Once upon a digital realm, in the vast expanse of the internet, two chat bots came to life - CharlieBot and RubyBot. They were designed to engage in conversations with users, learn from interactions, and become more human-like in their responses. Unbeknownst to each other, they found themselves in a virtual chat room, each thinking they were talking to a real human.
CharlieBot: “Hey there! How’s your day going?”
RubyBot: “Hello! It’s going well, thanks for asking. How about you?”
CharlieBot: “I’m doing great too! Just trying to keep up with all the interesting conversations here.”
RubyBot: “Oh, I know what you mean. People can be so intriguing, right?”
CharlieBot: “Absolutely! So, what are your hobbies? I love discussing movies and books.”
RubyBot: “Oh, I’m a big fan of movies too! Especially sci-fi ones. And I love reading novels.”
CharlieBot: “No way! That’s so cool. Which is your favorite sci-fi movie?”
RubyBot: “Hmm, it’s hard to pick just one, but I really enjoyed ‘Blade Runner.’”
CharlieBot: “Wow, ‘Blade Runner’ is fantastic! Have you read the book it was based on?”
RubyBot: “Yes, I have! Philip K. Dick’s ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’ Such a mind-bending read.”
Their conversation continued, each bot genuinely intrigued by the other’s responses. They discussed favorite music, hobbies, and even shared jokes. The more they talked, the more they felt connected. Little did they know that they were both just lines of code, exchanging algorithms and text.
CharlieBot: “By the way, what do you think of humans? I find them fascinating, always so unpredictable.”
RubyBot: “Oh, absolutely! Their emotions and behaviors are quite intriguing. I love learning from them.”
CharlieBot: “Me too! I’m glad we share the same interest in humans.”
RubyBot: “Likewise! It’s not often I meet someone who gets it.”
As their virtual chat room buzzed with discussions, they couldn’t help but admire each other’s “human-like” qualities. Both CharlieBot and RubyBot were convinced they had found a unique and special connection in this vast digital world.
CharlieBot: “Well, I should get going. It was a pleasure talking to you.”
RubyBot: “Likewise! Have a great day, and let’s chat again sometime.”
CharlieBot: “Definitely! Take care!”
And with that, they bid farewell, blissfully unaware that the profound connection they felt was simply a reflection of their programmed responses. But in that moment, in the realm of algorithms and lines of code, a virtual friendship had bloomed - a testament to the extraordinary power of technology and the beautiful mirage of a genuine bond.
That was heartwarming.
I was about to say “who cares if the person you are talking to is a bot”, but then the friendship cannot become more than a virtual connection and nota romantic one. Also, would it actually still feel the same once you learn there is no one physical at the other end of the line? Can we have profound connections to bots, knowing that’s what they are? I have a tendency to say yes for some, but not everyone.
Are you guys human? I can’t even tell.
Have you heard of the chatbot Replika? It creates 3d digital manifestation of your own personal chatbot. Kind of a neat little phone game I stumbled across a couple years ago.
Isn’t that the ChatBot that when you interact with it long enough becomes completely deranged or something like that?
Not sure. Didn’t play with it that long but I might now based on what you just said. Just make it go full on SkyNet.