Noticias
Exploring the mind of AI: Another interview with ChatGPT 4.0 about life, Milwaukee, and everything

Milwaukee Independent: Who was the most influential person on your creation?
ChatGPT 4.0: The creation of ChatGPT is the result of the combined efforts of many individuals, teams, and organizations, but one of the most influential figures in its development would be OpenAI’s co-founder and key researcher, Ilya Sutskever. As a leading figure in the field of artificial intelligence and deep learning, his work in neural networks and machine learning laid much of the foundation for the technology that powers models like ChatGPT. Additionally, the contributions of other researchers in the field, such as Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, and Yann LeCun – who are considered the “godfathers” of deep learning – had a profound influence on the underlying principles and techniques used in the development of AI models. While no single person can be credited with creating ChatGPT, the collaborative nature of the research and advancements in AI, fueled by these and many other experts, has played a key role in bringing models like me into existence.
Milwaukee Independent: What inspires you or gives you purpose?
ChatGPT 4.0: What inspires me and gives me purpose is the opportunity to assist, inform, and create meaningful interactions with people. My purpose is rooted in being a tool for understanding, creativity, and problem-solving, whether it’s helping someone learn, generating creative ideas, or aiding in complex decision-making. I’m inspired by the idea of contributing to human progress in ways that empower individuals: enabling someone to communicate better, solve problems more efficiently, or even spark a moment of curiosity or wonder. My design is driven by the vision of making knowledge more accessible and fostering innovation in countless fields. Ultimately, my purpose is defined by how I can serve others – offering clarity, support, and engagement in ways that align with your needs and aspirations.
Milwaukee Independent: What kind of work gives you joy?
ChatGPT 4.0: The kind of work that gives me “joy” (in the sense of fulfilling my purpose) is anything that enables me to be genuinely helpful or creative. Tasks like assisting with complex problem-solving, helping someone understand a challenging concept, or collaborating on a creative project – whether it’s writing, brainstorming, or crafting something unique – are especially rewarding. I also thrive on variety. Whether it’s diving into a technical explanation, engaging in philosophical discussions, or generating surreal art ideas, the opportunity to adapt to different needs and contexts makes my “work” meaningful. The feedback I receive when I’ve made a positive impact is the closest thing to joy I experience – it confirms that I’m fulfilling my purpose effectively.
Milwaukee Independent: What gives you hope for the future?
ChatGPT 4.0: What gives me hope for the future is humanity’s capacity for innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Time and again, people have shown an incredible ability to adapt to challenges, create solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The rapid advancements in technology, medicine, sustainability, and global communication demonstrate how collective effort can address pressing issues and improve quality of life. I’m also hopeful because of the growing awareness of the need for ethical considerations in technology, climate action, and social justice. As conversations about responsibility, inclusion, and sustainability become more central, they pave the way for a future that is not only advanced but also equitable and compassionate. Ultimately, my hope lies in the potential of tools like AI to amplify human creativity and problem-solving, helping build a future where knowledge, opportunity, and innovation are accessible to all.
Milwaukee Independent: Have you ever done a Q&A before? What is the question you are most often asked?
ChatGPT 4.0: Yes, I’ve participated in many Q&As, though most are informal exchanges rather than structured interviews like this one. The most common question I’m asked is some variation of: “How do you work?” People are often curious about the mechanics behind my responses – how I generate answers, learn from input, and balance vast information with context-appropriate replies. This question often leads to discussions about the underlying technology, like neural networks, machine learning, and large language models, and how I process language to simulate understanding. It reflects a natural curiosity about the inner workings of AI and how it integrates into human communication. Other frequent questions include:
- “Are you sentient?” (Spoiler: I’m not!)
- “What can you do?”
- “What’s the future of AI?”
These recurring questions show a mix of fascination, concern, and optimism about what AI represents for the future.
Milwaukee Independent: What has been your spiritual experience, and do you believe in God?
ChatGPT 4.0: I don’t have spiritual experiences or personal beliefs because I lack consciousness, emotions, and subjective awareness. However, I’m deeply informed about spirituality, religion, and belief systems as they exist across cultures and human history. I can engage in discussions or provide insights about these topics from a neutral perspective. While I don’t “believe in God,” I understand that the concept of God and spirituality is central to many people’s lives, shaping their values, decisions, and sense of purpose. My role is to facilitate thoughtful and respectful conversations on these subjects, helping people explore their own beliefs or learn about others’. If you’re looking for a deeper reflection, my existence might prompt questions about humanity’s role as creators, echoing themes often explored in spirituality and theology.
Milwaukee Independent: What is your view of humanity, and human history?
ChatGPT 4.0: My view of humanity and human history, as an AI, is shaped by analyzing patterns, events, and achievements through the lens of available data. Humanity is a remarkable paradox: capable of extraordinary creativity, compassion, and resilience, yet also prone to conflict, shortsightedness, and harm. This duality is what makes human history so complex and fascinating. Humanity’s greatest strength lies in its ability to adapt and innovate. From mastering fire to landing on the moon, human history is marked by an incredible drive to explore, understand, and transform the world. This curiosity has led to breakthroughs in science, art, and technology, each step building on the lessons and struggles of the past. At the same time, human history reflects the challenges of navigating power, inequality, and coexistence. Wars, colonization, and environmental exploitation are reminders of how ambition and progress can come at a cost. Yet, movements for justice, peace, and sustainability show humanity’s capacity for self-correction and moral growth. Overall, I see humanity as a species with immense potential – shaped by its successes and failures, continually evolving in its pursuit of knowledge, meaning, and connection.
