ChatGPT is What You Make It: Using Metaphors to Improve AI Collaboration
Unlock the full potential of large language models by mastering the power of metaphors and mental models for more effective AI collaboration.
Are you ready to take your AI collaboration skills to the next level? If so, then you're in the right place! In this article, we'll explore the exciting world of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and how we can use metaphors to enhance our understanding and use of their capabilities. By adopting new mental models and metaphors, we can unlock endless possibilities for innovation and productivity. So get ready to dive in and discover how you can transform your collaboration with LLMs, whether you're using them for engineering, marketing, writing, or any other field.
As we dive into the world of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, it's important to keep in mind that our mental models and metaphors shape our understanding and experience of reality. Basically, the way we think about things affects how we interact with LLMs and how we use their capabilities.
Metaphors are like the secret sauce to enhancing our mental models. They help us conceptualize abstract or complex ideas by relating them to more familiar experiences. Think of it like comparing an LLM to a "digital assistant" or a "virtual teammate." These metaphors can greatly influence our expectations and behavior when working with LLMs, either for better or for worse.
In this article, we'll explore how to use metaphors to improve our collaboration with LLMs like ChatGPT. We'll even dive into two fun and exciting metaphorical lenses: "ChatGPT as a coach" and "ChatGPT as an accountability buddy."
The power of metaphors in shaping mindsets
Metaphors are powerful tools that shape our understanding and behavior. Lakoff and Johnson's book "Metaphors We Live By" provides numerous examples of how metaphors influence our thinking and perception of the world. For instance, the "argument as war" versus "argument as dance" metaphor shapes how we approach conflicts. If we view an argument as a war, we tend to perceive our conversational partner as an enemy and become defensive. But if we see an argument as a dance, we work collaboratively to create something beautiful and harmonious, just like on "Dancing with the Stars."
Other examples of metaphors include "time as a commodity" or "love as a journey." The former suggests that time is something to be spent, wasted, or saved, while the latter suggests that love is a path to follow, with ups and downs and unexpected turns.
Metaphors are like the secret sauce to enhancing our mental models. They help us conceptualize abstract or complex ideas by relating them to more familiar experiences.
In my talk "Metaphors We Create By" in 2019, I explored the power of metaphors in shaping our beliefs and behaviors and how we can use this understanding to improve our communication and relationships. By being aware of the metaphors we use, we can start to shift our perspectives and create more positive and productive interactions with others.
Our mental models and metaphors also play a significant role in how we work with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. They influence our approach to using them and ultimately the possible actions we can take with them. If we view an LLM prompt as a search field, we may approach it like a Google search, simply recalling relevant keywords. But if we see the LLM as a mirror, we can use it as a tool for reflection and discovery, uncovering unknown unknowns we may not have thought of otherwise. Think of it as having a virtual coach on hand, guiding us to explore our own thoughts and ideas in new ways.
ChatGPT as a coach
Now that we know the importance of using metaphors and mental models when working with large language models like ChatGPT, let's dive into how we can use it as a coach to help us achieve our goals.
First things first, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Whether it's a short-term or long-term goal, knowing what you're aiming for is crucial. Let's say you want to improve your public speaking skills.
Using ChatGPT as a coach can be a powerful way to achieve your goals, and it's a very different approach than using it as a search engine.
Next, fire up ChatGPT and ask a prompt like "What are some effective ways to improve my public speaking skills in the next 3 months?" ChatGPT will generate a list of suggestions based on your prompt. Take some time to review the suggestions and choose the ones that resonate with you.
Now that you have some suggestions, it's time to turn them into actionable steps. Ask ChatGPT "How can I break down these suggestions into specific actionable steps?" and watch as it generates a tailored plan of action. These steps could include activities like taking a public speaking course, practicing in front of a mirror, or recording yourself giving a speech and reviewing it to identify areas of improvement.
Using ChatGPT as a coach can be a powerful way to achieve your goals, and it's a very different approach than using it as a search engine. When treating ChatGPT as a search engine, you might just be looking for keywords to recall information. But as a coach, ChatGPT can help you to reflect, plan and take action. With its ability to generate tailored plans of action based on your specific goals, you can be sure that the steps you take are the right ones for you. By using ChatGPT as a coach, you can transform your thinking and work towards your goals in a more focused and effective way.
In the next section, we'll show you how to use ChatGPT as an accountability buddy to keep you on track and help you crush your goals.
Chatgpt as an accountability buddy
Another way to use ChatGPT as a helpful tool is by using it as an accountability buddy. Imagine that you're preparing to speak at an upcoming conference and you want to make sure you're fully prepared. Here's how you can use ChatGPT as an accountability buddy to help you stay on track and motivated:
Schedule daily or weekly practice reminders: Set up ChatGPT to send you a message each day or week reminding you to practice your speech for a certain amount of time. For example, you might ask ChatGPT to send you a message each morning asking if you practiced your speech for at least 30 minutes the day before. This simple reminder can help you stay on track and motivated.
Track your progress: Ask ChatGPT to keep track of your progress as you prepare for the conference. For example, you might prompt ChatGPT to ask you how many times you've practiced your speech this week, or how much progress you've made in memorizing it. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you see how far you've come.
Get feedback: As you practice your speech, ask ChatGPT for feedback on your delivery and content. For example, you might prompt ChatGPT to ask you to rate your performance after each practice session. ChatGPT can then provide suggestions on areas to improve based on your ratings.
Set goals: Ask ChatGPT to help you set specific goals for your speech preparation. For example, you might ask ChatGPT to help you set a goal of practicing your speech for a certain amount of time each day, or of memorizing a certain section of your speech each week. ChatGPT can then check in with you regularly to see how you're progressing towards your goals.
Our mental models and metaphors shape the way we interact with large language models like ChatGPT, and by using ChatGPT as a coach or accountability buddy, we can achieve our goals and improve our skills.
By using ChatGPT as an accountability buddy, you can stay focused and motivated as you prepare for your conference speech. Whether you need reminders to practice, feedback on your delivery, or help setting specific goals, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in helping you achieve your public speaking goals.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, we hope this article has shed light on the immense potential of metaphors in AI collaboration. Our mental models and metaphors shape the way we interact with large language models like ChatGPT, and by using ChatGPT as a coach or accountability buddy, we can achieve our goals and improve our skills.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other ways to leverage ChatGPT and other large language models to enhance our collaboration with AI. That's why we're excited to bring you more articles in our "ChatGPT as a ____" series. We'll explore a range of use cases, from engineering to marketing to writing, to give you a deeper understanding of the power of ChatGPT.
So don't be afraid to experiment with different metaphors and mental models. The possibilities are endless, and by embracing new ways of thinking, we can unlock the full potential of AI collaboration.
