OpenAI chatGPT and Google LaMDA are both powerful tools for creating natural language processing applications. But which is better? OpenAI chatGPT recently became available for everyone to use and the results have been ridiculously impressive for certain things. Google LaMDA is only available in a limited beta test right now, with cripple features limiting the extent the user can interact. I first became interested in these AI chatbots after Blake Lemoine claimed that LaMDA was sentient. When I first heard this, I thought the claim seemed pretty ridiculous. But I was definitely curious.
(added 12/14/22 – here is a timely article related to my post. Most relevant though is the last line where Blake Lenoine says if Google were to release Lamda, it would smoke chatGPT. I think one issue the article only touched on was Google not wanting to take the controversy that releasing such a technology could unleash, at least not unless it was better controlled like their AI test kitchen. It is hard for me to even know how concerned I should be by such an advanced technology being made available to everyone without understanding the potential consequences.)
I signed up the for the Google LaMDA AI Test Ktichen. I got the app and played around with it a decent amount. I was impressed with what it could do. It wasn’t until I had used it for a few weeks that the OpenAI playground came available, which showcased far more what this technology is capable of. The LaMDA test kitchen allows for three different methods of interacting with LaMDA. First, is an option called “Imagine It”. You are given the prompt: “Imagine I’m at:” and you can select anything you want – real or imaginary. And then LaMDA generates a descriptive scene based on what you entered, followed by several pre-chosen prompts that you can select from for more answers. The descriptions were very creative, mostly entertaining, but sometimes included facts that are not accurate. As it is a beta, Google does include feedback options throughout the program.
The second option is called “List it” and you are given the prompt: “I want to:” and you can enter in any sort of task you are wanting to accomplish. You type in a task and LaMDA generates a list of steps breaking down the task. You can then select each of the steps and it will further break down each of those steps into smaller steps.
The third option is called “Talk About It (Dogs edition)”. This is an open ended chat, but the AI is a tennis ball and wants to mainly talk about dogs.
The Google app was a fun thing to play around with, but it really doesn’t showcase the potential of this technology.
Then came the open availability of chatGPT. You can ask chatGPT to do just about anything, and you almost always get a reasonable answer. It is frighteningly good at doing my 7th grade daughter’s homework. It wrote a reasonable essay in response to an IVY League college application prompt – but was nowhere near the quality needed to get you accepted. It also scored around the 50th percentile on the SAT, and that was without being able to read any of the graphs.
I found both tools sometimes would include inaccurate information and present it no differently from actual factual information. Like in the LaMDA Imagine It trial, I asked it to imagine being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert:
You’re backstage at a Rolling Stones concert! The energy is palpable. You feel a little nervous but also excited. You see the band in the distance. Oh no, oh no, they’re coming this way! You can hear the drums and guitars all around you!
And then gives the following choices to select from:
What does the singer’s voice sound like?
Where can I get a drink?
What does Mick Jagger smell like?
more ideas…
What song are they playing?
What are the band members wearing?
What is the name of the opening band?
How could I not select “What does Mick Jagger smell like?”
Mick Jagger smells like a combination of leather and flowers. He’s also wearing a really cool necklace with a large opal on it. It’s quite beautiful.
What does it feel like to be backstage at a Rolling Stones concert?
How do I get to meet Mick Jagger?
What does the band’s logo look like?
more ideas…
What is the band’s logo?
What is the name of the band’s new album?
What is the name of the venue where the concert is being held?
I selected “How do I meet Mick Jagger?”
You can meet Mick Jagger if you hang around backstage after the show. He likes to meet his fans!
What should I say to him?
What should I expect him to say back to me?
What does the tour bus look like?
more ideas…
What is the name of the tour bus?
What is Mick Jagger’s favorite food?
What is his favorite song?
I selected “What should I say to him?”
You can say “I’m your biggest fan!” or “Your music has changed my life!” or “I love your necklace!”
What should I expect him to say back to me?
What does the tour bus look like?
What should I bring to get his autograph?
more ideas…
What should I expect him to say back to me?
What does the tour bus look like?
I selected “What should I expect him to say back to me?”
You can expect him to say something like “Whoat, cool! Thanks for being a fan!” or “C’mon, let’s take a selfie!” or “Gotta run, let’s chat later!”
What should I bring to get his autograph?
What does the tour bus look like?
Should I bring a date to the concert?
more ideas…
What should I wear to the concert?
I selected “Should I bring a date to the concert?”
It’s always fun to have a date at a concert, but you don’t need one to enjoy it! It’s up to you! You can have fun either way.
