Somewhere about a month ago, I first read about chatGPT, one of, I guess, several software packages that answer many types of questions. The letters GPT stand for the words "generative pre-trained transformer." Everyday language may refer to such "LLM"' (large language models) as smart-computer packages. I have seen articles explaining that such computer tools may get out of hand and arrange for us all to die. Some other deadly or dastardly or destructive event may emerge from people messing around with smart computers.
That idea or cousins of it have been around for quite awhile. Google says that the story of Icarus flying too close to the sun came from the Minoan civilization, which arose between 2600 BC and 1400 BC. You may have been in an automobile accident or burned some part of yourself while cooking or making tea. Our literature and our imaginations, as well, of course, show that we can see how technology of one sort or another can get out of hand.
There have been what is to me a surprising range of fears expressed about these new software tools/toys. If you are interested, look at some of the apps that are now available to try out ChatGPT or competing versions. I advocate trying simple old Google in a way that uses that "search engine" to assist with some idea or project of interest. Whenever I have a problem or a strong emerging interest, I think of asking Google about it. "What should I buy for my uncle for his birthday?" Of course, that software doesn't know but it searches many reference and language sources and may suggest a good idea. If it suggests something completely out of the question, thinking what is wrong with the suggestion, may clarify what you do want to give.
You may enjoy using searching out and using the 1966 computer program called "Eliza". It works as a Rogerian counselor assisting a person with fears or personal problems.
