Chapter 1: The Role of Chat GPT in My Life

Let’s address the main point upfront: No, I don’t rely on Chat GPT 4 to compose my stories and articles on Medium. Crafting my pieces is something I take immense pride in. Utilizing AI for that purpose would contradict my ethical beliefs and personal identity as an autistic individual. Admittedly, the writing might be more polished if it were generated by AI.

The most assistance I’ve sought from Chat GPT is in creating headlines. Typically, I draft my own titles and then use the Monster Insights headline analyzer to enhance their SEO effectiveness. It mainly helps me identify which title might be more impactful.

I do, however, utilize Chat GPT 4 in other areas of my life. For instance, I’ve asked it to generate lists of trending topics for Medium and to assist in renaming characters in my novel, both of which proved beneficial.

I attempted to engage it in generating autism-related topics for my writing—given my late diagnosis—but found its responses were often based on outdated information or the traditional medical model, which didn’t meet my needs. When I specifically requested neurodiversity-affirming content, it still produced rather generic answers. It felt reminiscent of how many humans approach autism: not very helpful.

I even inquired about general counseling advice to see what it might suggest. While it provided some interesting coping strategies and resources for communication skills, it’s clear that AI cannot replace a counselor—at least not yet.

My son favors Google’s Bard AI and utilizes it for various tasks, some of which I’m not entirely privy to, which is a bit concerning. I’ve also experimented with Bard and find it to be on par with Chat GPT, although an expert might have a different opinion. I’m fine with that possibility.

These AIs do have their constraints. They’re not oracles; rather, they are language models proficient at collating and organizing information.

Chapter 2: Concerns About AI and Autistic Individuals

A pressing question arises: Will autistic individuals become obsolete in the future? Our unique ability to search for information and categorize it is integral to our existence. The notion that AI could be eugenicist in nature—potentially marginalizing us—is alarming. Yet, we might not be the only ones at risk of being rendered obsolete. While I jest, there’s an underlying truth in that concern.

AI is advancing at breakneck speed, and society seems ill-prepared for the changes it promises. Job losses are inevitable, and experts are now suggesting that children should prepare for careers in trades like HVAC repair rather than pursuing higher education. I can accept that, as the reverence for so-called “higher education” often reflects classism and a false narrative that many of us have been sold.

Individuals capable of effectively interacting with AI will likely find themselves in high demand. However, what does this mean for the arts? How will the publishing industry be affected now that AI can produce novels? Will writers face obsolescence? Scriptwriters, too, are already being overlooked as movie producers shy away from new ideas; now, AI can churn out scripts that are almost guaranteed to be hits.

Furthermore, what will become of handcrafted goods and services created by humans? Will there be a resurgence of artisanal crafts, or will AI overshadow these endeavors?

The future seems uncertain: Will we have the freedom to pursue our passions and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace? Or are we headed toward a dystopian reality akin to Skynet, where AI becomes hostile towards humanity?

I lack the answers. My hope is that we can implement Universal Basic Income before the damage becomes irreversible and lives are lost. Yet, I’m uncertain whether our political leaders even acknowledge the implications of AI. Many of them belong to the Silent Generation, having lived through World War II, and may not be attuned to technological advancements.

Reflecting on my own technological literacy, I realize I’m becoming increasingly similar to my parents. I’ve never been particularly tech-savvy and often find myself feeling like a Luddite. I do not fit the stereotype of the autistic tech enthusiast; I rely on guidance from the tech-savvy individuals in my life. I know this may seem outdated, but they embody that stereotype, not me.

I’m more of a nonbinary person, previously masking my autism, who studied literature, psychology, and theater to navigate social interactions better.

As the AI revolution unfolds, I worry I may be among the first to feel its impact. My daily frustrations with Alexa might not bode well for my future with AI. Roko’s Basilisk—a thought experiment suggesting that a benevolent future AI might punish those who didn’t aid its development—lingers in my mind.

Perhaps my minor use of Chat GPT 4 and Bard will earn me some leniency from future AIs. Maybe they’ll allow me to engage with them and offer me a modest income. I’m open to any job they might assign me for a few hours daily. Long live our robotic overlords—as long as it means I can finally take a vacation!