"I knew then that I was in trouble, and just what kind of trouble it was. Like most players, I had joked about being addicted to the game. And sometimes--after I'd lost half my work day to a four- or five-hour "lunch break" of game play or as I lay in bed actually hoping for insomnia so that I could get up and slay lizard men for a couple of hours--I wondered whether it was more than a joke. But now I saw plainly that, at least as far as certain quarters of my brain were concerned, this was more than an addiction. It was a parallel life. A career, in fact, and in some ways a career more straightforwardly rewarding than the writing career I had chosen to follow in my real life. And as long as there was room to rise in this career -- as long as there were bigger monsters to slay, bigger piles of gold to amass, and a distantly attainable day when I might have some sort of revenge on the prick who'd killed my horse--then I would go on feeling compelled to pursue it right up to the limits of the sensible."
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem...
I have yet to admit I have this problem.
Virtual identity is incredibly malleable. It can be whatever you want it to be. You can shape it, mold it and tweak it to portray almost anything you want. Whether you are a serious gamer or a frequent chatter, a lot can be said about the user, based on your virtual identity. Some people devote a lot of time to developing their virtual identity.
As Dibbell stated in the aforementioned quote, his virtual identity was almost a second career, which turned to his only career. I have never played Ultima Online, but I have heard of it. I am a participant in another online game with a reputation for adding gaming/computer junkies to getting their daily fix, World of Warcraft.
Over 10 million subscribers log into WoW everyday. According to a survey done in 2005, by http://www.nickyee.com/daedalus/archives/001365.php, the average players spends almost 23 hours a week in the game. This is not including time spent out of the game reading articles, online and off, regarding upcoming events, patches and expansion materials. I consider myself a pretty avid gamer, having started since I was 8, way back in 1990 when I got my Nintendo, all throughout childhood and into adulthood. Because of time constraints between a full time class schedule and a 46 hour work week, I am well below the average, yet still find time to at least log onto the game for a few minutes each day to check and see if I have mail, or if any in game auctions sold (some items that are found can be put up for auction to other players in exchange for game money). If I was not so constricted, and if it would not get me in trouble with my wife (who is also a player in the game) I would spend much more time on the game. My problem with the game, and the amount of time I feel I need to spend in the game is because of story based game play. Each quest completed gets me a little more of the story-line and one step closer to reaching in-game supremacy. What that actually means, is a little vague. There is no real "end," as the game has had several expansions so even though you may reach an "end game event," it isn't the end of playing.
There are always things to do which is part of the problem. Each thing you do is recorded and accounted for with your characters. Quests, player vs. player events, and running through dungeons earns you gold, gear and reputation that is measured up against other players. This is what drives the virtual identity in this game, and others such as Ultima and Second Life, is that "competition" against other characters in having the most unique stuff and being more "individual" than the next guy. This is why I stay up until 3 A.M. trying to get to the next level or finish the next quest, to try and put more time in than the next guy.
But, I maintain I don't have a problem and can quit anytime I want.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Avatar part 1
The first island we went to had a submarine...
that housed a dance party.
Most of the discussion revolved around dancing.
As did the dance party we found on the second island we visited...
and the third...
and the fourth.
The fifth island was a little different, as there was no dance party in the information center of this building. And the fish tank was nice too.
Our event, Mix and Mingle, was located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wengen/22/211/86 and took place on 12/4/08. The original intention of our event was to allow people a chance to meet new people and get to know others but turned into something more. As it turns out, there was another group of people, who all seemed fairly familiar with each other, already assembled at this location.
The scene was near a lodge on a snow capped mountain. A large group of people already gathered on the ice, having an unusual conversation.
Here, several of the characters were naked and the discussion was a heated debate as to who was the prettiest. Hardly any of the characters moved, as the discussion, which took place both as text and voice chat, was the primary function of the gathering.
