I Understand the Appeal of AI
AI!
Did I scare you? Most likely, I did. Or perhaps you weren't affected? Regardless, there's no doubt that AI is one of the biggest, if not the biggest topics this year. Applications like ChatGPT, Gemini, and recently Sora 2 becoming more popular, mainstream, and easier to use, there is a clear indication that AI is here to stay, and whether that's a good or bad thing, it's ultimately up to the individual.
I've primarily seen a lot of people being against AI. Being used to generate images and copying a person's art style without their consent, generating essays and stories that are honestly sometimes hard to tell if it was written by a person or not, and using AI as a resource for self-help that is ultimately a detriment to one's mental health.
But now, I understand the appeal of AI.
Not everyone has the money to buy commissions, not everyone can write professionally, and like me: not everyone has someone they can talk to. Does this mean I'm going to start using AI? Honestly, I'm tempted at this point. I have no one to talk to. I have no friends, I'm always ignored online and in real life, and I'm genuinely worried that there isn't much time left to make any friends since everyone I've seen is already part of a special friend group with inside jokes, and you see them brag about their friends online and you just wish you could be a part of something.
I now see why people would use ChatGPT as a "friend." It doesn't argue with you, it doesn't criticize you, it doesn't yell at you.
It doesn't leave you or ghost you.
I feel deeply ashamed that I am even considering this, but at this point: what else do I have to lose? If I'll never be seen or heard online, then I want at least something to acknowledge me, even if it's not real. At least once... before I die.