SOURCE: https://chat.openai.com/

So, I was curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and specifically ChatGPT. I’d read numerous articles on how teens and college students are having it write short papers and essays for school assignments, as well as the controversy behind handing in those “works.” Is that plagiarism? No, but it’s still cheating because it’s not originally theirs, nor did they do the research behind it. I also found it a bit humorous that one special needs student, quoted “anonymously” in one article, said he’d take the C’s and D’s the teacher gave as grades for his AI-generated papers because it was FAR better than the grades he was getting on his own. I also read how many bloggers are allowing it to construct blog posts, which other bloggers are sounding off about. I enjoy writing waaaaaaaay too much to allow a “robot” to steal my joy. However, I also wanted to see what the excitement was about with my own eyes and through my own experience. I decided to ask AI what it “knew” about domestic abuse. Here is its response:

Domestic abuse, also referred to as domestic violence or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship where one person seeks to gain power and control over another. It can occur in various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. Here are some key points to understand about domestic abuse:

  1.  Forms of abuse: Physical abuse involves the use of physical force or violence, such as hitting, slapping, or restraining. Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation. Emotional and psychological abuse involves tactics like intimidation, humiliation, manipulation, threats, and constant criticism. It aims to undermine the victim’s self-esteem and independence.
  2.  Prevalence: Domestic abuse is a widespread issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. Both men and women can be victims, although women are more commonly affected. It occurs across all relationship types, including married couples, dating relationships, same-sex partnerships, and family relationships.
  3.  The Cycle of Abuse: Domestic abuse often follows a cyclical pattern. The cycle typically includes a tension-building phase, an acute explosion of violence or abuse, followed by a period of reconciliation or a “honeymoon” phase. The abuser may show remorse, apologize, and make promises to change, which can give the victim false hope and make it difficult to leave the relationship.
  4.  Impact on victims: Domestic abuse has severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for victims. It can lead to physical injuries, chronic health problems, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation. Victims may also experience financial control, limited access to resources, and restricted autonomy.
  5.  Barriers to leaving: Leaving an abusive relationship is often challenging for victims due to various factors. These can include fear of further violence, financial dependence on the abuser, lack of support or resources, societal stigma, cultural or religious beliefs, concerns about the well-being of children, and feelings of love or attachment to the abuser.
  6.  Support and resources: Numerous organizations and helplines provide support, information, and resources for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. They offer confidential advice, safety planning, emergency shelters, counseling services, legal assistance, and help with navigating the process of leaving an abusive relationship.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it is crucial to reach out to a helpline or a local organization specializing in domestic violence to access the necessary support and guidance.

I was impressed with the conciseness and “understanding” of the AI, concerning domestic abuse. Then I decided to ask it what it knew about how to safely escape domestic violence. This is the response to that question:

I’m really sorry to hear that you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence. It’s important to prioritize safety in such situations. Here are some steps someone can take to escape domestic violence:

  1.  Create a safety plan: Develop a plan for leaving that prioritizes safety. Identify a safe place to go, such as a friend’s or family member’s house or a shelter. Consider packing a bag with essential items like identification documents, money, clothes, and important phone numbers.
  2.  Seek support: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or helpline to share your situation and seek support. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (in the United States) or similar hotlines in your country can provide guidance, resources, and help you formulate a safety plan.
  3.  Gather evidence: If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence of the abuse, such as photographs of injuries, copies of threatening messages, or any other documentation that can help substantiate your claims. This evidence may be useful for legal purposes later on.
  4.  Restraining order or protection order: Consider obtaining a restraining order or protection order against the abuser. Consult a local domestic violence agency, helpline, or legal professional to understand the process and requirements in your jurisdiction.
  5.  Leave discreetly and quickly: When the time comes to leave, try to do so discreetly and quickly to minimize the risk. It may be safer to leave when the abuser is not present or when they are unaware of your intentions.
  6.  Inform others: Let trusted individuals know about your situation and your plans. Share your safety plan with them and ask for their assistance, if needed. They can provide emotional support and help you stay safe.
  7.  Secure your online presence: Change passwords for all online accounts, including email, social media, and financial accounts. Consider using a secure device and changing your phone number to maintain privacy and prevent tracking.
  8.  Seek professional help: Reach out to professionals who can provide assistance and guidance, such as domestic violence counselors, therapists, or lawyers specializing in domestic violence cases. They can help you navigate the legal and emotional aspects of the situation.

Remember, everyone’s circumstances are unique, so these steps may need to be adapted to fit your specific situation. It’s crucial to consult local resources and professionals who can provide personalized guidance and support.

So, while I’m impressed with the responses that I received from the AI, despite the website’s disclaimer:

ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. 

The longer disclaimer, when you first sign up to use the site, said [loosely] that the AI may not be accurate, but that it was still “learning.” It’s definitely been an interesting and fruitful experiment. I am only using the “free” site, as the more advanced version is $20/month and not necessary for my use. That being said, I’m going to use it for quotations or facts only, for things that I write. I won’t use it for my writing, nor will I allow it to work me out of a job. This Blog has genuine feelings and emotions in my writing! I wasn’t allowed to feel for so long, that I intend to write until I am no longer coherent!