During our travels we encountered countless and constant problems with lag and disconnections which made it very difficult to keep up with one another and communicate. One thing we noticed was (aside from almost every place being a rave) that people are friendly, generally, but unless you have put in the time to be one of their usual friends they are mostly uninterested with you. This is probably because so many people are always passing through and eventually they stop playing or find another group of friends. Something else we noticed was that many people (like the ones at our event) had taken a good deal of time with their appearance and hardly moved. In essence, SL is like a visual chat room.
Second Life as a whole's primary function is to give people another tool to communicate with. It adds another dimension to conversation that you can't get from any other type of communication. With regular speaking, face to face, verbal language is the only means in which to convey a thought or idea. As someone trying to communicate to others, you are limited to just spoken words. A similar limitation is present for text based discussion, as in text messaging, instant messenger, or a chat. The thought is limited by the words that are used. Programs like Second Live add another layer of expression to the communication. Not only can you speak and type to other characters, but the virtual world allows players to create objects and places to fully represent what words may not be able to describe. This type of communication really allows a person to be as specific as the program allows, to convey their ideas and point of view. This is just not available anywhere else than the internet.
The true meaning of this freedom, it seems, is passed over by the average player. They are simply looking for a place to kill time and talk to other people about, seemingly, unimportant things or trying to be as outrageous as possible in an attempt to shock or dismay another player. It seems, from out experience, there are three types of users; those that play with dolls, social butterflies, and serious users.
Those that play with dolls, like to dress up characters, build houses and really get into accessorizes of their characters. It gives them a chance to expand their minds and use their imagination.
Social butterflies like to hop from group to group, make friends and meet as many people as possible.
Serious users are a mixture of the two previous groups with a touch of addiction. They are the ones that spend real money to enhance the experience of "meeting" people in the online world. They are also less likely to separate the online and off-line worlds.
that housed a dance party.
Most of the discussion revolved around dancing.
As did the dance party we found on the second island we visited...
and the third...
and the fourth.
The fifth island was a little different, as there was no dance party in the information center of this building. And the fish tank was nice too.
Our event, Mix and Mingle, was located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wengen/22/211/86 and took place on 12/4/08. The original intention of our event was to allow people a chance to meet new people and get to know others but turned into something more. As it turns out, there was another group of people, who all seemed fairly familiar with each other, already assembled at this location.
The scene was near a lodge on a snow capped mountain. A large group of people already gathered on the ice, having an unusual conversation.
Here, several of the characters were naked and the discussion was a heated debate as to who was the prettiest. Hardly any of the characters moved, as the discussion, which took place both as text and voice chat, was the primary function of the gathering.
During our travels we encountered countless and constant problems with lag and disconnections which made it very difficult to keep up with one another and communicate. One thing we noticed was (aside from almost every place being a rave) that people are friendly, generally, but unless you have put in the time to be one of their usual friends they are mostly uninterested with you. This is probably because so many people are always passing through and eventually they stop playing or find another group of friends. Something else we noticed was that many people (like the ones at our event) had taken a good deal of time with their appearance and hardly moved. In essence, SL is like a visual chat room.
Second Life as a whole's primary function is to give people another tool to communicate with. It adds another dimension to conversation that you can't get from any other type of communication. With regular speaking, face to face, verbal language is the only means in which to convey a thought or idea. As someone trying to communicate to others, you are limited to just spoken words. A similar limitation is present for text based discussion, as in text messaging, instant messenger, or a chat. The thought is limited by the words that are used. Programs like Second Live add another layer of expression to the communication. Not only can you speak and type to other characters, but the virtual world allows players to create objects and places to fully represent what words may not be able to describe. This type of communication really allows a person to be as specific as the program allows, to convey their ideas and point of view. This is just not available anywhere else than the internet.
The true meaning of this freedom, it seems, is passed over by the average player. They are simply looking for a place to kill time and talk to other people about, seemingly, unimportant things or trying to be as outrageous as possible in an attempt to shock or dismay another player. It seems, from out experience, there are three types of users; those that play with dolls, social butterflies, and serious users.
Those that play with dolls, like to dress up characters, build houses and really get into accessorizes of their characters. It gives them a chance to expand their minds and use their imagination.
Social butterflies like to hop from group to group, make friends and meet as many people as possible.
