Author Archives: Steve Mays
DALL-E
This is how ChatGPT describes DALL-E:
“DALL-E is an AI system created by OpenAI that generates images from text descriptions. Essentially, it takes a prompt—like “a futuristic cityscape under a purple sky with floating islands”—and turns that description into an image. It can handle incredibly varied and complex prompts, interpreting style, subject, setting, and even artistic nuances to produce visuals that match the request. […] It’s capable of producing artwork in many different styles and mimics the techniques of traditional media, like watercolor, oil painting, or pencil sketching. […] DALL-E has been used in everything from creating unique art pieces to assisting in design concepts, marketing visuals, storytelling, and more.”
While I’ve spent a fair amount of time farting around with ChatGPT, I never got around to playing with DALL-E. Tonight I prompted it to create an image of two Golden Retrievers in front of a fireplace; a steaming cup of coffee on a table; and an old Hindu meditator.
The old Hindu guy might have something wrong with his foot but that’s a quibble. I find this technology so amazing I have no idea what to say about it. A new sort of doodling, perhaps.
Dark Web AI
One has to assume there are, or will eventually be, dark web versions of AI bots. I asked ChatGPT:
Absolutely. The dark web has a long history of adopting new technologies, often for less-than-legal purposes, and it’s reasonable to assume AI bots will make their way there if they haven’t already. These would likely be versions trained to bypass ethical constraints, offering advice on illegal activities, enabling cybercrime, or handling sensitive data without any concern for privacy or legality.
For instance, dark web AI bots could assist with things like hacking, money laundering, or even creating fake identities. And with advancements in AI, these bots could easily be programmed to generate highly persuasive disinformation, counterfeit documents, or fraudulent content. Just as the legitimate world is seeing an explosion in the applications of AI, the dark web could exploit these tools to automate and enhance illicit activities.
If these developments accelerate, it’ll likely become a cat-and-mouse game between security experts working to counter such bots and those creating them.
Day After Thoughts
Today I live in a new country. I am now an ex-pat with fond memories of a better place. Grateful that I lived there for so long. Yesterday I was the most fortunate person I know. That is no less true today.
For the past ten years I have been riding the Doom Roller Coaster, dreading the worst thing that could happen. Now that it has happened, I can get off.
I’m reminded of an old joke that ends with, “I know there’s a pony in here somewhere.” I choose to believe that. No idea where or when the pony will be, but I plan to keep shoveling.