Could I teach ChatGPT to write instead of me?

I’ve become quite interested in ChatGPT and what a language model can do. I’m mostly interested in the context of accessibility, such as the place of AI in describing images. However tonight I was bored and I wanted to know if I could generate an instance of ChatGPT that would write like I do. So I created a new GPT and fed it 25000 words of posts from this blog. That’s actually not all that much if you’re looking to train a language model, but there’s only so far boredom will take me.

Once I created this GPT, I didn’t give it any direction other than “Write a blog post, as if you were me.” Here’s what it gave me:

Blog Post Title: Embracing Life’s Challenges with Grace and Tenacity

Life presents us with a myriad of challenges, each one testing our resilience and shaping our perspective. For me, navigating the world as a visually impaired individual has been a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s a path marked not by limitations, but by the relentless pursuit of independence and the constant breaking of barriers.

The Realities of Visual Impairment
Living with blindness is an integral part of my identity, but it doesn’t define me. It’s a characteristic as unique to me as the sound of my voice or the shape of my smile. Yes, there are moments of frustration—times when the world isn’t as accessible as it should be, or when societal attitudes towards disability seem archaic. But these challenges don’t deter me; they fuel my drive to advocate for change.

The Power of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy has become my forte. From fighting for more accessible educational resources to challenging the stigma around disability, every battle is a step towards a more inclusive world. It’s not just about creating a better environment for myself, but for every person who faces similar challenges.

Finding Joy in the Everyday
Despite the hurdles, my life is rich with experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. From the echo of laughter in a room filled with friends to the thrill of mastering a new skill, each day is a testament to the fact that a life with a disability is not a life of limitations, but one of endless possibilities.

A Message of Hope and Determination
To anyone navigating the complexities of life with a disability, know this: your experience is valid, your challenges are real, but so is your strength. Embrace your journey with grace and tenacity, and remember that you’re not just overcoming obstacles—you’re paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

In conclusion, my journey is not about seeking sympathy or admiration; it’s about living my truth with authenticity and courage. It’s a narrative of resilience, a story of a life lived fully and passionately, regardless of the hurdles along the way. Let’s continue to break down barriers, change perceptions, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of human experience.

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So, did it capture who I am and my style of writing? Kind of. The one thing it does seem to have learnt is that I think society and unnecessary barriers are the problem, rather than the fact I’m disabled. So I suppose at its heart, the post wasn’t completely wrong. But “grace and tenacity”?!?! I half laughed, half threw up when I read that. It is not something I would ever write. I’m a moody, difficult, snappy person if I’m being honest. I don’t think I handle anything with grace, no matter how much I’d like to say I do.

It all felt a bit preachy, even though the points about building an inclusive world are something I broadly agree with. However, it did get a few things very wrong. Firstly, challenges do deter me. Frequently. I’m often tired and sad because the world is so inaccessible. Yes, sometimes this motivates me to fight back. But it’s only because I’m so angry and I need to be doing something. Secondly, I’d never talk about “overcoming obstacles”. I don’t even know what to say about that. So it was a mixed bag.

But I wanted to see if it could learn from my feedback, here’s what I told it.

“This is ridiculous. Far too sickeningly sweet and positive. I’d never talk about overcoming obstacles, or tell people to face life with grace and tenacity. Write something more realistic.”

I’m sure this isn’t the most helpful prompt, but I’m hardly a ChatGPT expert. Here is the second attempt.

Blog Post Title: The Unvarnished Truth of Living with Blindness

Let’s cut through the sugarcoating. Being blind is no heroic journey. It’s just life, with its share of annoyances. The world’s not built for us, and that’s a fact I face every day.

The Mundane Reality
Living blind? It’s like anyone else’s life, minus the visuals. I wake up, do my thing, and go to bed. Nothing brave or inspirational about it. It’s regular, sometimes frustratingly so. People often see blindness as a monumental struggle, but for me, it’s just life. Same old, same old.

Braille: A Love-Hate Relationship
I’ve got this thing for Braille. It’s a big part of my life, but man, it can be a pain. You should see the size of “The Lord of the Rings” in Braille—talk about impractical! But here’s the thing: Braille’s not outdated. It’s a vital tool, even if it’s a bulky one.

