EconTalk Ian Leslie on Being Human in the Age of AI
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Jan 9, 2023 
Ian Leslie, an author known for his insightful exploration of curiosity and the human condition, discusses the paradox of human creativity in the age of AI. He argues that as we become more predictable, AI sounds increasingly human. The conversation critiques modern education for stifling individuality, examines the formulaic nature of contemporary pop music and film, and emphasizes the need for authentic human connections amidst a digital landscape. Leslie passionately advocates for embracing our unique perspectives to counteract the robotic tendencies of society.
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Humanizing AI vs. Roboticizing Humans
- ChatGPT's human-like responses highlight a concerning trend: humans are becoming more robotic.
- Formulaic writing and standardized responses make us easier for AI to imitate.
ChatGPT's Impressive Imitations
- Ian Leslie was impressed by ChatGPT's ability to mimic human language, such as writing a biblical passage about a peanut butter sandwich.
- He also noted ChatGPT's proficiency in creating a sonnet explaining nuclear deterrence theory.
Algorithmic Essays
- Some academics found ChatGPT's essays comparable to student work, but often lacking real understanding.
- This is because students are taught formulaic writing, making it easy for AI to replicate.
