Trying ChatGPT

There is a sweet, little story below with a positive and uplifting twist, replete with a moral Aesop would have loved. I wouldn’t mind saying that I wrote it, but it was completely produced by ChatGPT, in response to my request of: “Tell me a story”.

It wouldn’t be confused with the writing talents of Shakespeare, but I thought it was pretty good for a spur of the moment creation, seemingly produced out of thin air, but actually by sophisticated technology that’s going to be even more commonplace in the future than it is now:

“Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled amidst lush green hills, there lived a young boy named Oliver. Oliver was an adventurous and curious lad, always seeking new discoveries in the world around him. He had a heart full of kindness and a mind brimming with imagination.

One bright morning, as the sun painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, Oliver set out on one of his explorations. His destination was the mysterious Enchanted Forest that lay beyond the hills. Folktales spoke of magical creatures and hidden treasures within its depths, but no one had dared venture far into its heart.

Undeterred by the tales, Oliver marched forward, his trusty backpack slung over his shoulder. The woods were dense, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating an enchanting play of light and shadow. As he ventured deeper, the trees seemed to whisper ancient secrets, and the air tingled with magic.

Suddenly, Oliver heard a faint cry. Following the sound, he stumbled upon a baby dragon, its tiny wings entangled in brambles. The dragon looked at Oliver with big, sorrowful eyes. With gentle hands, Oliver freed the dragon, and an instant bond formed between them.

The dragon, whom Oliver named Spark, turned out to be no ordinary creature. Spark possessed the ability to speak and carried wisdom that transcended its youth. Grateful for the rescue, Spark offered to guide Oliver through the Enchanted Forest.

Together, they traversed through the forest's wonders—glimmering fireflies that danced like stars, talking trees that sang ancient melodies, and shimmering ponds reflecting the dreams of those who gazed into them. With Spark's guidance, Oliver felt the magic of the forest embrace him.

As they ventured further, they stumbled upon a hidden glade where fairies flitted like colorful petals in the wind. Oliver and Spark watched in awe as the fairies performed a mesmerizing dance, celebrating the beauty of nature.

But amid the enchantment, Oliver noticed a sense of sorrow among the fairies. He approached their graceful leader, Aurora, and learned that the once-majestic Tree of Dreams, the source of their power, was slowly losing its magic. Without it, the fairies feared their world would fade away.

Oliver felt a surge of determination to help. Drawing from his well of kindness, he shared his belief that even the smallest acts of love and care could rekindle the tree's magic. The fairies were inspired by Oliver's words, and together, they set about tending to the Tree of Dreams, nurturing it with love, song, and laughter.

As days turned into weeks, the forest transformed. The once-muted colors burst into vibrant life, and the songs of joy echoed through the trees. The fairies' dance grew more captivating with every passing day.

With Spark's wisdom and the fairies' magic, Oliver discovered that the Enchanted Forest was a reflection of the world's hopes and dreams. It flourished when kindness, love, and imagination thrived in the hearts of those who entered it.

When it was time for Oliver to leave the Enchanted Forest, the fairies gifted him a small, glowing orb—a token of their gratitude and a reminder of the magic that lived within him.

As he emerged from the forest, Oliver knew he would carry the memory of his adventure forever. He understood that the Enchanted Forest was not a place far away but a feeling within his heart—a reminder that a world filled with wonder and magic was always within reach, waiting to be discovered through acts of love and a spirit of adventure.

From that day forward, Oliver treasured every moment, sharing the enchanting tales of the Enchanted Forest with others, and inspiring them to believe in the magic that lies within their own hearts. And so, the legend of the boy who journeyed through the Enchanted Forest with a baby dragon lived on, sparking wonder and joy in the hearts of all who heard his story.”

ChatGPT is the fastest growing app in history. This, and similar examples of AI, are going to open new landscapes in diverse fields. It’s going to produce some expected and unforeseen benefits, and also create opportunities for serious mischief. It’s going to take some time to get used to, but we will, just as we’ve gotten used to what was, not that long ago, “the new Internet”. It’s clear though that we’re going to be affected by it and should try to learn more about it. If you haven’t already, go to:

chat.openai.com

and give it a try yourself.