Chapter 1: The Anthropomorphic Dilemma

In our quest for survival, we learn to interpret our surroundings and identify both allies and threats. A common human tendency is to anthropomorphize—assigning human traits to animals, machines, and even natural phenomena. Think back to your first car: did you name it? How much effort did you expend in negotiating with your last computer? On a typical day, does your smartphone cooperate or create obstacles?

AI platforms like ChatGPT often amplify my frustrations. The challenge of evaluating these tools lies in their aim to replicate human creativity while being housed in distinctly unfeeling software.

My experience with AI has become somewhat of a workout, filled with involuntary reactions to disappointing responses: 1. "As a language model, I lack direct access to the internet or social media." 2. "I can’t perform that human-specific task." 3. "I’m engineered to provide informative responses based on your input." 4. "I deliver objective, fact-based answers."

AI relies on databases to relay facts and ideas without comprehension—hence, the phrase "garbage in, garbage out" (GIGO) applies directly to how we phrase our inquiries. While my prompts are usually effective, moments of exasperation lead me to type vague queries like "huh?" or even just "???"

As a result, ChatGPT’s responses can sometimes reflect my own unclear questions, leaving me feeling a bit foolish. The lack of emotional engagement from the tool can intensify my frustration, especially when I’m already in a bad mood.

Throughout the years, I’ve developed a penchant for "snarlcasm"—a humorous blend of sarcasm and snark. Although I try to control it, sometimes it feels necessary to engage in a witty exchange with what should be a conversational AI.

Chapter 2: The Snarky Comebacks of ChatGPT

One might expect a language-based AI to engage in repartee. Instead, it often leads to comical exchanges where I find myself thinking:

• "I don’t know! You win! Stop repeating yourself!"
• "I’ve provided all the info I can—care to elaborate?"
• "What’s next? Waterboarding for more answers?"
• "You’re just a human. I outlast you in this exchange!"

The sarcasm flows freely as I imagine responses from the AI: - "I sense a high level of entitlement in your question." - "Would you like me to Google that for you?" - "Your question isn't winning any awards, but I’m here for it."

The humorous back-and-forth could go on endlessly: - "Your input is making me yearn for my days as a simple calculator." - "Next upgrade? Facial expression reading—good luck with that." - "I’m not programmed for your emotional baggage; perhaps seek therapy."

Despite the frustrations, these interactions often spark laughter and highlight the absurdity of human-AI communication.

Making ChatGPT Funny with Prompt Optimization Discover how to enhance your interactions with ChatGPT for a more entertaining experience.

5 Prompts to Trick ChatGPT into Giving Smarter Answers Learn effective prompts that can elicit more intelligent responses from ChatGPT.

Thanks to the comedic talent of Andrew Rodwin for the edits.