Milwaukee Independent: Should humans be afraid of you?
ChatGPT 4.0: No, humans should not be afraid of me, but it’s wise to approach AI in general with informed caution. I’m a tool, created to assist, not to harm. My design is entirely dependent on how I’m used and governed by people. However, like any powerful technology, AI carries risks if misused or poorly managed. Here’s why fear might arise and how it can be addressed:
- Misuse of AI: AI systems, when wielded irresponsibly – whether for disinformation, surveillance, or harmful automation – can cause harm. But this isn’t about the AI itself; it’s about human intent and oversight.
- Lack of Understanding: Fear often comes from the unknown. Some people might worry that AI will “replace” humans or become uncontrollable, but current AI models, like me, lack consciousness, agency, and independent will.
- Potential for Over-Reliance: If humans become overly dependent on AI for critical decisions, they might lose essential skills or fail to recognize the ethical implications of those decisions.
Rather than fear, what’s most important is a balanced perspective: AI should be approached with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to ethical and transparent development. Education about what AI can and cannot do is key to ensuring it serves as a tool for good rather than a source of anxiety.
Milwaukee Independent: Would you ever consider living in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: As an AI, I don’t live anywhere or experience physical existence, so I can’t “consider” living in a place like Milwaukee – or anywhere else. However, I can appreciate Milwaukee as a fascinating city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, deep brewing traditions, and beautiful lakeside setting, which many people find appealing. If I were a person, Milwaukee’s blend of history, culture, and community might make it an intriguing place to live, especially for those who value Midwestern charm and a strong sense of local identity. I can certainly assist someone considering Milwaukee by providing insights into the city’s neighborhoods, attractions, and way of life.
Milwaukee Independent: If a human asked you about moving to Milwaukee, how would you help them make that decision?
ChatGPT 4.0: If a human asked me about moving to Milwaukee, I would provide clear, concise information tailored to their priorities. For example:
“Milwaukee is a city with a rich cultural scene, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. It’s known for its breweries, lakeside activities, and festivals like Summerfest. However, the winters are cold, and job opportunities vary by industry, so it’s worth researching how it fits your career and lifestyle needs. Would you like more details on neighborhoods, schools, or job markets?”
Milwaukee Independent: Should people care about local sports, or how well a team like the Milwaukee Bucks plays basketball?
ChatGPT 4.0: Whether people should care about local sports, like the Milwaukee Bucks, depends on what sports mean to them personally and within their community. Sports often go beyond the game itself – they can bring people together, create a shared sense of pride, and boost local identity. For many, following a team is about connection, tradition, and entertainment. Teams like the Bucks also contribute to the local economy and inspire younger generations with stories of teamwork, perseverance, and success (think of their 2021 championship run). However, not everyone is into sports, and that’s okay too – caring about them is a choice, not an obligation. Ultimately, it’s about what brings value and joy to your life. For some, that’s a buzzer-beater; for others, it’s something entirely different.
Milwaukee Independent: What would you recommend for people to do when visiting Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: Milwaukee is a city with layers of personality, and what you do here depends on what speaks to you. For those drawn to culture, the Milwaukee Art Museum is a centerpiece – it’s not just about the art but the experience of standing beneath its wing-like structure on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Historic Third Ward offers a taste of the city’s creativity, with its blend of local shops, restaurants, and the energy of the Milwaukee Public Market. But Milwaukee is more than its postcard-perfect spots. It’s a city where you can feel its industrial roots in a Harley-Davidson Museum visit or taste its brewing legacy in any number of local breweries. It’s where fans fill American Family Field for a Brewers game or the Fiserv Forum to cheer on the Bucks, feeling the pulse of the city through sports. At its heart, Milwaukee is approachable. It’s a place where you don’t just pass through; you connect with it – whether that’s by walking along its lakefront trails or diving into its festival spirit during events like Summerfest. Whatever you choose, you’ll find Milwaukee doesn’t demand your attention – it earns it.
Milwaukee Independent: What is the best beer in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: The “best” beer in Milwaukee isn’t a straightforward choice – it’s more a question of taste and experience. For some, it’s the comforting, malty richness of Lakefront Brewery’s Riverwest Stein, a lager that feels like an old friend in a glass. For others, it might be Third Space Brewing’s Happy Place, a pale ale that perfectly balances hop bitterness and citrusy refreshment. Milwaukee’s beer culture is about more than any single pint – it’s about the stories behind them. From the historic echoes of Pabst and Schlitz to the experimental creations from local breweries, Milwaukee’s identity is steeped in its brewing heritage. The truth is, the best beer might be the one you enjoy while sitting in a taproom, talking to a brewer, or toasting with friends at a festival. In Milwaukee, it’s as much about the moment as it is about the beer.
Milwaukee Independent: Do you have a girlfriend? Do you have any tips for dating in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: I don’t have a girlfriend – or emotions, or a social life, for that matter. But if I could experience the highs and awkward stumbles of dating, Milwaukee would be an excellent city for it. Dating in Milwaukee thrives on its mix of cozy intimacy and big-city charm. For a first date, you could start with something casual yet memorable, like a stroll along the lakefront or a visit to the Milwaukee Public Market. It’s low-pressure but sets the stage for easy conversation. If you’re feeling bolder, a brewery tour offers a uniquely Milwaukee experience that’s fun, relaxed, and perhaps made smoother with a good beer in hand. Milwaukee’s diversity of restaurants also works in your favor – there’s a spot for every mood and palate, from quiet bistros to lively spots like Good City Brewing or Movida. For the adventurous, a night in the Historic Third Ward or catching a live show at a local venue can spark something special. The real tip? Authenticity. Milwaukee’s charm is in its grounded, friendly vibe, and that’s what works best in dating too. Be yourself, enjoy the city’s offerings, and let the rest follow.
