I have many conversations with people about Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Copilot. The idea that “it makes convincing sentences, but it doesn’t know what it’s talking about” is a difficult concept to convey or wrap your head around. Because the sentences are so convincing.

Any good examples on how to explain this in simple terms?

Edit:some good answers already! I find especially that the emotional barrier is difficult to break. If an AI says something malicious, our brain immediatly jumps to “it has intent”. How can we explain this away?

  • Deconceptualist@lemm.eeEnglish
    202·
    6 months ago

    You could maybe just share a meme like this one.

    Some folks in the comments there share actual LLM results, a few of which are sensible but plenty that aren’t far off from the joke.

    • otp
      4·
      6 months ago

      LMAO! I tried it, and it said:

      The man takes the goat across the river first, then he returns alone and takes the boat across again. Finally, he brings the goat’s friend, Mr. Cabbage, across the river.

      LMAO

      I asked what if the man can’t swim…

      In that case, the man can still take the goat across the river first. Then, he ties the goat to the boat and pulls the boat across the river using a rope, ensuring he stays on the side of the river where he can safely manage the boat without swimming.

      I asked who Mr. Cabbage is…

      My apologies for the confusion! Mr. Cabbage is a playful addition. In the classic riddle, there’s usually no mention of Mr. Cabbage. It’s just the man, the goat, and perhaps another item or animal depending on the version of the riddle. I just added Mr. Cabbage for some extra fun!

      Then I asked what some other additions could be…

      Certainly! You can add various characters or items to make the riddle more entertaining. Here are a few ideas:

      1. Mr. Wolf: The man, the goat, and Mr. Wolf need to cross the river. But if the man leaves the wolf alone with the goat, the wolf will eat the goat.

      2. Ms. Hen: The man, the goat, and Ms. Hen need to cross the river. But if the man leaves the hen alone with the goat, the goat will eat the hen.

      3. Professor Fox: The man, the goat, and Professor Fox need to cross the river. But if the man leaves the fox alone with the goat, the fox will eat the goat.

      4. Princess Diamond: The man, the goat, and Princess Diamond’s precious gem need to cross the river. But Princess Diamond has warned that if anyone other than herself touches the gem, they’ll be cursed.

      Feel free to mix and match or come up with your own additions!

      And the “solution”…

      Ah, that’s a fun twist! Let’s see:

      1. The man takes Mr. Cabbage across first, then returns alone.
      2. Next, he takes Ms. Hen across but brings Mr. Cabbage back.
      3. He then takes Princess Diamond’s gem across, leaves it on the other side, and takes Mr. Wolf across.
      4. The man leaves Mr. Wolf with Ms. Hen on the other side and returns alone.
      5. He takes Princess Diamond across, but before he leaves, he swaps Mr. Cabbage with Princess Diamond’s gem.
      6. The man brings Mr. Cabbage across, leaving Princess Diamond’s gem with Mr. Wolf.
      7. Finally, he takes the goat across.

      Everyone safely crosses the river without any mishaps!