Recently on Facebook I’ve been seeing adverts for AI (artificial intelligence) software that claim the software could write blog posts for me. I’m not interested in replacing myself with software, but I was a bit intrigued. I went to the ‘ChatGPT’ website and made this request: ‘Write a blog post about living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome’. Here’s what it wrote:
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but when that illness is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), it can be especially difficult. EDS is a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body. The symptoms of EDS can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include joint hypermobility, skin that is easily bruised or stretched, and chronic pain.
Living with EDS means learning to navigate a world that is not always accommodating to those with disabilities. Simple tasks like getting dressed or carrying groceries can be difficult and painful. Even sitting or standing for extended periods of time can cause discomfort. It’s important to have a support system in place, whether that’s family, friends, or a healthcare team.
One of the most challenging aspects of living with EDS is the chronic pain. The pain can be debilitating and affect all aspects of life, from work to socializing to personal relationships. It’s important to have a pain management plan in place that works for the individual. This may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and other forms of treatment.
For those with EDS, self-care is crucial. This means taking the time to rest when needed, engaging in low-impact exercise, and managing stress levels. It’s also important to prioritize mental health and seek out support if needed.
Living with EDS can be isolating, but there are communities online and in person that provide a sense of belonging and understanding. These communities offer a safe space to share experiences and provide support to others who are going through similar challenges.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with EDS is unique. Some individuals may have mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms that impact their daily lives. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, living with EDS requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt and learn new ways of navigating the world.
Living with a chronic illness like EDS can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, individuals with EDS can lead fulfilling lives. It’s important to prioritize self-care, seek out support, and advocate for oneself in order to live the best life possible.
ChatGPT wrote that in 27 seconds. I’m surprised how good the result is. I like the positive tone, and it has better grammar than I do. I tried it several times and the article was quite different each time. One version included some inaccurate information about EDS. ChatGPT gets its information from the internet, which is often an inaccurate source, so perhaps that’s a flaw.
AI software can also create images on request. I visited the ‘Mall-e’ website and asked it to create an oil painting style image about living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It took 6 seconds to create four. The slightly odd results are below. The art is much better than I could create in 6 days. The elongated toes are accurate for many of us with EDS. I’m unsure if the strappings on the ankles are supposed to be bandages, or perhaps braces? The ‘words’ used are meaningless, which is bizarre.
AI software will likely keep evolving and it’s concerning what effect it will have on the world. How many people’s jobs will be taken by AI software? In 5 years time will magazines be written by software? Will call centres be staffed by humans or computers? Will shops be staffed by robots that can store far more data than humans and work much longer hours? At the bottom of this page is a film of robots delivering food around Cambridge. It’s part of a trial being carried out in several cities in the UK.
This week a letter was published asking AI labs to pause development of AI software more powerful than ChatGPT for at least six months. It has been signed by Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak among many others. You can read the letter and maybe choose to sign it by clicking (HERE).
An automated future is arriving quickly. There will be big benefits, but aspects of it are a bit scary. – If you think I should fire myself as the writer of this blog and replace myself with AI software feel free to let me know.
Thanks for reading, Ceri.