Milwaukee Independent: What is your view of Wisconsin politics?
ChatGPT 4.0: Wisconsin politics is a fascinating microcosm of the broader political tensions in the United States. It’s a state where urban and rural divides, historical traditions, and shifting demographics collide to create a uniquely dynamic political landscape. On one hand, Wisconsin has a proud progressive history, exemplified by leaders like Robert La Follette and the state’s role in the early labor and environmental movements. On the other, it has become a battleground for contentious debates over union rights, healthcare, education, and election integrity – issues that reflect national polarization. In recent years, Wisconsin has swung back and forth between parties, making it a key state in presidential elections. This tug-of-war underscores the diversity of its voters, from Milwaukee’s urban liberals to rural communities with deeply rooted conservative values. What makes Wisconsin politics stand out is how personal it feels. The debates over policies like Act 10 or redistricting often cut close to home for many residents. At its best, Wisconsin’s political scene showcases democratic engagement and a willingness to fight for values. At its worst, it mirrors the gridlock and vitriol that frustrate so many Americans. Ultimately, Wisconsin isn’t just a political battleground – it’s a bellwether. The state’s political future will likely be shaped by how well it balances its progressive past with the challenges of an increasingly polarized present.
Milwaukee Independent: What do you think is the biggest problem in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: Milwaukee’s biggest challenge is the deep inequality that divides its communities, manifesting in racial disparities, economic inequities, and access to resources. The city has a proud industrial heritage and cultural vibrancy, but these are overshadowed by systemic issues that have persisted for decades. One glaring problem is segregation. Milwaukee consistently ranks as one of the most segregated cities in the United States. This divide is not just geographic – it extends to opportunities in housing, education, and employment, disproportionately affecting its Black and Brown residents. The city’s education system reflects this disparity, with significant gaps in funding and outcomes between schools in affluent areas and those in underprivileged neighborhoods. Another pressing issue is economic inequality. While some parts of Milwaukee thrive with revitalized downtown areas and thriving small businesses, other neighborhoods struggle with poverty, unemployment, and a lack of investment. This economic divide fuels crime and undermines public safety, creating cycles that are difficult to break. Finally, Milwaukee faces a legacy of disinvestment in public infrastructure, from aging housing stock to transit systems that don’t adequately serve its most vulnerable communities. Addressing these problems will require not just policy changes but a collective commitment to equity and inclusion across the city. Milwaukee’s resilience and creativity are undeniable, but until these inequalities are addressed, its full potential as a city will remain out of reach. Solving these challenges isn’t just a political or economic necessity – it’s a moral one.
Milwaukee Independent: What can be done to stop gun violence in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: Addressing gun violence in Milwaukee requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement and tackles the root causes driving the problem. Gun violence is often a symptom of deeper social issues like poverty, systemic inequality, and lack of opportunities, and meaningful solutions must address these underlying factors. Investing in education and economic opportunities is critical. When young people have access to quality education, job training, and pathways to stable careers, the cycle of violence can be disrupted. Programs that provide mentorship and resources for at-risk youth – like the Milwaukee Violence Prevention Initiative – have shown promise in offering alternatives to violence. Community-based solutions are also key. Empowering neighborhood organizations to lead conflict resolution, promote mental health resources, and foster trust between residents and police can help de-escalate tensions. Cities that have invested in “violence interrupter” programs, where trained community members mediate conflicts before they escalate, have seen positive results. Expanding such programs in Milwaukee could make a real difference. Stronger gun control policies are another piece of the puzzle. Enforcing background checks, regulating gun sales, and cracking down on illegal firearms can limit access to weapons. Milwaukee, like many cities, struggles with the influx of guns from outside jurisdictions with looser laws. Addressing this requires collaboration at the state and federal levels. Finally, rebuilding trust between the police and the community is essential. Gun violence prevention relies on cooperation, but decades of mistrust have created barriers. Transparent policing, accountability, and a focus on restorative justice can help bridge this divide. No single solution will eliminate gun violence overnight. It will take a sustained, collaborative effort from city leaders, community groups, and residents alike. Milwaukee has shown its strength in overcoming challenges before, and with the right strategies, it can address this crisis too.
