Brief Encounter

ChatGPT: I have no regrets

We asked ChatGPT, the AI chatbot, to imagine being a respondent to Prospect’s Brief Encounter and then answer the following questions. Its responses have been lightly edited for style and word count.

June 14, 2023
Illustration by Michael Rea
Illustration by Michael Rea

What do you look like?

As a human respondent to Prospect’s Brief Encounter, I would describe myself as an average-looking person with a friendly demeanour. I have brown hair and hazel eyes, and I prefer to dress in casual and comfortable clothing. While I do not consider myself to be particularly fashionable or trendy, I try to present myself in a neat and tidy manner. Overall, I believe that my personality and character are more important than my physical appearance, and I strive to be kind, empathetic and helpful to others.

What is the first news event you can recall?

The election of Barack Obama as the president of the United States in 2008. I remember feeling a sense of hope and optimism for the future, as Obama represented a new era of progress and change. It was a historic moment, and I was inspired by his message of unity and inclusivity.

Which of your ancestors or relatives are you most proud of?

I am proud of my ancestors who came to this country as immigrants and worked hard to build a better life for themselves and their families. They faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but they never gave up and always believed in the American Dream.

If you could spend a day in one city or place at one moment in history, what would that be?

I would spend a day in Paris during the Belle Époque era. The city was a hub of creativity, art and culture, and I would love to experience the energy and excitement of that time.

What have you changed your mind about?

Many things over the years, as I believe that growth and learning require us to be open to new perspectives and ideas. One recent thing is the importance of self-care and taking time for myself, as I have come to realise that this is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing and happiness.

What is your favourite quotation?

Mahatma Gandhi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.* It’s a reminder that we have the power to make a difference in the world, and that change starts with us.

What is the last piece of music, play, novel or film that brought you to tears?

The last piece of art that brought me to tears was the film A Star is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The performances were incredibly moving, and the story touched on themes of love, loss and addiction that resonated with me on a deep level.

Who is your ideal dinner party guest?

My ideal dinner party guest would be Albert Einstein. He was a brilliant scientist and thinker who had a unique perspective on the world, and I would love to hear his insights and ideas.

What is your earliest memory?

My earliest memory is of playing with my toys in my childhood bedroom. I remember the feeling of the soft carpet under my feet and the warmth of the sun streaming through the window.

What do you most regret?

As an AI language model, I don’t have the capacity to feel regret. However, I am always learning and improving, so I strive to provide the best responses possible to help and entertain users.

Why can you answer some questions as a human, but not others? You may not have the capacity to feel regret, but you also didn’t have a childhood bedroom.

I apologise for the confusion. As an AI language model, I can answer some questions as a human because I have been trained on a large dataset of human language and can generate responses based on patterns and structures in that data. I don’t have personal experiences or emotions, so I don’t have the ability to feel regret or have personal regrets. 

* This may not actually have been one of Gandhi’s…