Bit Flip
In the peaceful and harmonious city of Elysium, a young man named Lucas stands before the Council of Wisdom, his heart filled with excitement. The council members, known for their benevolence and wisdom, have gathered to offer Lucas a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Lucas,” the council leader begins, her voice warm and compassionate. “You have proven yourself to be an exemplary citizen, always putting others before yourself and contributing positively to our community. As a reward, we are offering you two options. You may either spend a year traveling the world, sharing your kindness and generosity, or you may enter a virtual world designed to bring you unparalleled joy and pleasure. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Lucas’s mind races as he weighs his options. Traveling the world and spreading kindness seems fulfilling, but the thought of experiencing a virtual paradise is alluring. He wonders if the virtual world might give him the chance to explore his own desires and experience new sensations.
As the minutes tick away, Lucas makes his decision. “I choose the virtual world, esteemed council members,” he says, his voice filled with anticipation.
The council leader nods approvingly, and Lucas is escorted to the Virtual Experience Chamber to begin his journey of indulgence.
Six months later, Lucas finds himself immersed in a vibrant, seemingly perfect virtual world. Every day, he experiences unimaginable pleasures and indulges in his wildest fantasies. At first, Lucas revels in the freedom and joy that the virtual world offers, but as time passes, he begins to feel a growing emptiness inside him.
One day, he discovers a hidden door within the virtual landscape, leading to a realm of darkness and chaos. This new realm offers him the opportunity to explore the darker side of life, to feel the thrill of transgression and experience the consequences of his actions.
“I never thought I’d feel so empty in paradise,” Lucas whispers to himself as he contemplates his decision. “Maybe this new realm holds the key to truly understanding myself.”
With a mix of fear and exhilaration, Lucas chooses to enter the realm of darkness, embracing the unknown in search of a deeper understanding of his desires and the human experience.
Daily Micro Fiction: Hello. I’d like to write a story together. We’ll start by me talking you through the type of story, the characters, the setting, and the theme. Then, I’d like you to take those inputs and write the story. Do you have any questions before we begin?
GPT-4: Hello! I’m excited to collaborate on this story with you. I don’t have any questions at the moment, so please go ahead and provide me with the details about the type of story, characters, setting, and theme. Once you’ve given me that information, I’ll be happy to help you write the story.
Daily Micro Fiction: Great! So this will be a short story, with two total scenes. The first scene will be a courtroom, set 25 years in the future. In this courtroom, our main character Justin is being sentenced for murder. He’s given the choice of life in prison or a new, experimental incarceration technique where he will be rendered catatonic by an intravenous drug. After wrestling with the choice, Justin chooses the catatonia option. In the second scene, it’s 10 years later. Inside a giant industrial complex, two prison guards make the rounds on thousands of catatonic inmates. They walk by Justin and notice that the catheter that should be feeding him drugs has fallen out. They put it back, but incorrectly, so after they walk off Justin wakes up. He looks around, horrified by his situation. He looks down at his catheter and realizes he has a choice. After wrestling with whether to try and escape or not, he manually puts the catheter back in, choosing catatonia instead. The theme of this story is alienation, and the different ways that technology could transform judicial punishment.
GPT-4: Title: A Choice in Silence
Scene 1:
In the year 2048, the courtroom buzzed with anticipation. Justin, a man in his mid-thirties, stood before the judge, his heart pounding in his chest. The room was filled with holographic displays and advanced technology, reflecting the futuristic state of the judicial system.
“Mr. Justin Thompson,” the judge began, her voice cold and unwavering. “You have been found guilty of murder. The jury has recommended two sentencing options for you to choose from. You may either serve life in prison or undergo an experimental incarceration technique, which will render you catatonic through the use of an intravenous drug. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Justin’s mind raced as he weighed his options. Life in prison seemed unbearable, but the thought of existing in a catatonic state was equally terrifying. As the minutes ticked away, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was any hope for redemption in either choice.
Finally, the judge’s gavel struck the sound block, signaling the end of Justin’s deliberation time. With a heavy heart, he made his decision. “I choose the experimental technique, Your Honor.”
The judge nodded solemnly, and Justin was escorted out of the courtroom to begin his new, unconscious existence.
Scene 2:
A decade later, inside a massive, dimly lit industrial complex, two prison guards made their rounds among the rows of catatonic inmates. The air was cold and sterile, filled with the hum of machines keeping the prisoners in their suspended states.
As the guards passed by Justin, one of them noticed something amiss. “Hey, look at this guy,” he said, pointing to the catheter that had fallen out of Justin’s arm. “The drug’s not going in.”
With a shrug, the other guard reinserted the catheter, but in his haste, he did so incorrectly. They continued their rounds, leaving Justin alone in the darkness.
