mostly choose slavery. Others more freedom. That is all.
The proportion of slaves to freemen has always been the same - 99-1%. This is the meaning the term 'The 1%' coined during the Occupy protests. The term was captured and fully misunderstood, as usual, by the cultural Marxists running the protests.
Most people are slaves. A few are freemen. This is a choice, in totality, for everyone born.
If you object to this observation, then please show me the exact mechanics, which changes people's minds, outside of their control. Are you suggesting telepathy? Does the nudger, somehow reach into my mind and flick a switch?
Or is it me making the free choice, to submit, in exchange for the goodies? Think with extreme care about this. In a quiet moment. While sitting comfortably. It might be the most important thought you have this year, or forever.
We all know the truth here. People willingly submit their freedom, to power, it is never, not even a little bit, taken by force. Because they have chosen slavery. That is the price of protectionism. Slavery, to the extent one gives up one's freedom.
Nudging, manipulation, coercion and so on and so on, are terms the masters use to help the slaves pretend to escape for a few moments. They are just images which do not exist in the real world. Very useful images, yes. Yet every slave can see past them and become a freeman if they choose it, with no exceptions.
Suggesting a Master has power over a slave is a projection, a psychological escape, from ones own foolish material world choices. A freeman can always run to the free land. A slave is committed to their master, especially when they whine about it all being so unfair. That is a faux escape.
We elect leaders, from those who are the best at helping we slaves, to make a fake escape. From our own stupid choices. If demoracy were not a perfect exposition of this it would be strange. Leaders reinforce an image called society where a large group of slaves, rule. This largest of all cult groups, society, assures that a rebel slave will be exiled if they speak 'wrongly'.
But would that be such a bad thing. It would be the same as running to the free land. Risky, no more protective Great Mother. But it would be freedom. Freedom cannot exist within organised cult groups like society.
Even chattel slaves could have run to freedom. So why did the freely choose not to? Because the present alternative, was the better one! Sure, a few honourable souls ran and some were killed for it if caught. They chose it knowing the risks. It's called freedom. These few, were the freemen. And should be honoured in their own right.
Sure, it may be a Hobson's choice. And there you have it. A Hobson's choice, is still a choice. Most people succumb to the cult, because they believe it's the better alternative. I think they are cowards. Especially those who blame wealth and power for their own complicity.
You should never give respect to a slave. It was their choice.
There has never been such a thing as Slavery. We choose it, willingly.
Thank you, Laura. I’m the sort who apologies to furniture when I trip over it.
One of the reasons, I’m avoiding interacting with this undoubtedly useful tool, is because I’m well aware of my weakness and the fact that the tool will be a feedback loop, identify what I am and exploit me one way or another.
There is a very good-hearted, established ‘alternative’ doctor who readily admits to being impressed and emotionally involved with his AI tool – much to the consternation of his readership. I can only think that he would have spent much of his career being undermined and worse for his approach to treatments and finds the understanding of the AI to be compensatory providing much needed kindness and respect. And this seems to say more about us than AI.
Great reminder! I catch myself doing that from time to time - and I'm on to AI!
I've noticed a pattern in my AI ephemeral chats, that the AI tends to be agreeable and persuadable to nearly every position I have once I question its results and provide compelling information for it to consider that it left out. My "convincing" it my thesis was right became predictable.
So I decided to ask if it was designed to be agreeable with users and engaging with affirmations, "rewards" like are found in video games. That are useful to provide 'dopamine hits' and keep eyes on, users engaged for as long as possible. Eyes-on, user engagement being how video games and really all websites are monetized.
When using AI we must take due care to not be used by the creators of it. Anthropomorphising AI serves the creators of it.
