Star Wars and Star Trek nerds- this blog is for you. Are you still curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Is anyone truly afraid AI will destroy all writer careers? As a busy writer, I myself am quite comfortable with AI writing tools like ChatGPT entering the scene. But if I had my fantasy, which AI would I rather hire onto my writing team, ChatGPT, C-3PO, or Data?
ChatGPT, C-3PO, and Data are all well-known AI characters, two from different fictional universes. ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI, while C-3PO is a humanoid robot from the Star Wars franchise, and Data is an android from the Star Trek universe. While they are all AI characters, they have significant differences in their abilities, design, and functions. Let’s explore the differences between ChatGPT, C-3PO, and Data.
Design
The first and most apparent difference between ChatGPT, C-3PO, and Data is their design. ChatGPT is not a physical character, but rather a digital model. It is a machine learning model trained on a vast corpus of text data, allowing it to generate “natural” language responses to input. So we don’t exactly get to High Five ChatGPT or invite it to a networking event.
C-3PO is a humanoid robot created by Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars universe. He has a golden exterior (that polishes up nicely for parties and award-ceremonies) and is roughly human-sized, standing at about 5’6” tall. C-3PO is designed to be fluent in over six million forms of communication, making him an excellent interpreter and translator. This could come in handy when tech heads and scientists mumble jargon at the next founder’s meet-up.
Data, on the other hand, is an android created by Dr. Noonien Soong in the Star Trek universe. He is also roughly human-sized, standing at 6’ tall. Unlike C-3PO, Data has a pale complexion, yellow eyes, and a series of circuitry on his forehead. He was designed to be an artificial life form, with an advanced positronic brain that allows him to process information at incredible speeds. Jokes might be lost on Data, but he’ll try extremely hard to practice humor while calculating potential algorithms for correct emotional responses (getting it wrong most often).
Abilities
While ChatGPT, C-3PO, and Data are all AI characters, they have vastly different abilities. ChatGPT’s primary function is natural language processing, allowing it to generate responses to input in a variety of contexts. It can answer questions, provide recommendations, and even generate new text based on the input it receives. However, it does not have physical abilities like C-3PO or Data. Again, no networking capabilities, but Chat GPT can help offload the grunt work of blogs, doing research while you make your cappuccino and helping you avoid writer’s block. ChatGPT fills the blank screen with stuff to edit and massage into the right tone and voice for the client.
C-3PO’s primary ability is his proficiency in communication. Since he is fluent in over six million forms of communication, which includes various languages and dialects, he is a vital asset to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and other Star Wars heroes. As snotty as he can sound for a droid, he can translate and interpret nearly every language in pretty much every context, whether you’re about to get squished by a garbage compressor or blasted into an escape pod. He also has some basic physical abilities, such as walking and manipulating objects, but he is not designed for combat or other physically demanding tasks. Seems pretty top-heavy too, so he might be really easy to knock over in office olympics.
Data’s abilities are more advanced than those of ChatGPT or C-3PO. He has superhuman strength and durability, as well as enhanced sensory abilities such as perfect pitch and the ability to detect pheromones. His advanced positronic brain allows him to process information at lightning speeds, making him an excellent strategist and problem solver. Additionally, Data has a variety of unique skills, such as playing the violin and painting, that make him a well-rounded character. OK, so Data does sound like a fantastic teammate… if he were still alive.
Personality
Another significant difference between ChatGPT, C-3PO, and Data is their personalities. ChatGPT does not have a personality in the traditional sense. It is a machine learning model that generates responses based on the input it receives, but it does not have its own “opinions, emotions, or desires.” OK ChatGPT oversells itself a bit here. Play with it. Those human characteristics it thinks it is adapting should basically have an “Out of Order” warning, at least at the time of writing this blog post. Take it easy all you worried freelance creatives. We get to add a TON of personality, emotion, opinion, and “desires” into the content it produces.
C-3PO has a distinct personality that is often portrayed as anxious and overly talkative. He is known for his constant worrying and tendency to complain, which can be both endearing and annoying to those around him. Despite his quirks, C-3PO is a loyal and devoted friend to his fellow characters. Yes, C-3PO would be the perfect teammate to handle any communication qualms, or to help translate website content in multiple languages with proper colloquialisms and code. He’ll be loyal and show up to work on time. Special bonus: he might bring R2D2 with him to work! In that case it’s like getting two adorable teammates for the price of one!
Data’s personality is unique in that he is an artificial life form who is constantly striving to understand human emotions and behavior. He is curious, logical, and precise, often struggling to understand the nuances of human relationships and social dynamics. However, Data is also incredibly loyal and dedicated to his crew. Yes, Data has his perks, and the fact that he is constantly trying to learn emotion is endearing at times, and super annoying at others. He is efficient though, and probably learned how to high five without busting your hand. Gotta love that too.
What is my verdict? Can I have them all? I would love to have Chat GPT to fill a blank page with boring yet mostly accurate content to massage. And C-3PO to translate all the blogs (heck, full websites) for multiple languages, ensuring that I’m not accidentally offending anyone due to poor translation and understanding of the slang terms in other countries. R2D2 can just sit by my desk and give me cheerleading beeps and whistles, maybe project some Princess Leia messages on the wall for me. And Data can fact check in seconds while flying us in a plane or spaceship for the ultimate digital nomad life. I would have the ultimate writing team.
A writer can dream, can’t she?
If you’re up for taking this conversation to a further entertaining degree, or if you would like me to help you write impactful content for your business, contact me. We’ll have a stellar time.
About Wa’am Writes, LLC
Laura Paisley Beck of Wa’am Writes works wonders for small businesses and solopreneurs. She sharpened her copywriting skills as a serial entrepreneur and corporate trained salesperson for decades. Reminder: copywriting is sales writing. The best sales writing is savvy, empowering storytelling. Want a colorful experienced successful writer for your content? Schedule time with Laura Paisley Beck today!