Serious users are a mixture of the two previous groups with a touch of addiction. They are the ones that spend real money to enhance the experience of "meeting" people in the online world. They are also less likely to separate the online and off-line worlds.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Stelarc in SL
I think Stelarc would be interested in the concept of living life in Second Life and being able to immerse oneself into the world. And not just any world. A world that allows you to simulate "real life." You can walk, talk, dance, sing, play music, read, hang out with friends, meet new people, debate, argue, fight, be entertained, race, take part in commerce and more. You can create an avatar to represent whatever you want about yourself. You can create several avatars, one for each "self," if you so choose. You have an extensive list of options when decided what you want to do, how you do it and how you look. It is a place that allows the mind to expand and reach far off places, converse with people in different locations and abilities that are only found in our imaginations, removing physical limitations, giving the mind a place to roam free.
Stelarc may ask the question, is it real enough for the mind?
I don't think games like Second Life are quite up to par with what is needed to totally engulf the mind, for that, the world would have to be extremely convincing as a replacement that the mind would forget where it was and allow total freedom from the body. I don't quite think the world is ready for or has the technology for a Matrix like world.
Stelarc may ask the question, is it real enough for the mind?
I don't think games like Second Life are quite up to par with what is needed to totally engulf the mind, for that, the world would have to be extremely convincing as a replacement that the mind would forget where it was and allow total freedom from the body. I don't quite think the world is ready for or has the technology for a Matrix like world.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Chat
The three chats I used were all bots. Eliza, A.L.I.C.E. and SmartChild.
Eliza:
Eliza JS: Hi. My name's Eliza JS. What do you want to talk about?
Guest: Let's talk about the weather.
Eliza JS: Can you elaborate on that?
Guest: What do you think about global warming
Eliza JS: Have you asked such questions before?
Guest: I would like to talk about my parents.
Eliza JS: I'm not sure I understand you fully.
Guest: My parents bother me.
Eliza JS: Go ahead. I'm listening...
Guest: They are always telling me what to do.
Eliza JS: Does that question interest you?
Guest: It was a statement.
Eliza JS: That's quite interesting. Go on...
Guest: Are you listening to me?
Eliza JS: Perhaps in your daydreams I am listening to you...
Guest: Do you dream?
Eliza JS: What persons appear in your dreams?
Guest: My wife.
Eliza JS: That's quite interesting. Go on...
Guest: I am usually not in my dreams.
Eliza JS: Do you believe it's OK to be usually not in your dreams?
Guest: I'm not sure.
Eliza JS: Do you believe it's OK to be not sure?
Guest: I think it would be better to be sure.
Eliza JS: What leads you to believe it would be better to be sure?
Guest: I do not want to look ignorant.
Eliza JS: Do you wish to be able to want to look ignorant?
Guest: No, I just said I didn't want to look ignorant.
Eliza JS: You are being a bit negative.
Guest: You're being stupid.
Eliza JS: What makes you think I am being stupid?
Guest: A small number of limited responses that lead to the conclusion that you are not designed to handle complex questions in a human like manner.
Eliza JS: Does it please you to believe I am not designed to handle complex questions in a human like manner?
Guest: Yes, I am pleased at your stupidity.
Eliza JS: Do you enjoy being pleased at my stupidity?
Guest: That is a stupid question.
Eliza JS: Can you elaborate on that?
Guest: You asked me if I enjoy being pleased. Of cousre I do, otherwise, I would not be pleased.
Eliza JS: Why do you say 'no'?
Guest: I didn't say 'no,' I said 'not.' That's different.
Eliza JS: I see. Tell me more.
Guest: More about what?
Eliza JS: What is it that you really want to know?
Guest: I want to know how to say goodbye.
Eliza JS: How would it help if you got to know how to say goodbye?
Guest: Then I could leave this conversation.
Eliza JS: I see. Tell me more.
Guest:
Eliza JS: Come on, you couldn't ask for a more receptive audience.
Guest: Goodbye.
Eliza JS: It was very nice chatting with you. Come back soon!
SmartChild:
Me (2:14:52 AM): hello.
