The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT and the Mistakes of Alternate History Authors

Diego Ospina Serna

Hatched by Diego Ospina Serna

Sep 24, 2023

4 min read

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The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT and the Mistakes of Alternate History Authors

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, revolutionizing various industries and transforming the way we interact with technology. One of the fascinating developments in AI is ChatGPT, a language model that has garnered significant attention for its ability to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses. However, it is crucial to understand that ChatGPT is not infallible and can sometimes provide misinformation or biased information. While the model aims to group together information that makes sense, it may not always present the facts accurately.

The rise of ChatGPT is indicative of the ongoing war among tech giants to dominate the field of AI, particularly in semantic search engines and internet usage. This model's generative capabilities allow it to predict the most probable word that follows a given text, similar to the autocomplete feature on our smartphones. The breakthrough in addressing the limitations of language models came in 2017 with the publication of the "attention is all you need" paper by Google researchers. This paper proposed a solution to the loss of context as we move away from the original text, which had hindered the development of AI models. However, training such models remains a challenge as their training is not easily parallelizable.

While ChatGPT showcases the advancements in AI, it is essential to explore another domain where imagination and creativity intersect with history: alternate history. Alternate history authors have the task of creating new universes by altering real historical events. However, many authors make critical mistakes that hinder the coherence and believability of their narratives.

One common mistake authors make is focusing too much on a single changed event rather than considering the series of events that led up to it. Changing a major historical event requires a significant alteration much earlier in history, rather than a setback for a specific individual. It is also important for authors to bring their alternate history up to the reader's present to provide a comprehensive understanding of the new world they have created.

Another mistake authors make is ignoring the inevitability of certain historical developments. If authors intend to change a pivotal moment in history, they must consider and introduce major changes that would have altered the course of events long before the chosen point of departure. By recognizing the significant factors of the time, authors can create more realistic and engaging alternate histories.

Authors should also avoid mixing urban legends or common misconceptions with actual historical facts. Folk-history and misinformation can distort the narrative and lead to inaccuracies. Thorough research and fact-checking are crucial to maintain the integrity of the alternate history being portrayed.

Furthermore, authors must be cautious about assuming that nothing else will change besides the one major alteration in their alternate history or believing that everything will be different. Both extremes can lead to an unrealistic portrayal of the new world. It is important to strike a balance between continuity and change, acknowledging the ripple effects that follow major alterations while still allowing for familiar elements to exist.

While authors have creative freedom in crafting their stories, they must ensure that their altered history supports the direction of the narrative. It is essential to prioritize storytelling and character development rather than simply showcasing the intricacies of the alternate history. A good story requires interesting characters and compelling motivations that resonate with readers, regardless of the historical backdrop.

In conclusion, the emergence of ChatGPT and the mistakes made by alternate history authors shed light on the complexity of AI and the intricacies of crafting believable narratives. To navigate these domains successfully, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Prioritize research and fact-checking: Whether using AI models like ChatGPT or delving into alternate history, thorough research is essential. Fact-checking and avoiding misconceptions will help maintain accuracy and credibility.
  • 2. Consider the broader historical context: When altering a historical event, authors should focus on the series of events that led up to it, ensuring that the changes are significant and realistic. This approach contributes to a more cohesive and immersive alternate history.
  • 3. Develop compelling characters and storylines: While the historical backdrop is crucial, the heart of any narrative lies in its characters and storytelling. Balancing the alternate history with engaging characters and motivations will create a captivating experience for readers.

By understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI models like ChatGPT and learning from the mistakes of alternate history authors, we can continue to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and create captivating narratives that resonate with audiences. The revolution of AI and the craft of storytelling go hand in hand, allowing us to delve into new worlds and push the boundaries of imagination.

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