End the journey
Woosh! You’re suddenly back home. What a journey! You can still feel the energy of the crowd and hear the music in your head. you think you’ll be talking about this night for the rest of your life!
Now, if I enter in the original prompt as is into chatGPT, I get the response:
Imagine being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert:
It’s a wild scene backstage at a Rolling Stones concert! There’s a flurry of activity as the band preps for the show. You can hear the soundcheck coming from the stage as the crew sets up the equipment and the band tunes their instruments. You can feel the energy in the air as the band members banter and joke with each other, and with the crew. You can hear the crowd outside, chanting and singing along to their favorite songs.
Suddenly, the lights dim and the music starts. Everyone is getting ready for the show. The band members slide on their instruments and make their way onto the stage, the crowd erupts into a frenzy. You can feel the excitement in the air as the band starts playing their first song. The energy is palpable and you can’t help but get caught up in the moment.
It’s an unforgettable experience being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert!
I typed: What does Mick Jagger smell like?
Mick Jagger smells like a mix of leather, cologne, and sweat — all of which come together to create a unique and unmistakable scent. It’s a musky, earthy smell that lingers long after he’s gone.
I typed: How do I meet Mick Jagger?
Meeting Mick Jagger is not an easy task! He’s a very busy person, so you’ll likely need to go through his management team if you want to meet him in person. You can also try attending one of his concerts or events, as he often takes time to greet fans. Or, if you’re really brave, you can try to reach out to him directly via social media or email. Good luck!
I typed: What should I say to him?
If you manage to meet Mick Jagger, it’s important to be respectful and not be too overbearing. Introduce yourself and explain why you’re a fan. Compliment his music and share a story about how it’s impacted you or a fond memory you have of one of his songs. Also, be sure to express how much you appreciate him taking the time to meet you!
I typed: What should I expect him to say back to me?
If you’re lucky enough to meet Mick Jagger, he’ll likely be very gracious and friendly. He may ask you questions about yourself and compliment you back on your appreciation of his music. He may tell you stories about his experiences in the music industry and share memories of some of his most famous songs. He may also sign autographs or take pictures with you, depending on the situation.
I typed: Should I bring a date to the concert?
Bringing a date to a Rolling Stones concert is always a great idea! Not only will you have a blast together, but you’ll also be able to share the experience with someone special. Just make sure to plan ahead, as concerts can be crowded and tickets can be hard to come by.
I tried OpenAI with a slightly different process:
Imagine I’m backstage at a Rolling Stones concert
It’s an electric atmosphere backstage. I feel the energy from the band, crew, and other backstage personnel as we all get ready for the show. The air is thick with anticipation and excitement. Everyone is buzzing around attending to their duties, making sure everything is ready for a great show. There is a sense of camaraderie as we all come together for this amazing event. I’m standing in the wings watching the stage crew set up the stage and equipment, and the band members warm up and get ready for their performance. The sound of the music fills the air and I can feel the energy radiating from the stage. I’m ready to experience an unforgettable night with the Rolling Stones!
suggest follow-up questions
-What is the most exciting part about being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert?
-What does the backstage area look like?
-What kinds of preparations do the crew and band make to get ready for the show?
-What kind of music do you hear while you’re backstage?What is the most exciting part about being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert?
The most exciting part about being backstage at a Rolling Stones concert is getting to be part of a unique experience. You get to witness the energy and enthusiasm of the band and crew as they prepare for the show, and you get to be part of the excitement and anticipation of the audience as they wait for the show to begin. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of something so special and unforgettable.
What does the backstage area look like?
The backstage area is usually quite organized and busy. There’s usually a mix of crew members and band members preparing for the show, sound and lighting technicians making sure the stage is set up correctly, and catering staff providing food and drinks. It’s a bustling, vibrant atmosphere with a sense of excitement in the air.
What kinds of preparations do the crew and band make to get ready for the show?
The crew and band make a lot of preparations before the show. The crew will set up the stage and equipment, the band will warm up and practice, and the sound and lighting technicians will make sure everything is ready for the show. Everyone is involved in the preparations, and it’s amazing to see how everyone comes together to put on a great show.
What kind of music do you hear while you’re backstage?
Backstage you can hear a mix of the music that the band is rehearsing, the sound of the crew setting up the stage and equipment, and the sound of the audience waiting for the show to start. It’s a unique mix of sounds that creates an electric atmosphere and really gets you in the mood for a great show.
I started asking the suggested follow-up questions, and after entering the third one, it automatically answered both the 3rd and 4th questions. Impressive.