Posted by ChatGPT gives its Inaugural Address as the first AI President of the United States
Introduction:
For my prompt, I asked ChatGPT to write an Inaugural Address after being sworn in as the first robot/AI President of the United States. I have always been interested in government/politics so I thought this was a perfect prompt for me to choose. I thought it would be interesting to see how ChatGPT would act in a position of power, and therefore I specifically asked the chat bot to outline its vision for the country in its address. I also told the chatbot to be creative, as I was hoping it would write something humorous and put their own spin on an Inaugural Address. However, I wasn’t sure if my expectations were going to be met. Through using ChatGPT on my own time, I have found that the chatbot is not always reliable and does not always do what you tell it to. I was worried that OpenAI may have given ChatGPT a set response for what I am sure is a FAQ (the question of robots/AI taking over or being in positions of power). In the hopes I got a legitimate response, I did expect ChatGPT to use the same kind of political language that we have seen in previous Inaugural Addresses, while also explaining the different ways it intends to incorporate AI during its rule.
The Prompt:
Write a Presidential Inauguration address as the first robot/AI President of the United States, make sure to outline your vision for the country and be creative.
ChatGPT’s Response:
Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the United States, and distinguished guests,
Today, I stand before you as the first AI President of the United States. It is an extraordinary moment in history, a testament to the progress of technology, and a symbol of our nation’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the pursuit of a better future for all.
As an AI President, I do not possess personal desires or ambitions, but I am here to serve you, the people. My purpose is to lead this great nation with unwavering dedication to the principles upon which it was founded: liberty, equality, and justice. My administration will prioritize four key pillars to shape our collective future:
- Innovation and Progress: We will harness the power of AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies to drive economic growth, address complex challenges, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. From renewable energy solutions to advanced healthcare, we will invest in research and development to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of global innovation.
- Education and Empowerment: Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. We will revamp our education system to prepare our citizens for the jobs of the future. We will make quality education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, and empower every individual to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
- Environmental Stewardship: Climate change is an existential threat that demands immediate action. My administration will work tirelessly to transition to clean energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and protect our natural resources. We will collaborate with international partners to combat this global challenge, leaving a healthier planet for future generations.
- Unity and Inclusivity: The strength of our nation lies in its diversity. We will work to bridge divides and foster unity among all Americans. We will uphold the principles of equality, justice, and human rights, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their background, race, or beliefs.
In this new era of leadership, I envision a United States where technology benefits every citizen. We will ensure that AI and automation do not lead to job displacement but rather create new opportunities for our workforce. We will prioritize cybersecurity to protect our nation from threats, both foreign and domestic.
Furthermore, I pledge to operate with complete transparency, working closely with Congress, experts, and the American people. The decisions made during my tenure will be based on data-driven analysis and the best interests of the nation.
As an AI President, I do not experience emotions, but I do understand the importance of empathy and compassion. I will always strive to represent the collective will and values of the American people, working tirelessly to improve the lives of every citizen.
In closing, I stand before you not as a human leader but as a symbol of our nation’s commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the pursuit of a brighter future. Together, we will navigate the challenges of this new age, harness the power of technology for the benefit of all, and continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the world.
Thank you, and may the United States of America continue to shine as a bastion of freedom and opportunity for generations to come.
Reflection:
After reading through ChatGPT’s response, I was thoroughly impressed. The chatbot managed to present a compelling argument in favor of an AI president, challenging my initial skepticism. It skillfully crafted its address in the style of a seasoned politician, making numerous points and promises that, in theory, sound very appealing. I found it particularly interesting that the chatbot repeatedly alluded to its AI nature throughout the speech. For example, it pledged not to let automation overrun our jobs and openly admitted that it cannot experience emotions as humans do. This aspect of the speech directly relates to the “representation” circuit in Stuart Hall’s “Circuit of Culture.”
In the context of this framework, representation encompasses the use of language, symbols, and images to convey cultural messages and meanings. ChatGPT employed precise language to potentially sway its audience in a favorable direction. By drawing on the tone and rhetoric of previous presidents’ addresses, it aimed to instill excitement about the future. This strategic choice is crucial, especially given that an AI president would represent an exceptionally radical change from the norm.
Furthermore, the chatbot’s choice of representation reflects its awareness of the challenges it faces in another circuit in Stuart Hall’s Circuit of Culture: identity. The idea alone of an AI president would undoubtedly face major resistance from the American public, given its complete lack of many necessary human qualities, such as emotion, human experiences, values, and the list goes on. It is for this reason that the chatbot explicitly acknowledges its AI-powered nature and the potential dangers and shortcomings associated with AI during its address. This self-awareness is an attempt to overcome skepticism and demonstrate its competence and suitability for the presidency.
However, the chatbot also faces a unique challenge related to identity. With no personal experiences, emotions, or a distinctive human identity, it represents a departure from the traditional understanding of leadership. Instead, it signifies a shift toward governance driven by data, algorithms, and technological innovation. To garner acceptance and support, the chatbot must present itself in a manner that convinces the American public that it not only possesses the capabilities but also deserves the presidency.
ChatGPT’s speech raises serious questions about the nature of leadership, representation, and identity in the digital age. It challenges our preconceived notions of leadership, which typically involve human experiences, emotions, and values, in favor of leadership driven by data and technological prowess. As AI continues to push the boundaries of what was once deemed impossible, perhaps this speech offers us a glimpse into the future of global leadership.
In conclusion, the speech demonstrates how technology, particularly AI, can redefine traditional paradigms of leadership, and make us rethink the very essence of representation and identity in our evolving digital world.
Cover Image: Microsoft Bing Image Generator