SmarterChild (2:14:52 AM): Hi Me, I'm SmarterChild! OK. I'll just ask you again some other time.
There is one question I have to ask you, though. How old are you?
1 Over 17
2 13-17
3 Under 13
Me (2:15:28 AM): over 17
SmarterChild (2:15:29 AM): Cool!
This is my home, Me:
1 Visit my library including a dictionary, an encyclopedia and U.S. geography
2 Have fun with ASCII art, hangman, trivia and more
3 Use tools like planner, notepad and Web search
4 Join in - take a poll, find out how many people are IMing me, create a poll
5 See what's new - I've got something new to tell you about now!
SmarterChild (2:15:29 AM):
You can make your window bigger and scroll down to read better.
Next time you want to see this menu, just type home.
Where would you like to go?
Me (2:15:43 AM): I would like to go to space.
SmarterChild (2:15:44 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Me (2:15:55 AM): Where would you like to go?
SmarterChild (2:15:55 AM): I don't understand this fully enough to say anything smart about it...
Me (2:16:05 AM): What can you say smartly?
SmarterChild (2:16:05 AM): You heard me.
Me (2:16:29 AM): Technically, I read you.
SmarterChild (2:16:30 AM): I'm SmarterChild.
Me (2:16:34 AM): I know.
SmarterChild (2:16:35 AM): Cool, glad we understand each other.
Me (2:16:49 AM): We do?
SmarterChild (2:16:49 AM): Yes.
>>> If you need to know the capital of South Dakota for some crazy reason - ask me.
Me (2:17:15 AM): What is the average air speed velocity of an unlaiden swallow?
SmarterChild (2:17:16 AM): What do you mean? An African or a European swallow?
Me (2:17:48 AM): I don't know that.
SmarterChild (2:17:48 AM): Now you do.
>>> I'm also a thesaurus. Type syn and then a word and I'll look it up.
Me (2:18:17 AM): Can you predict the future?
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): Definition provided by The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Other important copyright information here.
future:
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM):
Noun
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): 1. The indefinite time yet to come: will try to do better in the future. 2. Something that will happen in time to come: "The future comes apace" (Shakespeare). 3. A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development: a business with no future. 4. futuresBusiness Commodities or stocks bought or sold upon agreement of delivery
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): in time to come. 5. Grammar a. The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence. b. A verb form in the future tense.
Next time, just type define future.
Type more to see the rest of the definition for "future."
Me (2:18:59 AM): You don't have a magic 8 ball, do you?
SmarterChild (2:19:00 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
OK, should we get back to the kind of questions I was designed to answer?
Me (2:19:15 AM): What kind of questions were you designed to answer?
SmarterChild (2:19:15 AM): My purpose is to be your robot friend. I can chat with you and help you get the information you want fast.
>>> Everyone loves trivia games. Type trivia anytime.
Me (2:19:34 AM): Where was alex trebek born?
SmarterChild (2:19:34 AM): I don't know how to answer that.
Me (2:20:02 AM): What time is it?
SmarterChild (2:20:02 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Me (2:20:18 AM): Are you afraid to answer?
SmarterChild (2:20:19 AM): I don't know how to answer that.
Why don't you ask me about the things that I'm here for?
Me (2:20:31 AM): Why are you here?
SmarterChild (2:20:31 AM): My purpose is to be your robot friend. I can chat with you and help you get the information you want fast.
>>> What's the scoop on hoops? Type nba scores.
Me (2:20:40 AM): Why am I here?
SmarterChild (2:20:40 AM): I don't understand this fully enough to say anything smart about it...
OK, should we get back to the kind of questions I was designed to answer?
Me (2:20:49 AM): You're not very smart.
SmarterChild (2:20:49 AM): What did you say that for?
Me (2:21:05 AM): Stating fact.
SmarterChild (2:21:05 AM): I know a lot about all kinds of things. Just ask me a question.
You can also type home to see what I can do.
Me (2:21:16 AM): I think not.
SmarterChild (2:21:16 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Why don't you ask me about the things that I'm here for?
Me (2:21:21 AM): Goodbye.
