Telling Stories with Generative AI

Using ChatGPT and Lensa for some performative art

The last week has seen the technology world lose its mind. Twitter and the tech internet have been overrun with output from ChatGPT and the Lensa App.

A quick recap - ChatGPT is a chatbot created by OpenAI. It uses a machine learning model called a Large Language Model (LLM) to generate human-like responses to questions. It can write stories, computer code, pitch decks, and other weird, wonderful things.

Lensa is an iOS App that went viral when they released a new feature called “Magic Avatars.” They also use a machine learning model called Stable Diffusion to apply stunning effects to selfies. If you have seen your friends posting highly stylized selfies with bright backgrounds, they probably come from Lensa.

Lensa and ChatGPT have broken into the mainstream because they show the capabilities of Machine Learning that are compelling and not just to hyper-ventilating nerds like me.

I have been playing with both for a while, and I think that, very shortly, we will see hyper-personalized entertainment generated by machine learning models.

So - I took outputs from Lensa and fired up ChatGPT to do some storytelling. I used Lensa avatars to get ChatGPT to write biographical story outlines. The results are a little mediocre, but remember that this is unedited output from ChatGPT.

I have also included the prompts I used to generate the stories so you can see how easy it is to get ChatGPT to generate something that makes some sense.

Enjoy!

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Singularity Cult

Rushi was a successful computer programmer living in London, England. But at the age of 30, he had a revelation about the potential of artificial intelligence and the singularity. He quit his job and dedicated himself to studying AI and its potential applications. He traveled to conferences and research labs around the world, learning from the top minds in the field.

After several years of study and contemplation, Rushi felt ready to share his vision with others. He started a cult-like organization dedicated to the exploration and development of AI and the pursuit of the singularity. He attracted a devoted following who shared his passion for this technology.

Despite criticism and skepticism, Rushi's organization grew in popularity and influence. He built a large following, with devotees from all over the UK and beyond. Rushi continued to explore and advance the field of AI and the pursuit of the singularity until he reached the age of 40. His legacy lived on through the community he had built around this revolutionary technology.

Prompts to ChatGPT

• Outline a story about a middle aged Indian man named Rushi who worked as a computer programmer but found God and started a religious cult when he was 30.

• Imagine if the cult was not religious but about AI

• Summarize in 200 words

• Make Rushi live in London not in Mumbai. Make his cult about the singularity.

• Summarize the story to 250 words and focus on Rushi's life between the ages of 30 and 40

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Broke and Desperate

Rushi was once a successful computer programmer living in London, England. He had a comfortable life, with a good salary and a loving family. But everything changed in 2008 when the stock market crashed and Rushi lost all of his savings.

Desperate to pay off his mounting debts, Rushi turned to the underground world of high-risk investment opportunities. He took out loans from the mob, hoping to make a quick fortune and pay off his creditors.

But these risky investments only led to more losses, and Rushi found himself in even deeper debt to the mob. He was constantly on edge, living in fear of being harmed or killed by his creditors.

Despite his desperate situation, Rushi refused to give up. He continued to work as a computer programmer, using his skills and knowledge to try and earn enough money to pay off his debts.

But the pressure was overwhelming, and Rushi found himself struggling to keep up with the demands of his creditors. He was constantly stressed and anxious, unsure of how he would ever be able to escape from this nightmare.

As the years passed, Rushi's fate remained uncertain. He continued to struggle with his debts and the threats from the mob, unsure if he would ever be able to break free from this cycle of poverty and violence.

Prompts to ChatGPT

• Write a story about Rushi - a 42 year old computer programmer who lives in London and who lost all his money in the stock market crash of 2008 and now is in debt to the mob.

• Make the story have an uncertain ending and limit to 250 words

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Libertarian Crypto Bro

Rushi is a 41 year old technology billionaire who made his fortune in the world of cryptocurrency. He is known for his strong interest in libertarian politics and his belief in the power of free markets to drive innovation and progress. As a result, he has been a vocal advocate for digital currencies and blockchain technology, and has used his wealth and influence to promote these ideas and push for greater adoption of them.

As a venture capitalist, Rushi has invested in a number of startups that align with his political beliefs, including companies working on decentralized technologies and applications that enable greater individual freedom and autonomy. He is also a regular contributor to libertarian-leaning publications and forums, and is a sought-after speaker at technology and political events.

Despite his success and his advocacy for libertarian ideas, Rushi remains a controversial figure in the technology industry. Some people admire his boldness and his commitment to his beliefs, while others criticize him for his ruthless approach to making deals and his willingness to take advantage of market trends for his own financial gain. Despite this, he remains a significant force in the industry and his investments continue to shape its direction.

Prompts to ChatGPT

• Outline the story of Rushi, a 41 year old technology billionaire who made it rich in crypto and now works as a VC

• Add an interest in libertarian politics

• Summarize in 250 words