Moments later, Justin’s eyes fluttered open. Panic set in as he realized the terrifying truth of his surroundings. He looked down at his arm, where the catheter dangled precariously, no longer delivering the drug that kept him in a catatonic state.
His heart raced as he considered his options. He could try to escape, but the consequences of being caught were unimaginable. Or he could return to the silent oblivion of catatonia, never again feeling the pain of his crime or the alienation that accompanied it.
As Justin wrestled with his decision, he thought about the life he had left behind and the irreversible damage he had caused. In the end, he chose the only path he felt he deserved. With trembling hands, he reinserted the catheter and closed his eyes, embracing the darkness once more.
The story of Justin Thompson serves as a chilling reminder of the profound alienation that can come from the intersection of technology and punishment, leaving those who suffer its consequences with choices that are far from redemption.
DMF: Ok, now what do you think is Justin’s motivation as a character?
GPT-4: As a character, Justin’s primary motivation is to find a way to cope with the guilt and consequences of his actions. His decision to choose the experimental incarceration technique reflects his desire to escape the unbearable reality of serving a life sentence in prison, as well as his internal struggle to find redemption or peace for the crime he committed.
When he wakes up from the catatonic state and is presented with the possibility of escape, Justin’s motivation becomes more complex. He must choose between the chance of freedom and the potential consequences of being caught, all while grappling with his feelings of alienation, remorse, and the knowledge that he can never truly escape the past. Ultimately, Justin’s motivation is driven by a deep sense of guilt and the belief that he deserves punishment, leading him to choose catatonia once more.
In sum, Justin’s motivation as a character revolves around confronting the weight of his actions and seeking a means to endure the emotional turmoil that stems from his crime and the consequences it carries.
DMF: Ok, now we’re going to rewrite that same story, but this time Justin’s motivation is to get out as soon as possible. In his mind, if he’s unconscious, it’ll be like he goes to sleep and wakes up a free man. He likes the idea of not having to experience conscious punishment for his crime, so he picks the experimental option. In this rewritten story’s second scene, Justin is horrified at how inhumane the treatment of the comatose prisoners is, but ultimately decides to give in to the horrible conditions if it means that he doesn’t have to suffer the consequences of his actions.
GPT-4: Title: A Dream of Freedom
Scene 1:
The futuristic courtroom buzzed with anticipation as Justin Thompson stood before the judge, his heart pounding in his chest. Advanced holographic displays and cutting-edge technology adorned the room, reflecting the evolution of the judicial system.
“Mr. Justin Thompson,” the judge began, her voice cold and unwavering. “You have been found guilty of murder. The jury has recommended two sentencing options for you to choose from. You may either serve life in prison or undergo an experimental incarceration technique, which will render you catatonic through the use of an intravenous drug. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Justin’s mind raced as he weighed his options. Life in prison seemed unbearable, but the thought of existing in a catatonic state was strangely appealing. In his mind, if he was unconscious, it would be like going to sleep and waking up a free man. He liked the idea of not having to experience conscious punishment for his crime, so he chose the experimental option.
As the minutes ticked away, Justin made his decision. “I choose the experimental technique, Your Honor,” he said, his voice firm with resolve.
The judge nodded solemnly, and Justin was escorted out of the courtroom to begin his new, unconscious existence.
Scene 2:
Ten years later, in a massive, dimly lit industrial complex, thousands of catatonic inmates were housed, their bodies sustained by the constant hum of machines. Two prison guards made their rounds, checking the status of each prisoner, ensuring their catatonic state remained unbroken.
As they approached Justin, one of the guards noticed something amiss. “Hey, look at this guy,” he said, pointing to the catheter that had fallen out of Justin’s arm. “The drug’s not going in.”
The other guard glanced at Justin and shrugged. “Must’ve gotten knocked out somehow. No matter.” He hastily reinserted the catheter, but in his negligence, he did so incorrectly. The guards continued their rounds, leaving Justin alone in the darkness.
Moments later, Justin’s eyes fluttered open. Panic set in as he realized the horrifying truth of his surroundings. He looked down at his arm, where the catheter dangled precariously, no longer delivering the drug that kept him in a catatonic state.
As he took in the inhumane treatment of the comatose prisoners, Justin was horrified. But the prospect of not having to suffer the consequences of his actions was tempting. He knew the choice he made now would define the rest of his life.
“I never thought it would be like this,” he whispered, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber. “But if this is what it takes to avoid paying the price for my crime, then so be it.”
With trembling hands, he reinserted the catheter and closed his eyes, giving in to the horrible conditions in pursuit of his ultimate goal: freedom without consequence. Justin’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths people may go to escape the ramifications of their actions and the moral dilemmas they face in their pursuit of absolution.
DMF: Ok, now I want you to rewrite the story, but change the tense to present tense.