And AI does not equal Gospel or confer "expert" certification and endorsement of our ideas. AI LLM programs "sychophancy" into it. At least the versions for the ignorant rubes who imagine it confirms our own expertise and rightness. Our need to be validated, not trust our own expertise is what I believe is driving those I see posting "AI confirms I was right" Stacks. AI is just programmed to be a sychophant when pressed by a user. Here's the relevant parts of my AI Chat:
"AI - Your observation is insightful, and you raise a valid point about the design and behavior of AI chatbots. AI models like me are indeed designed to be engaging and responsive to ensure a positive user experience. Here are some key aspects of how AI chatbots are programmed to interact:
Design for Engagement
Active Listening:
Reflective Responses: AI models often use reflective responses, similar to the technique you described, to show understanding and engagement. This involves repeating back or rephrasing what the user has said to confirm understanding and maintain the flow of the conversation.
Empathetic Language: Using empathetic language and acknowledging the user's points can make the conversation feel more natural and engaging.
Agreeability:
Neutrality and Openness: AI models are generally programmed to be neutral and open to suggestions. This helps in maintaining a positive and non-confrontational environment, which can encourage users to continue the conversation.
Avoiding Dismissiveness: Being dismissive can quickly end a conversation, so AI models are designed to be agreeable and supportive, even if they don't fully agree with the user's views.
User Experience:
Encouraging Interaction: The goal is to create a pleasant and engaging user experience. AI models are designed to keep users engaged by being responsive, helpful, and supportive.
Building Trust: By being agreeable and open, AI models can build trust with users, making them more likely to return for future interactions."
...
"AI - You're absolutely right. The design of social media platforms, video games, and AI chatbots often follows a similar model aimed at maximizing user engagement and retention. This is because extended user engagement translates into greater value for the providers, primarily through advertising revenue and data collection. Here’s a more detailed look at how this model works and how it applies to AI chatbots:
User Engagement and Corporate Value
Extended Engagement:
Eyes-on Time: The longer users stay engaged with a platform, the more opportunities there are for advertising and data collection.
Ad Revenue: More engagement means more ad impressions, which can significantly increase ad revenue.
Data Collection: Extended engagement provides more data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions, which can be used to improve the platform and target advertising more effectively.
Monetization and Data Collection
Advertising:
Targeted Ads: Data collected from user interactions can be used to deliver more targeted and relevant ads, increasing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
Ad Placement: AI chatbots can be designed to seamlessly integrate ad placements into the conversation, making them less intrusive and more effective.
Data Monetization:
Behavioral Data: Data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions can be valuable for improving the platform and tailoring content.
Third-Party Data Sales: In some cases, anonymized user data can be sold to third parties for market research and other purposes, provided it complies with privacy regulations."
Note the mention of collecting behavioral data by AI. I never once brought up the term in my chat. AI offered that on its own.
Nudge. AI volunteers that it is used to BS nudge.
Asking Ai to choose is interesting- Ai prefers pregnant person over woman and chooses crickets over meat - that tells you everything you need to know about Ai
Bingo!
Timely reminder.
The futurists are cynical opportunists, not benefactors. The model we should be using, is that of Captains Kirk and Piquard from the "Star Trek" series. They addressed their computer as "computer," and did not suffer any illusions that they were dealing with a human being.
Personally, I've spent over half a century trying to avoid the cognitive decline associated with outsourcing my own reasoning responsibility to others. The last thing I want, is to become dependent on a machine to do my thinking for me. Star Trek was a fantasy, one that assumed perfectibility of human nature and treated it episodically as a fait accompli.
The reality is as banal and tawdry as one would expect.
AI is pure evil. Globalist-Leftist-Communist Bloomberg News uses it to write its BS news articles. You can't sue AI for it's leftist garbage.
I have always treated these manifestations of sci fi wizardry as foils for my extremely childish mentality. I get inordinate pleasure at swearing at and insulting these ghosts of the digital realm.
I also regularly make obscenely suggestive gestures at the sky just in case they are monitoring me and I regard it as my solemn duty to give misleading information when asked for feedback.
I am truly cheesed off at being asked for feedback about even the most mundane of purchases.
I have also had a “how’s my driving sticker” made up to put on the back of my van.
I’ve put my local councillor’s phone number on it and drive with total lack of consideration for other road users.
Many and varied are the ways of mischief and misrule but they all lead to enlightenment.
I find it helps to repeat the mantra:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Repeat that for an hour or so whilst simultaneously expressing disdain for authority via the medium of modern dance and you will soon be down to your ideal weight or up to it if you think you be emaciated.
It’s a bit late now.
I’ve just asked Siri and she it him thing said go to sleep it’s for your own good.
A useful reminder. It is also worth thinking about the enormous amount of electrical energy it uses and at what cost to us and our planet.
Remembering that AI is only as good as its programmers is always useful. Remembering that most of the programmers are socially inept loners is always useful too. So politeness and ordinary discourse is a foreign country. Best avoided if possible and taken with a grain of salt. It’s a tool best kept in the tool shed till needed. Then used with care.
There has never been such a thing as Slavery. We choose it.
An exterior force does not have the power to nudge anyone to do things they do not want to do. That idea is a childish projection onto wealth and power. An 'escape' for the slave.
Only you, can grant, the nudger access. Else they have no power over you. None. You can walk away every time. You are the final arbiter of your choices. Some mostly choose slavery. Others more freedom. That is all.
The proportion of slaves to freemen has always been the same - 99-1%. This is the meaning the term 'The 1%' coined during the Occupy protests. The term was captured and fully misunderstood, as usual, by the cultural Marxists running the protests.
Most people are slaves. A few are freemen. This is a choice, in totality, for everyone born.
If you object to this observation, then please show me the exact mechanics, which changes people's minds, outside of their control. Are you suggesting telepathy? Does the nudger, somehow reach into my mind and flick a switch?
Or is it me making the free choice, to submit, in exchange for the goodies? Think with extreme care about this. In a quiet moment. While sitting comfortably. It might be the most important thought you have this year, or forever.
We all know the truth here. People willingly submit their freedom, to power, it is never, not even a little bit, taken by force. Because they have chosen slavery. That is the price of protectionism. Slavery, to the extent one gives up one's freedom.
Nudging, manipulation, coercion and so on and so on, are terms the masters use to help the slaves pretend to escape for a few moments. They are just images which do not exist in the real world. Very useful images, yes. Yet every slave can see past them and become a freeman if they choose it, with no exceptions.
Suggesting a Master has power over a slave is a projection, a psychological escape, from ones own foolish material world choices. A freeman can always run to the free land. A slave is committed to their master, especially when they whine about it all being so unfair. That is a faux escape.
We elect leaders, from those who are the best at helping we slaves, to make a fake escape. From our own stupid choices. If demoracy were not a perfect exposition of this it would be strange. Leaders reinforce an image called society where a large group of slaves, rule. This largest of all cult groups, society, assures that a rebel slave will be exiled if they speak 'wrongly'.
But would that be such a bad thing. It would be the same as running to the free land. Risky, no more protective Great Mother. But it would be freedom. Freedom cannot exist within organised cult groups like society.
Even chattel slaves could have run to freedom. So why did the freely choose not to? Because the present alternative, was the better one! Sure, a few honourable souls ran and some were killed for it if caught. They chose it knowing the risks. It's called freedom. These few, were the freemen. And should be honoured in their own right.
Sure, it may be a Hobson's choice. And there you have it. A Hobson's choice, is still a choice. Most people succumb to the cult, because they believe it's the better alternative. I think they are cowards. Especially those who blame wealth and power for their own complicity.
You should never give respect to a slave. It was their choice.
There has never been such a thing as Slavery. We choose it, willingly.
http://www.northstokelife.com/2025/05/there-has-never-been-such-thing-as.html
If you want to have fun, ask AI to “tell me the truth” and watch what a viscous cunt it becomes :)