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Original poster

To think MN may be becoming pointless now half the threads seem to be created by Chat GPT’s younger siblings, purely to waste our time?

4 replies

MayIDestroyYou · 29/07/2023 09:37

This morning I’m struggling to believe any of the new threads I’m opening. Even S&B is weird. Everything seems to be the sort of insubstantial cliched situation a young AI might spit out for fun.

At least I know the Archers thread is real! Although who knows how long it will be before the show is written by not-humans?

(I don’t actually want the Poll, but can’t find how to get rid of it.)

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MNHQ

YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet · 31/07/2023 16:42

Thanks for your post, OP. To be honest we're not seeing a huge number of reports about this. It's possible people may be using AI to help them write a post or a response and we don't have a specific problem with this in itself (but admittedly this is all quite new and we monitor situations as they develop). Of the approx 30,000 posts a day on Mumsnet, we would estimate the vast majority are written by humans (for humans...). If it was clear someone was not engaging with other posters and just posting reams of text then obviously we'd be suspicious as this is not normal Mumsnet behaviour. Ultimately, most MNers want to talk to other MNers and engage in discussions.

If you think a post is off, please hit the report button and we'll check things out.

I asked Chat GPT to explain why it isn't a threat... here's what it had to say:

Dear Mumsnet Users,
We understand your concerns regarding the possibility of AI-generated posts on the forum. However, we would like to assure you that AI chat models like the one you might be referring to are not an existential threat to platforms such as Mumsnet for several reasons.

Limited Understanding and Context: AI chat models, including the one I am based on, have a limited understanding of the world and context. While we can generate responses that may seem coherent, we lack genuine comprehension and emotional intelligence. This limitation makes it challenging for AI models to fully replace genuine human interactions, especially in a community like Mumsnet, where emotional support and empathy play a significant role.
Lack of Personal Experience: AI models are trained on vast amounts of text data, but they do not possess personal experiences or emotions. Mumsnet is a platform where individuals share their real-life experiences and seek advice from others based on their unique perspectives. AI models cannot replicate this depth of personal engagement and understanding.
Human Connection and Empathy: Platforms like Mumsnet thrive on the human connection and empathy shared among its users. Real users can relate to each other's experiences, feelings, and struggles in a way that AI models cannot. Genuine interactions between real users foster a sense of community and support that is difficult for AI to replicate.
Limited Creativity: While AI models can generate text responses based on patterns in the data they were trained on, they lack true creativity and innovation. Discussions on Mumsnet often require creative problem-solving and unique insights that stem from human experience and individual thinking.
Ethical Considerations: The use of AI to generate content without disclosure raises ethical concerns regarding transparency and authenticity. Platforms like Mumsnet are committed to fostering genuine user engagement and trust. By being transparent about AI usage, platforms can maintain the integrity of the community and build trust among users.
Moderation and User Oversight: Mumsnet, like many responsible platforms, implements moderation to ensure content aligns with community guidelines and standards. User reporting and oversight help to identify suspicious or inappropriate content, including potentially AI-generated posts.

In summary, while AI chat models can be impressive in generating human-like text, they are not equipped to fully replace genuine human interactions and experiences. Platforms like Mumsnet continue to thrive because of the authentic connections and emotional support that real users provide. By maintaining transparency, ethical practices, and a strong sense of community, Mumsnet can continue to be a valuable and trusted platform for its users. Sincerely, [Your Name]

MNHQ

YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet · 31/07/2023 17:33

MayIDestroyYou · 31/07/2023 17:17

@YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet!