Even though I’ve been retired for 5 years, I am still interested in technology and business. So it’s probably no surprise that I’ve been following AI. I’ve messed around with various free AI systems – mostly ChatGPT and it’s competitors and found them to be more hype than anything else currently.
This week, I tested Microsoft Copilot with the query, “summarize the life of Steve Ainslie”.
Here’s what it spit out:
Steve Ainslie, a 55-year-old early-retired former tech sales professional, has intentionally shaped his life around fitness, minimalism, frugality, and spending quality time with his dogs. Widowed in 2018, he resides in Raleigh, where he blogs, swims, practices gymnastics, and enjoys yoga. His journey reflects a commitment to simplicity and well-being.
Steve’s online musings on ainslies.org offer glimpses into his contemplative existence. He shares anecdotes about everyday encounters, such as a chance interaction with a stranger in a parking lot or his experience with TSA Precheck at an airport. His reflections span topics like community, monastic life, and the pursuit of physical challenges.
In the realm of fitness, Steve’s journey began at 17 when he turned to weightlifting after a heartbreak. His dedication to movement and physical health has been a constant thread throughout his life. Whether stroking through water or exploring the bottom of a pool, he finds joy in the aquatic realm. His commitment to staying fit extends beyond personal boundaries.
Steve’s life, though quiet and unassuming, resonates with purpose. It’s a life shaped by deliberate choices, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple moments that weave together the fabric of existence.
Not bad…right? It pulled information from my blog and even looked back to it several times.
I thought it was a decent summary.
Then I decided to go deeper.
I asked, “How did he handle grief”
It replied,
Steve Ainslie, after experiencing the profound loss of his spouse, navigated grief in a deeply personal way. While everyone’s journey through grief is unique, here are some ways he might have coped:
- Seeking Support:
- Steve likely sought emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about his feelings and memories could have been cathartic.
- Self-Care and Routine:
- Establishing a daily routine can provide stability during turbulent times. Steve might have focused on self-care, ensuring he ate well, exercised, and rested.
- Creative Outlets:
- Engaging in creative pursuits, such as painting, drawing, and playing the drums, could have served as an emotional outlet for Steve.
- Writing and Reflection:
- His blog became a space for reflection. Writing about grief, memories, and emotions might have helped him process his feelings.
- Monastic Experience:
- Steve’s time with monks at the Our Lady Of Guadalupe Monastery in New Mexico could have provided solace and spiritual guidance.
- Acceptance and Healing:
- Over time, Steve likely learned to accept the pain of loss while also finding moments of healing and growth.
- Remember that grief is a complex and individual journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person copes in their own way, drawing strength from their unique circumstances and inner resources.
In other words, I received totally generic, saccharine internet speak, with a few personal details thrown in.
I was not impressed.
I spent about 30 minutes making queries about people, places and things that I am quite familiar with to see how Copilot would respond.
All consisted of generic responses that can be found on 1000s of websites. It sounded plausible, but was not in any way meaningful, specific or, in many cases, accurate.
I suspect there will be many businesses that default to using AI because it will be cheap and fast and easy.
Get ready to be buried by an avalanche of useless bullshit. It’s coming.