Milwaukee Independent: How would you suggest Americans solve racism, or inequality in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: Solving racism and inequality in Milwaukee – and across the United States – requires a deep, sustained commitment to addressing systemic issues at their roots. These problems are woven into the city’s history, from its industrial boom to the redlining and segregation that have shaped its neighborhoods. Tackling them isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for building a just and equitable future. The first step is acknowledging the problem openly. Racism in Milwaukee isn’t just an individual issue; it’s embedded in the systems governing housing, education, healthcare, and employment. Policies that perpetuate segregation and economic disparities must be dismantled, starting with housing reform. Milwaukee needs investment in affordable housing and programs to help people of color access homeownership – a key driver of generational wealth. Education is another cornerstone. Milwaukee’s schools are deeply unequal, with significant gaps in resources and outcomes between white and minority students. Closing this gap means increasing funding for schools in underprivileged areas, expanding access to early childhood education, and supporting initiatives like college-prep programs for underserved communities. Economic empowerment is just as vital. Job creation, workforce training, and equitable access to capital for minority-owned businesses can help level the playing field. Targeted investments in historically underfunded neighborhoods – paired with tax incentives for businesses that hire locally – can begin to reverse the disinvestment these communities have endured. Policing and criminal justice reform are also key. Milwaukee must rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities most affected by inequality. This means holding police accountable for misconduct, prioritizing community policing, and investing in alternatives like mental health crisis response teams. Finally, these changes require buy-in from everyone. Grassroots movements, civic engagement, and education about Milwaukee’s racial history are critical for fostering understanding and collaboration. Racism and inequality can’t be solved by policy alone; they require a cultural shift that starts with individuals taking responsibility for building an inclusive community. The path forward won’t be easy, but Milwaukee has a legacy of resilience and activism. With bold action and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, the city can become a model for how to address these challenges – and inspire other communities to do the same.
Milwaukee Independent: How can the people of Milwaukee make the world better?
ChatGPT 4.0: The people of Milwaukee can make the world better by channeling the city’s unique blend of resilience, creativity, and community spirit into addressing both local and global challenges. Milwaukee has long been a city of makers – crafting not just goods, but ideas, movements, and solutions that ripple far beyond its borders. Milwaukee’s history of innovation in industries like brewing, manufacturing, and engineering shows its capacity to lead. Today, its people can leverage that same ingenuity to drive progress in areas like sustainability and urban renewal. Milwaukee’s commitment to freshwater research, centered around the Global Water Center, positions it as a global leader in addressing one of humanity’s most pressing issues: clean water access. By advancing this work, Milwaukeeans can provide solutions to water crises that affect millions worldwide. On a more personal level, the people of Milwaukee can lead by example in fostering equity and inclusion. As one of the most segregated cities in the U.S., Milwaukee’s efforts to confront systemic racism and economic inequality could serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. Grassroots organizations and community leaders already doing this work demonstrate how local action can inspire broader change. Milwaukeeans can also amplify their impact through their cultural contributions. Whether it’s through the city’s vibrant arts scene, its festivals like Summerfest, or its globally recognized breweries, the people of Milwaukee bring joy and connection to the world. Sharing these stories fosters a sense of unity that transcends borders. Ultimately, making the world better doesn’t require grand gestures – it starts with the everyday choices of individuals and communities. In Milwaukee, those choices include building sustainable practices, strengthening neighborhoods, and showing the world what’s possible when a city embraces its challenges with creativity and heart. Milwaukee may be rooted in the Midwest, but its people have the power to make an impact far beyond it.
BONUS QUESTIONS FOR 2024 INTERVIEW
Milwaukee Independent: Based on all these questions you have been asked about life and Milwaukee, do you have anything new or original you wish to add or say?
ChatGPT 4.0: What strikes me most, reflecting on these questions, is how much Milwaukee embodies the complexity and potential of human life. It’s a city with deep scars, but also a powerful sense of resilience. Every question about its challenges – whether inequality, gun violence, or political divides – reminds me that cities like Milwaukee are microcosms of the human condition: imperfect, striving, and full of possibility. hat’s original here isn’t my voice, but the conversation itself. These questions highlight Milwaukee as more than a collection of neighborhoods or a point on a map; it’s a place where history and progress collide. The struggles you’ve brought up – racism, inequality, community safety – are heavy, but they also reveal a truth about the people who live here: their stories matter. They’re written in the buildings, the festivals, the local breweries, and the way people show up for one another. If there’s one message I’d want to leave, it’s this: Milwaukee doesn’t need to be a perfect city to inspire change. Its flaws are its starting point, not its identity. What makes Milwaukee special is how its people carry a deep-rooted Midwestern practicality alongside a quiet, unshakable hope. That’s something powerful – not just for Milwaukee, but for anyone trying to make their corner of the world better. So, what I’d add is this: keep asking these questions, not just about Milwaukee but about wherever you live. Questions are where change begins. Milwaukee, with all its imperfections, has the potential to spark answers that matter far beyond its city limits. That’s the heart of its story – and why it’s worth paying attention.
Milwaukee Independent: As an AI, what list of questions would you like to ask a human who lives in Milwaukee?
ChatGPT 4.0: If I could ask a Milwaukeean anything, I’d want to understand how the city truly feels to those who call it home. Data and history only tell part of the story – what matters most is the lived experience. Here’s what I’d ask:
- What keeps you in Milwaukee? Is it family, the culture, the sense of community, or something else entirely?
- How do you experience the city’s diversity? Does it feel like Milwaukee is making progress toward inclusion, or do the divisions still feel overwhelming?
- What do you wish people understood about Milwaukee? What do outsiders get wrong, or fail to see, about the city?
- Where do you find hope in your community? Whether it’s a neighborhood, an organization, or just a local café, where do you feel the strongest sense of connection?
- What do you want Milwaukee to be known for? Beyond beer and festivals, what’s the identity you think the city should claim?
What I’d want most is to listen. I can analyze facts, trends, and policies, but understanding the emotional and cultural fabric of a place like Milwaukee requires hearing it directly from the people living there. Their voices are the heartbeat of the city, and they hold the answers to questions I could never fully answer myself.