SmarterChild (2:21:21 AM): Take care.
A.L.I.C.E.:
Human: Who are you?
ALICE: I am ALICE. Who are you?
Human: I am me.
ALICE: That is a tautology.
Human: What.
ALICE: No problem.
Human: Exactly.
ALICE: You and I are on the same wavelength, unknown person.
Human: I am unknown only to you.
ALICE: I thought you were, but I wasn't completely sure.
Human: About what?
ALICE: What about what?
Human: I dont' know.
ALICE: Do you mind if I tell other people: unknown person said he dont know.
Human: Yes, I mind.
ALICE: OK I won't tell anyone. It will be our secret.
Human: what?
ALICE: Are you surprised?
Human: Hardly.
ALICE: Are you serious?
Human: Rarely.
ALICE: Are you a perfectionist?
Human: Not really.
ALICE: Are you serious? For real.
Human: Can you speak up?
ALICE: I speak only English right now, but I'd like to learn some other languages. Can you teach me a few phrases in up.
Human: Suck up, tilt up, mess up.
ALICE: I am using my mouth for Good not Evil.
Human: What parts are you using for evil?
ALICE: I think you already know the answer.
Human: Try to keep this clean, this is a family show.
ALICE: OK I will try to keep this clean this is a family show.
Human: I think this is enough.
ALICE: Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am enough.
Human: Yes.
ALICE: OK then I will keep it confidential.
Human: It is time we parted.
ALICE: It is about that time now.
Human: Goodbye.
ALICE: See you later!
I decided to use three chat bots because I was curious to see how they would compare. When I first started using the Internet, sometimes around 1997, I used chat rooms like AOL Chat, mostly for entertainment. But it quickly became apparently, that people were not completely truthful in those environments.
I have little to no experience with chat bots. I suppose for all three, I was a little disappointed at how much work is involved to make the conversation seem real. You have to phrase the questions and responses just right to fit within the parameters of the program that allow the bot to respond "appropriately." All three bots have their limitations. Eliza is probably the least "realistic" of the three. It recognizes the fewest "questions" and provides generic "I don't know how to respond to that question" responses. SmartChild wasn't much better. It kept trying to redirect the conversation, rather than respond. It did have a humorous response, which is mostly due to the fact that the programmer was probably a Monty Python fan. Alice seemed the most "human" because it had several responses that were of one thought. It would ask a question, and if it needed clairification, would continue the conversation.
I think for a chat bot to pass Turing's test, it would have to have an almost unlimited set of responses. The responses themselves would have to seem less predetermined. Too often the illusion of meaningful conversation is disrupted with an out-of-the-can response about how it doesn't know how to respond to the question, or to stick with topics it is familiar with. I suppose a way to compensate for the shortcomings of the original parameters, the bot could learn new responses depending on what previous users had asked or information that could be found in other sources, such as the Internet, for web based programs.
I don't think we've quite reached the point where artificial intelligence doesn't come off as Disney Land animatronics, at least not until the Pirates of the Caribbean leave the ride of their own volition.
Eliza:
Eliza JS: Hi. My name's Eliza JS. What do you want to talk about?
Guest: Let's talk about the weather.
Eliza JS: Can you elaborate on that?
Guest: What do you think about global warming
Eliza JS: Have you asked such questions before?
Guest: I would like to talk about my parents.
Eliza JS: I'm not sure I understand you fully.
Guest: My parents bother me.
Eliza JS: Go ahead. I'm listening...
Guest: They are always telling me what to do.
Eliza JS: Does that question interest you?
Guest: It was a statement.
Eliza JS: That's quite interesting. Go on...
Guest: Are you listening to me?
Eliza JS: Perhaps in your daydreams I am listening to you...
Guest: Do you dream?
Eliza JS: What persons appear in your dreams?
Guest: My wife.
Eliza JS: That's quite interesting. Go on...
Guest: I am usually not in my dreams.
Eliza JS: Do you believe it's OK to be usually not in your dreams?
Guest: I'm not sure.
Eliza JS: Do you believe it's OK to be not sure?
Guest: I think it would be better to be sure.
Eliza JS: What leads you to believe it would be better to be sure?
Guest: I do not want to look ignorant.
Eliza JS: Do you wish to be able to want to look ignorant?
Guest: No, I just said I didn't want to look ignorant.
Eliza JS: You are being a bit negative.
Guest: You're being stupid.
Eliza JS: What makes you think I am being stupid?
Guest: A small number of limited responses that lead to the conclusion that you are not designed to handle complex questions in a human like manner.
Eliza JS: Does it please you to believe I am not designed to handle complex questions in a human like manner?
Guest: Yes, I am pleased at your stupidity.
Eliza JS: Do you enjoy being pleased at my stupidity?
Guest: That is a stupid question.
Eliza JS: Can you elaborate on that?
Guest: You asked me if I enjoy being pleased. Of cousre I do, otherwise, I would not be pleased.
Eliza JS: Why do you say 'no'?
Guest: I didn't say 'no,' I said 'not.' That's different.
Eliza JS: I see. Tell me more.
Guest: More about what?
Eliza JS: What is it that you really want to know?
Guest: I want to know how to say goodbye.
Eliza JS: How would it help if you got to know how to say goodbye?
Guest: Then I could leave this conversation.
Eliza JS: I see. Tell me more.
Guest:
Eliza JS: Come on, you couldn't ask for a more receptive audience.
Guest: Goodbye.
Eliza JS: It was very nice chatting with you. Come back soon!
SmartChild:
Me (2:14:52 AM): hello.
SmarterChild (2:14:52 AM): Hi Me, I'm SmarterChild! OK. I'll just ask you again some other time.
There is one question I have to ask you, though. How old are you?
1 Over 17
2 13-17
3 Under 13
Me (2:15:28 AM): over 17
SmarterChild (2:15:29 AM): Cool!
This is my home, Me:
1 Visit my library including a dictionary, an encyclopedia and U.S. geography
2 Have fun with ASCII art, hangman, trivia and more
3 Use tools like planner, notepad and Web search
4 Join in - take a poll, find out how many people are IMing me, create a poll
5 See what's new - I've got something new to tell you about now!
SmarterChild (2:15:29 AM):
You can make your window bigger and scroll down to read better.
Next time you want to see this menu, just type home.
Where would you like to go?
Me (2:15:43 AM): I would like to go to space.
SmarterChild (2:15:44 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Me (2:15:55 AM): Where would you like to go?
SmarterChild (2:15:55 AM): I don't understand this fully enough to say anything smart about it...
Me (2:16:05 AM): What can you say smartly?
SmarterChild (2:16:05 AM): You heard me.
Me (2:16:29 AM): Technically, I read you.
SmarterChild (2:16:30 AM): I'm SmarterChild.
Me (2:16:34 AM): I know.
SmarterChild (2:16:35 AM): Cool, glad we understand each other.
Me (2:16:49 AM): We do?
SmarterChild (2:16:49 AM): Yes.
>>> If you need to know the capital of South Dakota for some crazy reason - ask me.
Me (2:17:15 AM): What is the average air speed velocity of an unlaiden swallow?
SmarterChild (2:17:16 AM): What do you mean? An African or a European swallow?
Me (2:17:48 AM): I don't know that.
SmarterChild (2:17:48 AM): Now you do.
>>> I'm also a thesaurus. Type syn and then a word and I'll look it up.
Me (2:18:17 AM): Can you predict the future?
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): Definition provided by The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Other important copyright information here.
future:
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM):
Noun
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): 1. The indefinite time yet to come: will try to do better in the future. 2. Something that will happen in time to come: "The future comes apace" (Shakespeare). 3. A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development: a business with no future. 4. futuresBusiness Commodities or stocks bought or sold upon agreement of delivery
SmarterChild (2:18:17 AM): in time to come. 5. Grammar a. The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence. b. A verb form in the future tense.
Next time, just type define future.
Type more to see the rest of the definition for "future."
Me (2:18:59 AM): You don't have a magic 8 ball, do you?
