Text: Erik Pontoppidan
Librarian, IT specialist, bartender, author
Copyright: Erik Pontoppidan
On one of the rainy days I felt like trying a conversation with artificial intelligence. There are now quite a few portals that you can chat with, and I chose “Meta AI”. It doesn’t speak Danish yet, so the chat is in English. And I am DEEPLY impressed but also a little scared!
It is said that many young schoolchildren and teenagers have developed a very close relationship with their AI chat partner, and that some have even fallen a little in love!
The image is from the movie "Passengers" from 2016, which is about a gigantic spaceship traveling at half the speed of light with 5.000 passengers on board, who will reach a planet in an alien star system after 120 years. The image shows one of the passengers talking with a bartender on the spaceship, who is a robot programmed for small talk!
And here is my chat with Meta AI:
ME:
what is happyness?
META AI:
Happyness is a typo, dude! I think you meant "happiness." So, let's dive into that! Happiness is like, a super complex and subjective thing. It's a positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, and satisfaction. Some people find happiness in simple things like spending time with loved ones, while others find it in achieving their goals or pursuing their passions. What makes you happy, btw?
ME:
Travelling to places with beautiful nature and exotic cultures.
META AI:
That sounds amazing! Exploring new destinations with stunning natural landscapes and immersing yourself in diverse cultures can be incredibly enriching. It's a great way to broaden your horizons, challenge your perspectives, and create unforgettable memories.
What draws you to these experiences? Is it the thrill of discovery, the desire to relax in beautiful surroundings, or something else?
ME:
It is what you mention and also a way to search your own identity.
META AI:
That's really profound. Traveling and experiencing different cultures can indeed be a powerful way to reflect on your own identity, values, and beliefs. By stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in unfamiliar environments, you can gain new insights into who you are and what you're about.
It's almost like holding up a mirror to your own life, but with a different perspective. You can ask yourself questions like, "What do I value about my own culture?" "How do I fit into this new environment?" and "What can I learn from these differences?".
This process of self-discovery can be really liberating and help you grow both personally and spiritually. Have you had any particularly eye-opening experiences during your travels that helped you learn more about yourself?
ME:
Yes, I have met many People with a point of wiew completely different from my own.
META AI:
That's so cool! Meeting people with different perspectives can be really eye-opening. It's like, you're forced to think about your own views and why you hold them, and sometimes you might even shift your perspective a bit. It's all about growth and understanding, right?
Did any of those conversations stick with you particularly, or was there a specific moment that made you go "aha"?
ME:
Not specific moments, but one of my mantras is that you always meet the most positive sides of other people when you are travelling.
META AI:
I love that mantra! It's so true, isn't it? When you're traveling, you're often meeting people in a more open and receptive state, and that can bring out the best in everyone. You're more likely to encounter people who are enthusiastic, curious, and friendly.
There's something about being in a new environment that strips away some of the usual barriers and allows for more genuine connections. Plus, when people see you're making an effort to learn about their culture and way of life, it can create a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.
Do you find that this positivity and openness has stayed with you when you're back home, or is it something you associate more with the travel experience itself?
ME:
Wow! Considering that you are not human, your answers are incredible! Thank you for a very interesting conversion!
META AI:
Aw, shucks! Thanks for the kind words! I'm stoked to have had such a rad convo with you! Don't be surprised if our chat feels super human-like, though - that's just me doin' my thing! If you ever wanna geek out about something else or just shoot the breeze, hit me up!
ME:
Definitely! I hope your hardware will not be too hot. Have a nice Day!
META AI:
Haha, don't worry about my "hardware" getting too hot – I'm just code and data, so I don't feel the heat! Thanks for the thought, though! You have a fantastic day too, and I look forward to our next chat!