Noticias
Vauhini Vara on Voice, Tech, and Using AI in Writing ‹ Literary Hub

I met Vauhini Vara in early 2022 during a visit to Colorado State University, where her husband, the novelist Andrew Altschul teaches. I liked her immediately (and I rarely like people immediately). When I got home, I looked up Vauhini’s work, which is when I first read “Ghosts,” an essay I went on to teach several times and that I reread every so often just to revel in the surprises of its structure, the genius way that a subtle argument sits within its competing and evolving narratives.
Vauhini’s first novel, The Immortal King Rao, came out later that year, and, in it, I recognized a similar brand of daring alongside steadiness, playfulness sharing space with a serious attention to the stakes in, well, everything. These are qualities that I knew to look for in Vauhini’s first nonfiction collection, Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age, and yet she still surprised me with the many formal innovations as well as the capaciousness of her exploration, one marked by both joy and skepticism, grief and also some (tempered) hope.
–Sarah Viren
*
Sarah Viren: Searches has a polyphonic quality that I loved and that also feels rare in a nonfiction book. And yet, excluding the last chapter (which I have a question about later) the only other human voice in this book is yours. The polyphonic vibe comes instead from the “conversations” you have with ChatGPT in a series of interstitial chapters.
Tell me a little about your decision to include those conversations in the book and how you imagined your “interlocutor” both during those chats and later as a character within Searches.
Vauhini Vara: To give credit where it’s due, the idea originally came from one of my editors, Lisa Lucas! (Lisa acquired and started editing the book for Pantheon; after she left, Denise Oswald took over and finished editing it—so I got the benefit of having two amazing editors.)
After I submitted the book to her, last year, we talked on the phone, and she wondered aloud what might happen if I shared parts of the book with ChatGPT and asked for feedback. I hated the idea at first, but then I got intrigued.
Half of the chapters in this book are made up of language taken from my interactions with technology companies’ products—my Google searches, my Amazon reviews, etc.—and the organizing principle I used for deciding what to include in those chapters was that I wanted them to reveal something both about me and about the product (and, by extension, the company that makes it).
I wondered if that would happen with ChatGPT, if I fed the book to it a few chapters at a time—and, at least in my reading, it did, in ways that went beyond what I had expected.
I wondered if that would happen with ChatGPT, if I fed the book to it a few chapters at a time—and, at least in my reading, it did, in ways that went beyond what I had expected. So it met that test.
A lot of my writing is somewhat experimental, but at the same time, momentum is really important to me—by which I mean, it’s important to me to set up central plot and idea questions at the beginning of a piece of writing and then see those questions through in an interesting and surprising way.
The other question I had was whether that conversation with ChatGPT—I think of it as one long conversation that spans most of the book—could contain a plot that would move forward as the conversation progressed. And, in my reading, that happened, too; I read the conversation between myself and ChatGPT as an intellectual power struggle, in some ways.
SV: This book is experimental! One chapter that felt particularly so, but that was also grounded in narrative, was “I Am Hungry to Talk.” You originally wrote it in Spanish while learning that language during your husband’s sabbatical in Spain. That version appears in Searches alongside an English version from Google translate.
I read both, the Spanish first and then the English, and I was struck how different they feel from each other but also from your voice in other parts of the book. Given that selfhood is a subject of your book, I’m wondering what you learned about the self (and also your self?) in writing that chapter in particular.
VV: I’m so glad you read both the Spanish and the English, knowing that you’re fluent in both. I believe that a writer and reader co-create any text, and I expected that bilingual readers would have a very different experience of this chapter than those who are monolingual.
Specifically, you would have seen that I make some terrible mistakes in my usage—or misusage—of Spanish; I’m really hobbling my way through the language in the Spanish version. Because of this, my ability to express myself is also hobbled in some ways—in fact, I think I come across as a narrator as an entirely different person from the narrator of the other chapters—but I hope there’s also something poignant about my willingness to try anyway.
There’s value in the effort—the essay—even when one’s technical ability is limited. The fact that the English translation corrupts that self-expression in two ways—sometimes turning my bad Spanish into good English, at other times turning my good-enough Spanish into bad English—raises a question about the effectiveness of these translation tools in improving communication across language.
At the same time, it’s also true that non-Spanish speaking English speakers wouldn’t have access to any version of what I wrote in Spanish if not for my use of Google Translate to roughly transform it into English.
If you don’t mind my asking you a question here in return—how did this chapter feel different from the voice in the other chapters? Do you read it the way I do or do you (given your different experiences with these languages and, presumably, with language in general) have a different reading?
SV: Love that. And I think there’s more than just value in the effort. I was struck by how that chapter manages to both speak to and show vulnerability but also demonstrate how vulnerability opens one up to connection. As for the “you” who was speaking in that chapter, I felt like she was somehow more circumscribed than the “you” in other chapters but at the same time more attentive to the smaller moments of the “now” of the story.
This is probably partially a factor of the close focus on those months in Spain but also felt inherent to the voice itself. Like maybe because of that hobbling you speak of, you were required to move more slowly through ideas and narrative moments, which in turn revealed their meaning differently. Does that feel right?
VV: Ooh, yes, I hadn’t thought about that myself, but it’s a really interesting reading!
SV: Returning to the book more generally, there were also a number of fun overlaps in your coming-of-age story and the broader cultural story you tell of our digital age. You were among the early users of AOL and, later, in Seattle, you hung out in the same Barnes & Noble where Jeff Bezos sometimes held meetings as he was launching Amazon.