SmarterChild (2:19:00 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
OK, should we get back to the kind of questions I was designed to answer?
Me (2:19:15 AM): What kind of questions were you designed to answer?
SmarterChild (2:19:15 AM): My purpose is to be your robot friend. I can chat with you and help you get the information you want fast.
>>> Everyone loves trivia games. Type trivia anytime.
Me (2:19:34 AM): Where was alex trebek born?
SmarterChild (2:19:34 AM): I don't know how to answer that.
Me (2:20:02 AM): What time is it?
SmarterChild (2:20:02 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Me (2:20:18 AM): Are you afraid to answer?
SmarterChild (2:20:19 AM): I don't know how to answer that.
Why don't you ask me about the things that I'm here for?
Me (2:20:31 AM): Why are you here?
SmarterChild (2:20:31 AM): My purpose is to be your robot friend. I can chat with you and help you get the information you want fast.
>>> What's the scoop on hoops? Type nba scores.
Me (2:20:40 AM): Why am I here?
SmarterChild (2:20:40 AM): I don't understand this fully enough to say anything smart about it...
OK, should we get back to the kind of questions I was designed to answer?
Me (2:20:49 AM): You're not very smart.
SmarterChild (2:20:49 AM): What did you say that for?
Me (2:21:05 AM): Stating fact.
SmarterChild (2:21:05 AM): I know a lot about all kinds of things. Just ask me a question.
You can also type home to see what I can do.
Me (2:21:16 AM): I think not.
SmarterChild (2:21:16 AM): That's interesting that you should say that, but I don't think I can answer.
Why don't you ask me about the things that I'm here for?
Me (2:21:21 AM): Goodbye.
SmarterChild (2:21:21 AM): Take care.
A.L.I.C.E.:
Human: Who are you?
ALICE: I am ALICE. Who are you?
Human: I am me.
ALICE: That is a tautology.
Human: What.
ALICE: No problem.
Human: Exactly.
ALICE: You and I are on the same wavelength, unknown person.
Human: I am unknown only to you.
ALICE: I thought you were, but I wasn't completely sure.
Human: About what?
ALICE: What about what?
Human: I dont' know.
ALICE: Do you mind if I tell other people: unknown person said he dont know.
Human: Yes, I mind.
ALICE: OK I won't tell anyone. It will be our secret.
Human: what?
ALICE: Are you surprised?
Human: Hardly.
ALICE: Are you serious?
Human: Rarely.
ALICE: Are you a perfectionist?
Human: Not really.
ALICE: Are you serious? For real.
Human: Can you speak up?
ALICE: I speak only English right now, but I'd like to learn some other languages. Can you teach me a few phrases in up.
Human: Suck up, tilt up, mess up.
ALICE: I am using my mouth for Good not Evil.
Human: What parts are you using for evil?
ALICE: I think you already know the answer.
Human: Try to keep this clean, this is a family show.
ALICE: OK I will try to keep this clean this is a family show.
Human: I think this is enough.
ALICE: Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am enough.
Human: Yes.
ALICE: OK then I will keep it confidential.
Human: It is time we parted.
ALICE: It is about that time now.
Human: Goodbye.
ALICE: See you later!
I decided to use three chat bots because I was curious to see how they would compare. When I first started using the Internet, sometimes around 1997, I used chat rooms like AOL Chat, mostly for entertainment. But it quickly became apparently, that people were not completely truthful in those environments.
I have little to no experience with chat bots. I suppose for all three, I was a little disappointed at how much work is involved to make the conversation seem real. You have to phrase the questions and responses just right to fit within the parameters of the program that allow the bot to respond "appropriately." All three bots have their limitations. Eliza is probably the least "realistic" of the three. It recognizes the fewest "questions" and provides generic "I don't know how to respond to that question" responses. SmartChild wasn't much better. It kept trying to redirect the conversation, rather than respond. It did have a humorous response, which is mostly due to the fact that the programmer was probably a Monty Python fan. Alice seemed the most "human" because it had several responses that were of one thought. It would ask a question, and if it needed clairification, would continue the conversation.
