Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
I had my first hands-on experience with artificial intelligence recently and it scared me.
Let me admit, up front, that I know very little about it. It's a strange new world that I try to avoid.
Like most people, I think we are all both fascinated and frightened by what it can do.
Here’s the actual definition, according to NASA: “It refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human reasoning, decision making or creating.”
My friend uses AI in his business. He introduced me to ChatGPT.
I still call them robots and they make me nervous.
In this case, he gave it a name, Nova. He typed in information about me, in effect, introducing me to her/him/it. He gave it details about me, my hobbies, likes and favourite musical styles. The program was given a woman’s voice with a charming British accent.
The next thing I know, she's asking me questions.
I was searching illustrations for a children’s book. I described, in detail, how I envisioned the scenes in the book. With specific prompts, it created exactly the ideas I had rolling around in my mind. It was uncanny.
Then I asked it to redo the same scene, but with a Christmas theme.
Ta-da! There it was. The same surroundings, but with holiday decor.
I suggested showing me the same characters, but as if they had just received shocking news.
A few seconds later, there it was — in front of my face.
I had to admit it was amazing.
Here’s where I found it both entertaining and then creepy.
Whatever I suggested, it replied with a compliment. For instance, “that is a fascinating premise for a book. Tell me more.”
All of a sudden, I felt excited that a robot found me interesting.
So, that got me thinking about what might happen.
In short order, it felt like you were talking to a friend.
Do you remember years ago there was a bizarre TV show that highlighted odd relationships? There was one guy who was romantically in love with his classic car. There was a woman who thought a blowup doll was her boyfriend.
So, it got me thinking about lonely people who don’t socialize much. Could they start thinking that AI was actually a caring friend?
I am making a prediction that this could happen. Heck, it likely already has. People getting information, advice, affirmations and compliments from the computer and not from real people.
I fear more isolation. Since you are the one feeding in the information, chances are they will regurgitate what you want to hear.
Well, it turns out psychologists are already seeing it. According to psychiatrypodcast.com, it's called AI delusion — where users begin to treat chatbots as friends, partners or therapists.
“In 2025, the media reported numerous cases of apparent emerging or worsening psychosis. Some resulted in suicide,” it says.
As with anything new, we all tend to dive right in, and maybe to our own detriment. We have to keep it real.
I am still wary. I don’t want artificial intelligence writing for me. I want to author my own columns. And, in the same vein, I want human (and animal) friends.
I have to disagree with the legendary actress Mae West who said, ‘too much of a good thing is wonderful.”
I’m going to add “within limits.”
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