Introduction: Riddle Me This, ChatGPT

Me: Riddle me this: How can you know what’s real when anything and everything can be faked?
ChatGPT: It’s a fascinating quandary, isn’t it? The question touches on deep philosophical concerns as well as practical ones. In a world where technology can generate convincing illusions, we’re reminded to question the authenticity of what we perceive. To discern what’s real, we often rely on context, corroborating evidence, and critical thinking. It’s a reminder to be vigilant, to seek truth amidst the illusions, and to value what’s genuine. But before we dive deeper, let’s clarify: are we speaking metaphorically, or is there something specific about reality you’re questioning?
Me: Oh. I should have said. I’m writing a book on AI and how we are hurtling toward a world where we won’t be able to tell the difference between what’s real and what isn’t. Which brings up another question…how can I best talk about a technology as transformative as AI without getting too technical?

I’ll be honest, writing a book on AI is a daunting task given the frenzied pace of advancement and change. The pace isn’t just rapid; it’s exponential. Breakthroughs today may be old news tomorrow. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed the birth and adoption of the Internet, the shift from landlines to cellular, and the transition from ultra-slow dial-up modems that sounded like screaming robots to cable and fiber-optic Internet services. I’ve seen the move from on-premise mainframes ...

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