Grumpy Old Man Tries Google Bard AI Chatbot on the Normality of Guns

The Dana Carvey SNL character “Grumpy Old Man” has always been a favorite of mine, especially the tagline, “I like things the way they used to be.”

Now, I am not a full-on Luddite when it comes to technology. I got my first computer (Apple IIc) when I went to college in 1986. Got my first laptop (a Grid) in 1988. I was sending emails over our IBM DEC Vax system when the Loma Prieta earthquake hit the SF Bay area in 1989. And so on.

But I am not typically an early adopter of new technology. So, I wasn’t very interested in AI chatbots when they began to hit the news this spring. But when Google offered me the opportunity to try their Bard AI chatbot, I signed up.

When I got access to it recently, I honestly didn’t know what I would use it for. But it helpfully gave some ideas, including offering to help sketch out a blog post. Naturally, I thought of what I might want to have it outline.

I ended up giving the prompt: Outline a blog post on the normality of guns.

Below is the first of 3 responses I received from Google Bard.

Here is an outline for your blog post on the normality of guns:

• Introduction: In the United States, guns are a normal part of life for many people. They are used for hunting, self-defense, and sport. However, there is also a lot of controversy surrounding guns, with some people believing that they should be more heavily regulated or even banned.
• Body: In this blog post, you will explore the normality of guns in the United States. You will discuss the different types of guns that are available, the reasons why people own guns, and the different arguments for and against gun control.
• Conclusion: In the conclusion, you will summarize your main points and discuss your own opinion on the normality of guns.

Here are some additional details that you could include in your blog post:

• The history of guns in the United States
• The different types of guns that are available
• The reasons why people own guns
• The different arguments for and against gun control
• Your own opinion on the normality of guns

You could also include some statistics and data to support your points. For example, you could cite a study that shows that there are more guns than people in the United States. You could also cite a study that shows that gun ownership is associated with a higher rate of gun violence.

Finally, you could include some personal anecdotes or stories to illustrate your points. For example, you could tell the story of a time when you were afraid for your safety and how owning a gun made you feel safer.

On the one hand, I am not super worried about getting put out of business as a writer by AI at this point. (Or perhaps I overestimate myself?)

On the other hand, what Bard came up with does overlap substantially with the book I am currently writing about guns, gun owners, and gun culture. And certainly the example suggested at the end is a story I do tell in the introductory chapter of that book.

So, I’m now looking forward to seeing how AI chatbots develop and how I might harness their power to allow me to work smarter, not harder.

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