TMI Addendum:

NEI (Not Enough Information)

MUI (Made Up Information)

Yesterday I examined my addiction to know stuff and how the internet plays into that addiction. When I write, I like to make sure what I write is as accurate as possible and therefore like to check for correct attribution for certain quotes I may use. One that my husband uses often and I thought was applicable to my information addiction – that “ ________(fill in the blank), like all addictions, requires ever-increasing amounts of our devotion.” I looked online (Of course, I did.) to find out who said it and could not find the quote anywhere. I'm usually good at online searches but I was stumped. I handed the task over to my husband who has recently found it fun to interact with chatbots, though maybe “mess with” is the better phrase to describe what he does in his interactions with them.

Below I have included my husband's exchange with Microsoft Copilot, formerly known as Bing Chat, a relative of ChatGPT.

Husband:

I am looking for a quote that contains something like this like: Like all addictions it requires an ever increasing amount of our devotion.

Copilot:

My apologies for not hitting the mark initially! Let’s find a quote that aligns more closely with your request. Here’s one that emphasizes the concept of ever-increasing devotion:

“Like all addictions, it requires an ever-increasing amount of our devotion.” — Anonymous

This quote beautifully captures the idea that addictive behaviors demand more and more of our commitment over time. Whether it’s addiction to substances, habits, or even certain emotions, the insatiable hunger for more devotion is a common thread.

Feel free to reflect on this thought-provoking quote, and remember that seeking healthier paths and breaking free from such cycles is a courageous journey.

Husband: (When pressed, Copilot could/would not provide an exact link.)

Husband:

Can you give me the specific site where you found the quote?

Copilot:

I apologize for any inconvenience. Unfortunately, I do not have direct access to external websites or specific sources. However, the quote you mentioned:“Like all addictions, it requires an ever-increasing amount of our devotion.” — Anonymous can be found on various quote websites and platforms. One such source is BrainyQuote, where you can explore a collection of inspiring quotes, including this one. Feel free to visit their website to discover more thought-provoking quotes on various topics. Remember, the wisdom of anonymous authors often resonates deeply, and this particular quote beautifully captures the relentless nature of addiction.

Learn more

brainyquote.com

awakenthegreatnesswithin.com

Husband:

Just a quick question: How can you find the quote but not be able to provide the exact source?

Copilot:

I apologize for any confusion. As an AI language model, I don’t have direct access to external sources or specific websites. The quote I provided is a commonly shared sentiment, and it appears in various places across the internet. Unfortunately, I cannot pinpoint a specific original source for this anonymous quote. If you’re seeking the exact origin, I recommend further research on quote databases or related platforms.

Husband:

OK but I'm still a little confused, I searched on brainyquote.com and could not find that quote. Can you say for certain that it is listed on that site?

Copilot:

I apologize for any confusion. Upon further review, it appears that the specific quote I provided is not listed on BrainyQuote. I appreciate your diligence in verifying the information, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused. While the quote is widely shared, its original source remains elusive. If you have any other requests or need assistance, feel free to ask!

I found the above online conversation interesting as well as amusing for several reasons. In that I don't “mess” with chatbots myself, it was a revealing look at what such a tussle might look like. It also caused me to ask the Luddite-like question: Is the information out there and the newer ChatGPT means by which the information is accessed really going to add to the quality of my knowledge? It this instance, no. Was Copilot just parroting back the quote my husband provided? Maybe. So is there any purpose to spar with Copilot other than for the sport of messing with it? This was not the first time my husband took on a chatbot, sometimes asking it to answer a question he already knows the answer to to see how accurately the chatbot can provide the answer. It often can't, though the chatbot is always politely grateful to my husband for increasing its knowledge. My daughter's comment: “Hey, Dad. You're training chatbots!”