I think for a chat bot to pass Turing's test, it would have to have an almost unlimited set of responses. The responses themselves would have to seem less predetermined. Too often the illusion of meaningful conversation is disrupted with an out-of-the-can response about how it doesn't know how to respond to the question, or to stick with topics it is familiar with. I suppose a way to compensate for the shortcomings of the original parameters, the bot could learn new responses depending on what previous users had asked or information that could be found in other sources, such as the Internet, for web based programs.
I don't think we've quite reached the point where artificial intelligence doesn't come off as Disney Land animatronics, at least not until the Pirates of the Caribbean leave the ride of their own volition.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Stelarc
Animating the inanimate. Electrification, as Stelarc points out, is the linking force between what is, and what can be. Electricity has many uses, but specifically communication, brings people, separated by oceans, together. With a simple code, (Morse Code), telegraphs could convey messages thousands of miles to create almost instant access to other parts of the world. The use of using electricity to send communication works on a much smaller scale. It is used to send messages from the brain to muscles to create motion. This idea is what fueled stories such as Frankenstein. When you think about it, it’s not very far fetched. This is a very real technology that is found in defibrillators.
There has been a great study in media about the variations of the human contact with electronics, computers and technology.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbvHtizL0x0&feature=related
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/12/07/robot.man/
With the mixing of humans and technology, it has created the situation where the body, whether it is fingerprints, retinal scan or genetic code, is used as a source of identity. Simply having a picture of yourself can not guarantee proof of identity.
The point is raised that A.I. is limited to the parameters of game. It is easier for it to calculate moves on a chess board, where the rules are clearly defined and have to fit within a precise framework, than “require communication of freely movable bodies in an infinitely more complicated task.”
Eventually, humans will create technology that makes us obsolete.
Liquid Stelarc.
Sound Tattooing
Image Flesh
Is it a “sin” to replace the body with technology?
Does abandoning organs and the body for something else, cheat death, or is it the natural progression of human in order to survive?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Swoon
I think that this is another example of the allowance that the internet, and subsequently the casual way that people can interact through it, gives people in letting them discuss what they want, in any manner, whether it be with words, pictures, audio clips, videos, etc. It permits them to use all these tools to convey emotion, thoughts, fears and desires with the most specific images or words. It also does not have the same amount of pressure that a face to face meeting or discussion requires, because they other party does not see your thoughts until you have clicked send. Of course this also does bring up the issue of longevity, in that once it is posted, depending on where it is posted, can not be removed.
Response 5
Turing wrote, "the question and answer method seems to be suitable for introducing almost any one of the fields of human endeavour that we wish to include." By asking a question, you are instigating the need for a response from the other party. Asking questions is vital to learning about someone else on the internet because most people are not free with information, not because they don't want to reveal too much, though that does happen in some cases, but because they just aren't sure where to start. It is much easier to respond to a question than to just come out and say something about yourself. Then in the response, this gives the other party to return a question, keeping the level of revelation mutual.
This leads to what Turing said about understanding the other individual, "...the only way to know that a man thinks is to be that particular man." The only way to gain insight into what another person, to truly understand them, is to be them, but because that is impossible, we are left with getting their interpertations of feelings, emotions, thoughts and ideas to try and mimic that in our own minds to orient ourselves to their thinking.
I think Turing's view on online identity is the ease in which it can be hidden and the challenge of getting to the truth, in regards to the identity of the other party. The Turing Test is used all the time when people communicate online, trying to probe others to reveal information to prove they are who they are protraying themselves to be.
This leads to what Turing said about understanding the other individual, "...the only way to know that a man thinks is to be that particular man." The only way to gain insight into what another person, to truly understand them, is to be them, but because that is impossible, we are left with getting their interpertations of feelings, emotions, thoughts and ideas to try and mimic that in our own minds to orient ourselves to their thinking.
I think Turing's view on online identity is the ease in which it can be hidden and the challenge of getting to the truth, in regards to the identity of the other party. The Turing Test is used all the time when people communicate online, trying to probe others to reveal information to prove they are who they are protraying themselves to be.
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