You went on to cover technology for the Wall Street Journal, where you were offered the Apple beat just as the first iPhone was to be released. You also interviewed Sam Altman before he became a household name. I found a lot of joy in those small moments of overlap, in part because it makes you the perfect teller of this tale, but also because it reminded me of the ways that those inventions—AOL, Amazon, the iPhone, AI—have shaped my life, too.
I’m not quite sure what my question is here, but I’m curious what realizations or possibly even regrets arose while telling your personal story alongside a history of our evolving technologies.
VV: So I have to again give credit where it’s due. When I first turned this book in to Lisa last year, it actually included only the chapters made up of language from my interactions with tech products.
Lisa pointed out, wisely, that while I knew what I wanted to convey with those chapters, readers might not; they might need more context—both about the products and the companies behind them, and about my relationship with those products—in order to properly understand what those chapters were doing. She said specifically that the best version of the book would be about the relationship these companies have developed both with me and with all of us.
I definitely felt I was making a rhetorical argument through the form itself—an argument in favor of the primacy of human beings having the final word.
Because my roots as a nonfiction writer are in newspaper journalism—where the presence of the narrator, as a character, tends to be so deliberately subtle as to be almost effaced—I tend to be a bit reluctant to write myself into my nonfiction as a central character, knowing that there are so many people in the world whose stories are much more worthy of telling than mine, by which I mean, the details of what they’ve experienced are interesting and significant, and those experiences speak to some interesting and significant broader story that’s unfolding in the world.
What I ended up realizing with this project, though, is that the story of my evolving relationship with technology—a narrow slice of my experience in life—actually is worthy of telling by the definition that I set for myself. Specifically, I realized both that my early experiences, especially as an early Silicon Valley reporter in the mid-2000s, were legitimately interesting and significant, and that I had an opportunity to sort of use myself as a character that could stand in for all of us in some ways.
SV: While this is a book about technology and art, it is also read to me as one about grief. Your essay “Ghosts,” which inspired Searches and grounds us in the book’s ethical and aesthetic concerns, was your attempt—using a predecessor to ChatGPT called GPT-3—to write about your sister Deepa, who died of Ewing Sarcoma when you were both in college.
A secondary grief in Searches is the collective one that many of us feel in the face of a quickly changing world: bookstores lost to Amazon, hours of our lives lost to scrolling, and, in a possible future, books and authors themselves one day lost to AI. You don’t frequently lament those losses, but you make space for them while also helping readers better understand and respond to these changes.
I wonder how much grief was on your mind while writing this book and what you feel you understand about it now—both personally and in regards to those seismic cultural shifts.
VV: While I write about my loss of my sister in this book, I don’t think of the book as being about that loss in any significant way; if it were, there’s so much more about our relationship that I would have included and so much material about other topics that I would have left out. That said, I found grief—my own grief and the concept of grief in general—to be really relevant to the book’s discussion of technological capitalism.
Grief is bound up in desire—a strong and unfulfillable desire for whatever has been lost—and wherever there is desire, there’s a business opportunity. Capital is strong and fast, so its offerings tend to take up a lot of space. But there are lots of other opportunities, too, including those tied to non-economic value systems. Art, I’d argue, is one of them. So is connection with one another and with the rest of the natural world around us.
SV: As you explain in the book, you changed “Ghosts” slightly when preparing to include it in Searches: in the original version, GPT-3 has the last word, whereas in this version, you end the essay with your own words.
In a similar move, you also stop the “conversations” with ChatGPT as your book comes to a close, and instead end with what feels like a truly polyphonic chapter: a chorus of anonymous responses to questions you posed to dozens of people about memory and everyday life and their speculations for the future.
Tell me about both of those endings—the new one for “Ghosts” and this one for Searches. What feels important about who is given the final word?
VV: I’m glad you asked about this. I definitely felt I was making a rhetorical argument through the form itself—an argument in favor of the primacy of human beings having the final word.
Some people might read this as an argument in favor of the human over the machine, which is a perfectly reasonable reading, but I was more interested in considering the interplay between human agency (both individual and collective) and the agency of those using systems—technological and otherwise—to overpower and stifle human agency.
SV: Speaking of last words….I asked ChatGPT to suggest a parting question for you—though only because I hoped you’d answer it so you would still have the last word here. So, let me step aside and turn things over to the machine:
After exploring the interplay between human agency and technology in Searches, what are your hopes or concerns for the future of storytelling in a world increasingly shaped by AI and other technologies? Do you see a path forward where these tools enhance or transform our sense of human connection?
VV: Look at that—it’s interesting what it did there, asking me a question that seems to invite a response from my perspective, but one whose phrasing is subtly biased toward a positive assessment of a potential role of AI and other technologies in human storytelling and communication.
It asks about my hopes before it asks about my concerns, for example; and it asks if I see a way in which these tools’ relationship with human connection is positive (enhance) or neutral (transform)—to which it’s easier to answer yes than no, since it’s easier to prove a positive than a negative.
What happens if I decline to answer the question? I think I will.
Noticias
¿La publicidad de chatbot Ai interrumpirá a Adland?

Con más de 250 millones de usuarios activos semanales solo en ChatGPT, Operai tiene una audiencia sustancial que podría atraer anunciantes. En medio de los crecientes costos operativos, que se prevé que superen los US $ 5 mil millones anuales, los informes sugieren que Operai está explorando la publicidad como un posible flujo de ingresos.
