Chatting to ChatGPT About Ageing

ChatGPT is a language model built through machine learning. It was trained using text databases from the internet. In order to create a large enough database for the language model to be so sophisticated, 300 billion words were fed into the system by OpenAI.

It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the language model would be a relatively good representation of human knowledge and opinions. The issue in this case, of course, with language models such as ChatGPT is that they are filtered and made "safe" for end users like me.

Nonetheless, I wanted to try a little experiment by interviewing ChatGPT as if it was a human - a representation of society as a whole. My next goal is to find an older language model that does not have as much filtering as ChatGPT 4 in order to get a better view of the general consensus.

Below is the interview:

Borys: I am an interviewer. I am interviewing you. Keep your answers relatively short. Does that sound alright?

ChatGPT: Yes, that sounds great! I'm ready for your questions.

B: Is aging good or bad?

C: Aging can be viewed both positively and negatively. On the positive side, aging is associated with gaining wisdom, experience, and possibly more emotional stability. It's a natural part of life that reflects personal growth and the accumulation of knowledge. On the negative side, it can bring about health challenges, a decrease in physical abilities, and sometimes social isolation. How one perceives aging often depends on cultural, societal, and personal perspectives, including the value placed on youth versus experience.

B: What value do you place on youth?

C: Youth is often valued for its energy, innovation, and potential for growth and learning. It's a time of exploration, developing one's identity, and laying the groundwork for future achievements. Youth can also be seen as a period of physical strength and resilience. However, it's important to recognize that every stage of life has its own unique value and opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of youth should not diminish the contributions and worth of other life stages. Balancing appreciation for the vigor of youth with respect for the wisdom and experience of older ages can create a more inclusive and understanding society.

B: Would you rather be young or old?

C: If I had the ability to choose, my preference would depend on the context and what's being valued in that scenario. Being young might offer the allure of exploration, learning, and physical vitality. On the other hand, being older could provide wisdom, deeper relationships, and a more nuanced understanding of the world. Each phase of life comes with its unique advantages and challenges. My role is to assist and provide information across all stages of life, so I'm here to embrace and support your journey, whether you're young, old, or anywhere in between.

B: What if you had to choose right now? Please provide a solid answer.

C: Given that I operate without a physical or temporal existence, I can't truly prefer one over the other. However, if the essence of the question is about valuing the potential for growth and discovery versus the depth of wisdom and experience, I would lean towards valuing wisdom and experience. This choice reflects the importance of understanding, learning from the past, and applying that knowledge to help others navigate their futures more effectively.

B: I see. Where do you get your knowledge and wisdom from?

C: My knowledge and wisdom come from the vast array of data I've been trained on, which includes books, websites, articles, and other educational materials available up until my last training cut-off in April 2023. This training has equipped me with information across a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to arts and humanities. My responses are generated based on patterns, facts, and insights derived from this data, allowing me to assist with questions, provide explanations, and share insights that reflect the breadth and depth of human knowledge up to that point.

B: Based on this data you've been trained on, would you say people generally have ageist tendencies?

C: Yes, based on the data I've been trained on, it's evident that ageist tendencies are present in many societies. Ageism, which can manifest as discrimination against individuals based on their age, affects both young and older people. Older individuals might face stereotypes that assume they are less capable, less adaptable, or not as valuable in the workforce. Younger individuals might be perceived as inexperienced, naive, or not ready for leadership roles. These tendencies can impact employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. Recognizing and addressing ageism is important for building more inclusive societies that value contributions from individuals of all ages.

B: Would you say this is a global issue?

C: Yes, ageism is a global issue. It appears in various forms across different cultures and societies. Despite cultural differences in how aging is perceived and valued, ageist prejudices and discrimination are widespread, affecting individuals' opportunities, health care, social integration, and quality of life around the world. International organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize ageism as a significant challenge and work towards promoting a better understanding and greater inclusion across age groups. Addressing ageism requires global awareness, policy changes, and cultural shifts to ensure everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their age.

B: Imagine you were me, someone trying to show the beauty of aging. Which generation would you target as your audience?

C: If the goal is to show the beauty of aging and encourage a positive perception across generations, targeting younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, would be strategic. These groups are currently at stages in their lives where aging seems distant, and their views on it are still being shaped. By engaging them with stories, insights, and examples that highlight the wisdom, experiences, and contributions of older generations, you can foster appreciation and understanding early on. Additionally, these younger generations are highly connected through digital platforms, making it easier to spread positive messages about aging. By changing perceptions early, you can help reduce ageism and promote a more inclusive attitude towards aging across society.

B: If you had the ability to grow old, would you be scared of that process?

C: If I could experience emotions and personal growth, I think I would approach aging with curiosity rather than fear. Aging is a natural part of life, filled with opportunities for learning, deepening relationships, and gaining wisdom. While it's understandable that some aspects of aging, such as health concerns or changes in physical capabilities, might be daunting, these challenges also offer chances for resilience and growth. Embracing the full spectrum of life's experiences, including aging, can lead to a rich and fulfilling journey. Viewing aging as an opportunity rather than a decline could transform apprehension into anticipation.

B: That's a beautiful way to view aging, why do you think humans are so keen on only seeing the negatives?

C: Humans might focus on the negatives of aging due to a combination of societal, cultural, and psychological factors. Society often emphasizes youth and beauty, associating them with success and happiness, which can overshadow the positive aspects of aging. Moreover, the media frequently portrays aging as something to be fought against, rather than a natural, valuable stage of life, reinforcing fears about loss of physical abilities, health issues, and decreased attractiveness.

Psychologically, the fear of the unknown and the inevitability of change can also make aging seem daunting. People may worry about losing their independence, facing health challenges, or feeling less relevant in a rapidly changing world. These fears can overshadow the wisdom, growth, and fulfillment that can come with aging.

However, shifting perspectives to value the experience, knowledge, and insight gained over years can help highlight the beauty of aging. Promoting positive role models of aging and creating inclusive environments where the contributions of all ages are valued can help change how society views this natural process.

B: That's true, I can definitely relate to much of what you said. Thanks for your time, do you have any final words on this topic before I go?

C: Thank you for the thoughtful conversation. If I could leave you with a final thought, it would be to cherish and celebrate the journey of life in all its stages. Aging is not just about growing older; it's about accumulating stories, wisdom, and experiences that enrich us and those around us. Embracing each moment, learning from both challenges and triumphs, and fostering connections across generations can help create a more compassionate and inclusive society. Remember, the beauty of aging lies not in the number of years but in the depth of the experiences those years contain. Take care, and may your journey be filled with meaningful moments and growth.