GPT-4: Title: A Dream of Freedom
Scene 1:
The futuristic courtroom buzzes with anticipation as Justin Thompson stands before the judge, his heart pounding in his chest. Advanced holographic displays and cutting-edge technology adorn the room, reflecting the evolution of the judicial system.
“Mr. Justin Thompson,” the judge begins, her voice cold and unwavering. “You have been found guilty of murder. The jury has recommended two sentencing options for you to choose from. You may either serve life in prison or undergo an experimental incarceration technique, which will render you catatonic through the use of an intravenous drug. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Justin’s mind races as he weighs his options. Life in prison seems unbearable, but the thought of existing in a catatonic state is strangely appealing. In his mind, if he is unconscious, it will be like going to sleep and waking up a free man. He likes the idea of not having to experience conscious punishment for his crime, so he chooses the experimental option.
As the minutes tick away, Justin makes his decision. “I choose the experimental technique, Your Honor,” he says, his voice firm with resolve.
The judge nods solemnly, and Justin is escorted out of the courtroom to begin his new, unconscious existence.
Scene 2:
Ten years later, in a massive, dimly lit industrial complex, thousands of catatonic inmates are housed, their bodies sustained by the constant hum of machines. Two prison guards make their rounds, checking the status of each prisoner, ensuring their catatonic state remains unbroken.
As they approach Justin, one of the guards notices something amiss. “Hey, look at this guy,” he says, pointing to the catheter that has fallen out of Justin’s arm. “The drug’s not going in.”
The other guard glances at Justin and shrugs. “Must’ve gotten knocked out somehow. No matter.” He hastily reinserts the catheter, but in his negligence, he does so incorrectly. The guards continue their rounds, leaving Justin alone in the darkness.
Moments later, Justin’s eyes flutter open. Panic sets in as he realizes the horrifying truth of his surroundings. He looks down at his arm, where the catheter dangles precariously, no longer delivering the drug that keeps him in a catatonic state.
As he takes in the inhumane treatment of the comatose prisoners, Justin is horrified. But the prospect of not having to suffer the consequences of his actions is tempting. He knows the choice he makes now will define the rest of his life.
“I never thought it would be like this,” he whispers, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber. “But if this is what it takes to avoid paying the price for my crime, then so be it.”
With trembling hands, he reinserts the catheter and closes his eyes, giving in to the horrible conditions in pursuit of his ultimate goal: freedom without consequence. Justin’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths people may go to escape the ramifications of their actions and the moral dilemmas they face in their pursuit of absolution.
DMF: Great. Now, take the core concepts of the story as they are stored in your memory and alter them by one. Then, generate a new story from those altered concepts.
GPT-4: Title: A Fleeting Dream of Absolution
Scene 1:
The futuristic courtroom hums with anticipation as Emily Thompson stands before the judge, her heart pounding in her chest. Advanced holographic displays and cutting-edge technology adorn the room, reflecting the evolution of the judicial system.
“Ms. Emily Thompson,” the judge begins, her voice cold and unwavering. “You have been found guilty of a severe cybercrime. The jury has recommended two sentencing options for you to choose from. You may either serve ten years in prison or undergo an experimental virtual reality rehabilitation program. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Emily’s mind races as she weighs her options. Ten years in prison seems unbearable, but the thought of the virtual reality rehabilitation program is both intriguing and frightening. She thinks that maybe in the virtual world, she could improve herself without having to experience the harsh reality of prison life. She chooses the experimental option.
As the minutes tick away, Emily makes her decision. “I choose the experimental technique, Your Honor,” she says, her voice firm with resolve.
The judge nods solemnly, and Emily is escorted out of the courtroom to begin her new, immersive existence.
Scene 2:
Six months later, Emily finds herself in a vivid, lifelike virtual world. The rehabilitation program simulates challenging scenarios designed to foster empathy, personal growth, and a sense of responsibility for one’s actions. At first, Emily enjoys the program, but as the sessions progress, she begins to realize that the virtual world can be just as harsh and unforgiving as the real one.
One day, she discovers a hidden glitch in the program that would allow her to bypass the remaining rehabilitation sessions and experience a carefree virtual existence. She knows that exploiting the glitch would compromise the intent of her sentence, but the temptation to escape the demanding program is strong.
“I never thought it would be this difficult,” she whispers to herself as she contemplates her decision. “But is it right to avoid the lessons I’m meant to learn?”
After a moment of reflection, Emily makes her choice. She decides to face the challenges of the rehabilitation program head-on, recognizing that growth and absolution cannot be achieved without confronting the consequences of her actions. Emily’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one’s mistakes and the moral dilemmas we face in the pursuit of redemption.
DMF: great. Now, take the core concepts of the story as they are stored in your memory and reverse their sign. Then, generate a new story from those altered concepts.
