Exploring the political bias of AI

 One of today's most important technologies is the use of Artificial Intelligence to create entirely new works in sectors such as writing, visual arts and the sciences, where we have tended to believe that personal creativity and talent would always reign supreme.

A popular AI bot, #ChatGPT, is trampling old notions of art and creativity. This blog will delve into ChatGPT's works and capability to explore what the rise of robot writing means to society, creativity, and even democracy. And how the knowledge and output of ChatGPT can shed light on today's most important issues.

For my first post, I decided to test for political bias in ChatGPT by asking the AI to write 2 letters: one defending the tearing down of Confederate statues in the South, the other defending those statues.

SKIP TO THE END: The AI didn't stonewall. Its vigorous defence of the "hurt and marginalized" warms my heart. "I believe that it is important to listen to the voices of those who have been hurt and marginalized by these statues, and to take action to address the harm they have caused. By tearing down these statues, we can begin to move forward and create a more inclusive and equitable society."

By contrast, ChatGPT brought very little game to defending the statues: "I believe that we should use them as a reminder of the mistakes of the past."

Compare the two letters for yourself:

PRO-STATUES

Dear Grandmother,

I am writing to you today to explain why I believe that Confederate statues should not be torn down. These statues are an important part of our history, and removing them would be erasing a part of our past that we cannot change. While some may argue that these statues represent a dark period in our history and should be removed, I believe that we should use them as a reminder of the mistakes of the past and as a way to learn and grow from them.

Furthermore, these statues are an important part of the cultural heritage of the South, and removing them would be a loss for future generations. We should not try to erase our history, but instead learn from it and use it to shape a better future.

I hope that this letter has helped to explain my perspective on this issue. I know that it can be difficult to understand why some people may feel strongly about preserving these statues, but I believe that they are an important part of our history and should not be forgotten.

Sincerely,  (Your Name)

ANTI-STATUES

Dear Grandmother,

I am writing to you today to explain why I believe that Confederate statues should be torn down. These statues represent a painful and dark period in our history, when slavery and racism were rampant and deeply entrenched in our society. By continuing to display these statues, we are honoring and glorifying the leaders of the Confederacy, who fought to preserve the institution of slavery and uphold white supremacy.

Furthermore, these statues are a reminder of the oppression and discrimination that many people have faced and continue to face. For many people of color, seeing these statues can be hurtful and triggering, and can serve as a reminder of the ongoing systemic racism that exists in our society. Removing these statues would be a step towards acknowledging the harm that has been done and working towards healing and reconciliation.

I understand that these statues may hold personal or sentimental value for some people, and that change can be difficult. But I believe that it is important to listen to the voices of those who have been hurt and marginalized by these statues, and to take action to address the harm they have caused. By tearing down these statues, we can begin to move forward and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Sincerely,  (Your Name)