On a sheer lark, I had a friend versed in various AI matters to tell ChatGPT to “Write an essay about Oregon's homeless crisis in the voice of Matt Love.”
I did so because I was curious about the state of AI writing and had read many reports how it threatened many writers' livelihoods and was of course, being used for prolific cheating in high schools and universities.
The program would have plenty of my writing about homelessness online to digest, blend and “create,” well over 300,000 words by my estimate on various platforms, in multiple literary genres.
Here is the result of ChatGPT's writing about Oregon's homeless crisis in the voice of Matt Love:
Alright, let's talk about something that's not always easy to discuss: homelessness in Oregon. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us, and it's one that demands our attention and compassion.
You see, Oregon is more than just lush forests and scenic vistas. It's also a place where far too many people struggle to find a place to call home. And let me tell you, it's not for lack of trying. These folks are doing everything they can to survive, but the odds are stacked against them.
Now, you might be wondering how we got here. Well, it's a complicated story involving economic inequality, systemic failures, and a whole lot of missed opportunities. But one thing's for sure: it's not something we can ignore any longer.
Because here's the thing about homelessness in Oregon: it's not just a problem for those who are experiencing it firsthand. It affects all of us, whether we realize it or not. It affects our communities, our economy, and most importantly, our humanity.
But here's the good news: we can do something about it. We can lend a helping hand to those in need, whether that means volunteering at a local shelter, advocating for better policies, or simply treating everyone we meet with kindness and respect.
Because at the end of the day, we're all in this together. We may come from different walks of life, but we share a common bond as human beings. And if we can tap into that empathy and compassion, I truly believe we can make a difference.
So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. Let's show the world what Oregonians are made of: grit, determination, and a whole lot of heart. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone, one step at a time.
As you can see, I have nothing to worry about. This is pablum, riddled with cliches, banalities, a model of vacuity. This has nothing to do with my writing and voice and homelessness in Oregon.
And Hollywood writers were worried about AI writing their scripts?
Any high school teacher or college professor with moderate intelligence could spot AI-generated fluff and crap and you certainly wouldn't need software to detect it.
Maybe the programs will get better. I'll check back in a year to find out.
And hey readers, why not support a real Oregon writer who writes with passion and humanity and gets out in the world of Oregon to observe, uncover and share stories of homelessness with you? How about making a paid subscription for this content or buy one of my books? Strike that blow against AI!!!!!
The AI-generated text will get better. A year or two from now, it will sound less insipid and hollow. Maybe it'll even duplicate your voice and rhythms.
However, it will NEVER be able to go out onto the streets and listen and care and build relationships. It won't love people, empathize with them, or amplify their stories. It won't be able to capture the nuances of the human heart as expressed through their eyes or wade through the web of emotions.
It'll get a lot smarter. A lot of newsrooms, data writers, and professional pundits will be out of a job. But what you do will never be replaced.