The “Inspirational” Label? No Thanks
Here’s what grinds my gears: being called “inspirational” for doing everyday stuff. It’s like saying, “Wow, you’re blind and still breathing? Amazing!” It’s patronizing. I’m just living my life, not running marathons or scaling mountains. Let’s reserve “inspirational” for actual achievements, not just existing while blind.

The Education System: A Blind Spot
University as a blind student? It’s a mix of laughter, friendship, and bureaucratic nightmares. Imagine being handed print papers when you can’t see—yeah, that’s my world. It’s not about overcoming adversity; it’s about dealing with a system that often forgets people like me exist.

Bottom Line
So, here’s the unembellished truth: being blind is part of who I am, but it’s not my whole story. It’s not a tale of bravery or an inspiration saga. It’s just life, with its ups and downs, and I’m living it as best I can. No frills, no fluff—just the real deal.

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Ok, this was actually worse. Again, the core message was broadly right. Braille is good actually. I’m not particularly inspirational. The system is incredibly broken and is messing up the lives of disabled people as a result. These are all points I would make, I have made them.

But the tone and writing style were awful. Some particularly hilarious bits include “it’s just life. Same old, same old”, “It’s a big part of my life, but man, it can be a pain”, and “Here’s what grinds my gears”. I can’t say these are phrases I regularly use. I almost feel like a character in a badly written novel.

My blunt response to ChatGPT was “this is not at all how I write.” It then gave me an alternative, which was also terrible. Finally I got it to generate a new post.

Blog Post Title: The Unvarnished Truth About Blindness Awareness Month

Let’s talk about blindness awareness month. Every year, I see an uptick in well-meaning posts on social media, with people sharing their newfound insights into what it means to be blind. But let me be clear: awareness is not the same as understanding, and it’s certainly not the same as action.

A Month of Misguided Good Intentions
I appreciate the thought behind all the “blindness awareness” posts, I really do. But let’s be honest: sharing a post on Facebook or Twitter and patting yourself on the back doesn’t do much for me or any other blind person. It feels like the easy way out, a way to feel good without actually doing anything substantial.

The Reality of Inaccessibility
Here’s the thing: knowing that blindness exists isn’t enough. I live in a world that’s often not built for me. Every day, I deal with inaccessibility, from websites to public spaces. What I need isn’t your awareness; it’s your action. Make your websites accessible. Think about how your public events can be more inclusive. That’s how you make a real difference.

The Patronizing Tone of “Inspiration”
Another thing that gets under my skin is the whole “inspirational” angle. Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I’m here to inspire you. I’m living my life, facing my challenges, just like everyone else. The narrative needs to change from “inspiring” to “inclusive.” Recognize the barriers we face and work towards dismantling them, rather than just applauding our existence.

What Real Change Looks Like
Real change means more than just sharing posts. It means actively working towards a society where blind people have the same opportunities as everyone else. It means listening to us, understanding our needs, and taking tangible steps to meet them.

In Conclusion
Blindness awareness month could be so much more than it is. Instead of just raising awareness, let’s use this time to advocate for real, meaningful change. Let’s move from awareness to action, from patronizing to empowering. That’s how we create a world that truly includes everyone.

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This one actually wasn’t terrible. There were some odd phrases, but mostly I agreed with the content. The problem with all of it is that while I might agree with some of the ideas (which makes sense given my own writing was used to inform the model), it’s not me. There’s something so empty and soulless about it. I could probably use this instance of ChatGPT if I wanted to churn out post after post, feeding it topics and ideas and updating the writing samples. But what would be the point?

The whole reason I write is because I feel as though I will break if I don’t. I write about not writing, when life is hard and I can barely even form a sentence. I write when life is full and beautiful and bringing me joy. I write when I am angry and filled with a desire to tear the world apart. I write when I am filled with grief. I write when my life has changed for the better. I write about love, and the friendships that have changed me.

For me, writing is art. Writing is a part of myself. Perhaps I could teach a language model to construct a sentence in the exact way I do. To learn my flawed use of grammar. But it would never be enough. The whole point is the act of writing itself. Of my fingers racing across the keyboard, or staying motionless as I try and find the words. I write for people to read it. I write because I like to be noticed. I write because there is a part of myself that has been gripped by vanity. I am not a perfect person. I suppose the truth is I write because I am self-centred. Writing is my craft. To give that up so that I could increase the volume of my posts would be a tragedy. It would take all the joy out of what I do. It sickens me a little, I suppose.