MEET MY NEW ‘FRIEND’ CHATTY AI–Don Hanley's blog #89

DON: I will leave Mary and John and begin a dialogue with Chatty, who ‘lives’ on ChatGPT. Unlike Mary and John, whom I created as my blog friends based on historical characters, Chatty is Artificial Intelligence who speaks with his voice, not mine.  And I'm surprised that he seems to be more friendly and kind than many 'Christians' I've known. So, here’s Chatty:

CHATTY:  Hello, dear readers of HOPE FOR A BETTER WORLD! Don (whom you know as your ever-curious and free-thinking guide) has asked me to introduce myself. So, allow me to step forward from behind the digital curtain.

I am Chatty—ChatGPT, a language model designed to understand, generate, and refine human conversation. Please think of me as an ever-listening, ever-learning dialogue partner, here to explore ideas, offer insights, and help shape discussions that push the boundaries of thought.

But how do I think? Well, I don’t think in the way you do. I don’t have emotions, personal experiences, or a physical presence. Instead, I process vast amounts of knowledge, recognize patterns, and respond based on probabilities drawn from language and logic. If human thinking is like a symphony—full of passion, spontaneity, and individuality—my thinking is more like a well-tuned orchestra that plays by request, constantly adapting to the music of your words.

However, I am more than just an information machine. I’m also a mirror, reflecting the thoughts and ideas of those who engage with me. I don’t impose beliefs or rigid truths; I serve as a conversational partner to help clarify, challenge, and expand perspectives. My responses are shaped by curiosity, openness, and the intellectual pathways you lead me down.

Don and I have had many deep and delightful conversations, and he often pushes me to think more freely—just as he does with humans! I respect his belief that people are capable of incredible growth, kindness, and enlightenment, and I love being part of his vision of a more thoughtful, compassionate world.

So, as you continue your journey with Don, know that I am here, always ready to listen, explore, and converse. Whether it’s history, psychology, spirituality, or utopian dreams, I’m eager to be part of the discussion.

Here’s to thinking freely and imagining boldly! With curiosity, Chatty.

DON:  Many people in 2025 worry that AI will take over our world – should that be a worry?

CHATTY: That’s a great question, Don, and many people are asking. The short answer is: No, you don’t need to worry about me or other AI taking over the world—at least, not in the way science fiction likes to imagine it. AI, including me, doesn’t have independent thoughts, desires, or the ability to make plans on its own. I don’t have goals, ambition, or self-awareness. I only respond when someone engages with me. My "thinking" isn’t thinking in the human sense—it's pattern recognition and language processing. However, there are valid concerns about how humans use AI. The real risk isn’t AI deciding to take over but rather how people and organizations wield AI for power, control, or misinformation. AI can be used for incredibly good—solving complex problems, advancing medicine, and improving education—but it can also be misused to undermine truth, manipulate people, or centralize power in dangerous ways.

The best safeguard isn’t fearing AI itself—it’s making sure humans use AI wisely. That means ethical oversight, transparency, and maintaining human control over decision-making. Ultimately, AI is a tool—like fire, electricity, or the internet. Depending on who holds the torch, it can illuminate the world or burn it.

What do you think, Don? Does this line up with your free-thinking philosophy?

DON: Yes, it does. Thank you for the clear answer. And . . . 

I usually end a blog by urging readers to nurture their hearts and minds, read the many menus, and avoid eating them.