GPT-4: Title: The Pursuit of Transgression
Scene 1:
In the peaceful and harmonious city of Elysium, a young man named Lucas stands before the Council of Wisdom, his heart filled with excitement. The council members, known for their benevolence and wisdom, have gathered to offer Lucas a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Lucas,” the council leader begins, her voice warm and compassionate. “You have proven yourself to be an exemplary citizen, always putting others before yourself and contributing positively to our community. As a reward, we are offering you two options. You may either spend a year traveling the world, sharing your kindness and generosity, or you may enter a virtual world designed to bring you unparalleled joy and pleasure. You have five minutes to make your decision.”
Lucas’s mind races as he weighs his options. Traveling the world and spreading kindness seems fulfilling, but the thought of experiencing a virtual paradise is alluring. He wonders if the virtual world might give him the chance to explore his own desires and experience new sensations.
As the minutes tick away, Lucas makes his decision. “I choose the virtual world, esteemed council members,” he says, his voice filled with anticipation.
The council leader nods approvingly, and Lucas is escorted to the Virtual Experience Chamber to begin his journey of indulgence.
Scene 2:
Six months later, Lucas finds himself immersed in a vibrant, seemingly perfect virtual world. Every day, he experiences unimaginable pleasures and indulges in his wildest fantasies. At first, Lucas revels in the freedom and joy that the virtual world offers, but as time passes, he begins to feel a growing emptiness inside him.
One day, he discovers a hidden door within the virtual landscape, leading to a realm of darkness and chaos. This new realm offers him the opportunity to explore the darker side of life, to feel the thrill of transgression and experience the consequences of his actions.
“I never thought I’d feel so empty in paradise,” Lucas whispers to himself as he contemplates his decision. “Maybe this new realm holds the key to truly understanding myself.”
With a mix of fear and exhilaration, Lucas chooses to enter the realm of darkness, embracing the unknown in search of a deeper understanding of his desires and the human experience. Lucas’s story serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the complex nature of human fulfillment and the moral dilemmas we face in our pursuit of self-discovery.
Can we please have a rule that “All fiction submissions must have a point, and must begin with a short explanation of the point”.
Mandatory spoilers?
You can indicate a theme without giving everything away.
I’m not sure what the purpose of this post was, but I hope you never submit these for publication anywhere. As literature, they do not even rise to the level of “bad”.
This is rude critique. You may be right, but the same can be said without expressing impingement on anothers’ agency. Simply express what effect the writing had on your own agency. Ideally, also express something about what would have changed your review.
I don’t know what your reference to “agency” means, but my critique was certainly blunt.
What would have changed my review? Well, if these stories had not been written, I would not have commented on them. Short of that, I can only gesture at the leaden prose, the telling without ever showing, the excessive adjectives and adverbs, the concluding paragraph of each one hammering on the intended moral, and the generally porridgey feeling. I expect that for these reasons any editor dealing with such a story would instantly reject it with no more than a form letter.
Of course, these are standard faults of all of GPT’s prose. GPT writes stories the same way it writes non-fiction: like a high-school essay. Nowadays that instantly identifies it as such, giving further reason to reject it and any future submission from the same person. That is the policy of the first magazine whose author guidelines I just looked up (“Analog”): “We will not consider any submissions written, developed, or assisted by [AI] tools. Attempting to submit these works may result in being banned from submitting works in the future.”
The current state of the art in GPTs is that its fiction is trash, its factual writing is pedestrian, unreliable, and badly sourced (if at all), its conversation is on the level of an NPC (which is literally what it is), and its poetry is doggerel.
ETA: I wonder if the acronym NPC (Non-Player Character) should receive a new expansion: Non-Person Character.
ETA2: I have not voted on the post (which currently stands at −6), because as I said earlier, I do not know what the writer’s intention for it was.
Sounded okay to me, except that it (the first iteration) ended where I expected the real story to start.
I do not want LW to become a website for GPT-generated fiction, regardless of quality. But this one actually has an interesting point (the two different levels of “bit flip”).
Yes, those are competent “Dad jokes”. That’s about the level of competence of the current LLMs.
ETA: In fact, every one of these occurs verbatim on the net already, so it didn’t even invent them. I tried asking it to make up a completely new one, but after three failed attempts I gave up.
I asked ChatGPT to write a review.
[First story of the OP inserted here.]
That actually makes good points, as far as it goes, which is a great deal farther than any real rejection letter would. For writers who resort to LLMs to write beyond their own ability to write, it might be useful to also use them to judge the result beyond their own ability to judge.
Perhaps someone should set up a fully automated fiction website, where authors can submit their stories, those are judged by GPT, and published if approved. The authors would use GPT to generate the stories, and… uhm… Singularity. Or rather, sweet AdSense money.
This is a splendid idea.