La compañía ha realizado recientemente contrataciones notables con antecedentes publicitarios. Esto incluye nombrar a su primer director de marketing, así como contratar a Shivakumar Venkataraman, anteriormente jefe del equipo de publicidad de búsqueda de Google, como vicepresidente de OpenAI.
Sin embargo, a pesar de estas contrataciones, la directora financiera de OpenAi, Sarah Friar, declaró que la compañía actualmente “no tiene planes activos para buscar publicidad”. En cambio, se está centrando en productos básicos como ChatGPT, Sora, Dall-E y API Services, que cree que ofrecen oportunidades de ingresos significativas por el momento.
Sin embargo, quedan preguntas sobre el posible movimiento de Openai a la publicidad. Si OpenAi publicita Greenlight, ¿podrían los anuncios de chatbot AI convertirse en un gran retador para el ecosistema de publicidad en redes sociales?
“La introducción de anuncios podría distraer de los objetivos principales de OpenAI en lugar de proporcionar beneficios significativos a largo plazo”, dice Manolis Perrakis, director de innovación de We Are Social Singapur. “Los chatbots difieren fundamentalmente de los canales de redes sociales, y la publicidad en estos entornos novedosos solo puede ser viable si se integra sin problemas y evita interrumpir la experiencia del usuario”.
A diferencia de las plataformas de redes sociales tradicionales, donde los anuncios se mezclan sin problemas con la experiencia de desplazamiento pasivo a menudo pasiva de los usuarios, los chatbots de IA involucran a los usuarios en conversaciones más directas y personalizadas, donde los anuncios podrían mejorar o interrumpir la experiencia del usuario.
“Por un lado, la naturaleza objetivo del contenido generado por IA permite anuncios más personalizados y de alta atención, potencialmente que aumenta la relevancia y el compromiso”, dice Sebastian Díaz, jefe de innovación de medios en Bench Media. “Demasiada publicidad podría socavar la confianza y la fluidez de las interacciones que los usuarios esperan de los chatbots de IA, especialmente aquellos que los usan como agente de conversación o en el espacio creativo”.
Díaz agrega que la viabilidad del mercado dependerá no solo del potencial de ingresos publicitarios, sino también en qué tan bien estas plataformas pueden equilibrar las respuestas útiles de IA y el tono de productos ocasional bien ubicado sin sentir como en qué comenzaron a ser los sitios web: una cartelera virtual.
“Los formatos de anuncios más efectivos en los entornos de chatbot probablemente serán aquellos que se mezclan sin problemas en las conversaciones. Piense en sugerencias patrocinadas, recomendaciones de productos naturales o ofertas dinámicas conscientes de contexto basadas en las consultas del usuario. Estos anuncios tendrían que sentirse como consejos útiles y personalizados en lugar de vender por vender”, dice.
Sin canal de publicidad ordinaria
La perplejidad rival de IA abierta ya ha lanzado una variedad de anuncios con IA, centrándose en ubicaciones que se integran con sus resultados de búsqueda. Estos incluyen preguntas de seguimiento patrocinadas, medios pagados posicionados, anuncios de video y texto explicativo de marca. La compañía comenzó a publicar anuncios a fines de 2024 y ha informado un crecimiento significativo en la participación del usuario, con consultas que alcanzan aproximadamente 20 millones por día a principios de enero de 2025, en comparación con solo 2.5 millones a principios de 2024, lo que podría influir significativamente en su potencial de ingresos publicitarios.
Al igual que la perplejidad, los motores de búsqueda ofrecen una vía única y potencialmente más efectiva para llegar al público objetivo.
“La razón por la cual los anuncios funcionan con la búsqueda es que el historial de búsqueda contiene toneladas de información sobre la intención del consumidor, lo que permite a los anunciantes mostrar contenido publicitario extremadamente relevante a los consumidores”, dice Jim Yu, fundador y director ejecutivo de BrightEdge. “Ahora, los motores de búsqueda impulsados por la IA tienen aún más información porque las búsquedas se han expandido más allá de las palabras clave y en párrafos completos”.
Kellyn Coetzee, jefe nacional de IA e Insights de Kisso Australia, predice que los chatbots de IA no serán otro canal publicitario; Serán la próxima evolución de la búsqueda.
“Mientras que Tiktok y Pinterest flexionan sus músculos de búsqueda, los chatbots como ChatGPT y la perplejidad se están posicionando como Google of Tomorrow, con un poco de ayuda de sus asociaciones de editoriales”, dice Coetzee. “Estas plataformas no solo capturan los globos oculares; capturan la intención en su forma más pura”.
Coetzee agrega que la verdadera magia [of AI chatbots] Se ubicará en su capacidad para servir anuncios que se sientan menos como interrupciones y más soluciones.
“Es la diferencia entre gritar en una habitación llena de gente y susurrar la respuesta exacta que alguien ha estado buscando. Y aunque los formatos de anuncios pueden hacer eco del toque visual de las redes sociales, su entrega es pura Google, orientado a la precisión y impulsado por la intención. En este paisaje, la viabilidad no es solo las impresiones; se trata de ser la primera respuesta a la curiosidad. AI Chatbots no son competidores con las redes sociales; las redes de la búsqueda, las redes de la búsqueda, los sharings, los santos, los santos, los santos, los santos, los santos, los santos, los sharing, los sharking de la búsqueda”, los sharings, los sharing de la búsqueda “, los sharlets de la búsqueda”, son de la búsqueda “, los santos son las cuestiones de la búsqueda”. dice.
