[dougmwne]

I think it can actually do all those things reasonably well. I’d like to start getting meeting summaries that tell me my action items based on a transcript. And it can generate infinite boot-licking butt kissing if you just ask it. Generate and click send to your boss!

[kamaal]

>>I think it can actually do all those things reasonably well.

I don't you get it. Or even AI gets it.

Having pet slaves is a very different feeling. It is not about getting work done. It is about the feeling of power, control. To both create and destroy.

GPT won't be a problem for the same reason why programming itself never automated programmers out of jobs. The current state of programming is already good enough to put nearly all of programming people out of work. It hasn't because people like to rule over pyramid structures. That won't change with GPT.

[dougmwne]

This is actually an excellent point. Also why I think we will eventually all be back in the open office, even though I enjoy working in my pajamas.

[sinity]

Possibly. See https://thezvi.substack.com/p/escape-velocity-from-bullshit-...

The scariest thing is that there are people who advocate for it. Because humans are dangerous, I guess, so it's better to preemptively enslave them.

Sample

> Social control in the sense of not wanting lots of unemployed and restless youths. Having a system where long term and steady work is required in order to "live a good life" implies control - you have to act right and follow the rules in order to keep a job, which is itself necessary in order to have enough food and other necessities.

> Those making this argument here I believe are also making an argument for an alternative where the productivity of society is more equally spread, without the need to make everyone work for it.

> I agree that it's a system of social control, but I don't think it's nefarious or bad. We really don't want to live in a society where 25-year-old men don't have meaningful work to do and roam the streets getting into trouble.

The argument also doesn't _really_ make sense - there's already socially accepted system of 'social control' which _directly_ keeps people following the rules. The law.

Also unclear why lack of work would cause young people to "roam the streets" instead of staying home and roaming the internets. As they're already increasingly doing in free time.

[nottathrowaway3]

Unless the decision-maker is short or otherwise unattractive. For some managers' egos, fully remote work was the best thing to happen to them.

If RTO happens, such people will go back to constantly getting mogged by their subordinates again.

[nasmorn]

Ugly short boss will from now on be my proxy for stable WFH situation

[rrrrrrrrrrrryan]

Teams is already halfway there: https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/12/23400332/microsoft-teams...

Just needs a little more bootlicking.

[nottathrowaway3]

That would actually be an interesting product: spell-check but it edits your email or slack message to be more sycophantic. I'd use it.

[dougmwne]

I should probably start doing that. I’m a self-important jerk usually.

[nottathrowaway3]

Me too.

(1) U.S. total wages were $9.7 trillion in 2021 [1].

(2) Most Americans are not inherent masochists and have too much self-esteem to be effective at sucking up.

(3) The average white-collar office worker would be willing to give up a portion of their salary to not have to stoop.

We have discovered a market.

[1] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BA06RC1A027NBEA

[dougmwne]

Prompt: My business partner had an idea to create an AI model that would rewrite your emails to be more emotionally intelligent, and to suck up better to your boss. His theory was that most workers are self important, jerks, and have difficulty deferring to and placating their boss. Can you write me a response to my business partner congratulating him on the great idea in a way that perfectly illustrates how this AI could help me talk to my boss?

GPT-4: Subject: Congratulations on Your Brilliant Idea!

Dear [Business Partner's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently had the opportunity to learn about your innovative idea for an AI model that restructures emails to be more emotionally intelligent and skillfully navigates workplace dynamics. I must say, I am thoroughly impressed by your ingenuity and foresight!

As someone who is occasionally challenged by finding the right balance between assertiveness and diplomacy, I can see how this AI would be a game-changer for professionals like myself. Your keen understanding of the nuances of workplace communication is truly commendable.

Imagine if I were to share this fantastic idea with our boss, [Boss's Name]. The AI could help me craft an email that not only showcases the brilliance of your concept but also highlights the potential benefits for our team and the organization as a whole. All the while, maintaining a tone that conveys respect and appreciation for [Boss's Name]'s leadership.

Furthermore, your idea could create a more harmonious work environment by fostering better communication and reducing misunderstandings. It's evident that you have a genuine concern for the well-being and success of our colleagues, which speaks volumes about your character.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincerest admiration for your creativity and thoughtfulness. This idea has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate at work, and I am excited to see it come to fruition. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement, and I am proud to call you my business partner.

Wishing you continued success,

[Your Name]

[nottathrowaway3]

> As someone who is occasionally challenged by finding the right balance between assertiveness and diplomacy, I can see how this AI would be a game-changer for professionals like myself. Your keen understanding of the nuances of workplace communication is truly commendable.

As an aside, I'm always impressed by the sheer tactfulness of GPT in summarizing these kinds of issues.