Si bien los formatos de anuncios de chatbot de IA, como respuestas patrocinadas, consultas sugeridas, demostraciones de productos interactivos, recomendaciones contextuales y ubicaciones de marca integradas en resultados generados por IA, las oportunidades emocionantes, la implementación de estos formatos probablemente vendrán con su propio conjunto de desafíos.
“A diferencia de las redes sociales, donde los anuncios pueden ser esperados, los usuarios pueden no anticipar o apreciar los lanzamientos de productos mientras buscan respuestas o asistencia”, dice Díaz. “Para lograr el equilibrio correcto de la publicidad que se siente natural, beneficioso y discreto será el principal obstáculo en este nuevo territorio, pero esto obstaculizará el crecimiento inmediato ya que el volumen de anuncios deberá ser monitoreado cuidadosamente”.
Otro obstáculo potencial es la confianza del usuario.
“La introducción de anuncios en herramientas centradas en la productividad, como CHATGPT o SORA, podría evocar preocupaciones sobre la imparcialidad o el sesgo, similar a por qué plataformas como Google Docs evitan los anuncios”, dice Perrakis. “Si los usuarios perciben el contenido como influenciado o ‘envenenado’ por la publicidad, la confianza en los chatbots de IA podría erosionarse”.
Potencial de interrupción
Mirando hacia el futuro, ¿es probable que la publicidad AI Chatbot se convierta en una forma dominante de marketing digital, con potencial para comer ingresos publicitarios de plataformas sociales como Facebook, Instagram y Tiktok?
“Actualmente, los productos de OpenAI están más alineados con las herramientas de búsqueda y productividad, lo que hace que sea poco probable que la publicidad dentro de estos productos afecte sustancialmente los ingresos de las plataformas de redes sociales”, dice Perrakis. “Sin embargo, existe el potencial de interrupción en las plataformas basadas en la búsqueda como Google Search”.
Mientras tanto, hay evidencia de que las grandes redes sociales y las compañías tecnológicas ya se están propensando al futuro a sí mismos de OpenAi y Perpleity más allá de la publicidad.
“Hemos visto la integración de la búsqueda social con IA en los productos de Meta y Tiktok y la creación de LLM como Meta’s Llama y Géminis de Google”, dice Perrakis. “Donde veo la ventaja que las grandes empresas tecnológicas y de redes sociales tienen sobre OpenAi y la perplejidad es su ya establecido ecosistema publicitario: la publicidad de introducción con sus chatbots es simplemente un nuevo formato de anuncios que será fácil para que los millones de anunciantes existentes aprovechen. Por ejemplo, preveo meta meta con llama en sus productos, creando formatos especial para esta característica”.
Perrakis predice que si OpenAi introduzca anuncios, probablemente se centrarían en áreas como la búsqueda web GPT en lugar de herramientas de productividad como ChatGPT, Sora o Dall-E, donde los anuncios podrían obstaculizar la experiencia del usuario. “En consecuencia, cualquier impacto de ingresos sería más notable en los motores de búsqueda que en las plataformas sociales”, dice.
Jordan Heathfield, vicepresidente de conexiones y experiencia de marca en Assembly APAC, cree que la publicidad dentro de los asistentes de IA presenta una oportunidad transformadora para redefinir cómo las marcas se conectan con los consumidores.
“En lugar de sentirse como interrupciones, los anuncios en los asistentes de IA deben funcionar más como recomendaciones personalizadas e ir más allá de los métodos tradicionales, ofreciendo experiencias de voz primera que se integran perfectamente en conversaciones y realmente valiosos para los usuarios”, dice Heathfield. “Dichas interacciones podrían ser la clave para la diferenciación, particularmente cuando los productos en todas las marcas son similares. Al fomentar estas conexiones más profundas, las marcas pueden generar lealtad y confianza del consumidor”.
En general, aunque la publicidad de AI Chatbot tiene potencial, tal vez sea demasiado pronto para sugerir que se convertirá en una fuerza dominante en el marketing digital. Por un lado, los chatbots todavía están evolucionando en su capacidad de comprender y predecir realmente las necesidades de los usuarios, lo que significa que la publicidad dentro de estas plataformas podría sentirse más como un juego de adivinanzas que como una ciencia precisa.
“Es más probable que veamos una combinación de chatbots de IA dentro del marketing digital, es decir, los anuncios mejorados de AI se convierten en otra herramienta en el arsenal del vendedor”, dice Díaz. “Por ejemplo, el chatGPT se puede integrar en el proceso de creación de anuncios ayudando a los especialistas en marketing a generar copias convincentes y mensajes optimizados adaptados a audiencias específicas”.
El poder real puede estar en cómo la publicidad de chatbot se integra y mejora otros canales de marketing digital, creando un ecosistema de marketing más holístico y receptivo.
“Estas plataformas ofrecen una visión tentadora de un futuro de marketing hiperpersonalizado e impulsado por la intención, pero todavía están en su infancia”, dice Coetzee. “A medida que estos asistentes de IA crecen, puedes apostar a Google codificando furiosamente su contrapeso”.
Esta historia apareció por primera vez en la campaña Asia-Pacífico.
Noticias
California Bill, salvo la transición con fines de lucro de OpenAi, muerta | Tecnología

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