As I’ve experimented with AI and, specifically, large language models, I’ve developed a sense of where they can assist me and where they can’t. Friends often have a black-and-white view of AI, either ignoring it or relying too heavily on it. My experience has been different.
Effective Use of LLMs
I avoid using LLMs for research requiring factual knowledge due to the risk of hallucinations. Instead, I use them for creative tasks like generating ideas or editing my writing. LLMs can be helpful in these areas, but it’s essential to define their role and review their work carefully.
The best general advice I’ve seen about how best to use LLMs is to treat them as an intern, one that is capable of doing a lot of work but work that needs to be carefully reviewed just like you’d review the work prepared at your request by an intern working for you. Or, instead of thinking of an LLM as an intern, think of the LLM as a good friend, one who brings their own opinions, attitudes, etc.
EXAMPLE OF A Creative Application
Developing a life theme is an example of how LLMs can assist in creative tasks. I started by listing my core values:
- Be unselfish to others and take joy from sharing generously.
- Be kind and appreciate kindness in return.
- Walk in the shoes of others and try to understand their perspectives.
- Welcome criticism and accept it appreciatively.
- Stay curious and open; be a learning “machine”.
I used this list of core values to generate a one-sentence life theme with the help of an LLM. Here’s the prompt I’d use with an LLM to accomplish this:
You are a creative writer and an expert editor. I’m developing a one sentence life theme to use as a guidepost for my life. Please help me write that sentence by giving me ten variations based on the following list of my core values…
Note that the first sentence of this prompt defines what I’m expecting the LLM to be. I then define the result I’m looking for. Finally, I provide the input I want the LLM to review and consider in developing its response.
Here are a few of the life theme variations one LLM provided me:
- Embracing kindness and empathy, I strive to enrich lives through generosity and understanding.
- Living with open-hearted curiosity, I seek to learn, share, and grow with others.
- Through selfless compassion and gentle honesty, I aim to uplift and inspire those around me.
…
Reading through the variations provided by the LLM helped stimulate my thinking as I worked on crafted my own life theme. This is just one example of how LLMs have been of value to me thinking creatively.
LLMs: Your Creative Writing Partner
Large Language Models (LLMs) aren’t magical or superhuman, but they can be a valuable tool for creative writing. Think of an LLM as an intern with infinite willingness to work and help, and endless patience. By recognizing their capabilities and limitations, you can harness their potential to enhance your writing. Avoid black-and-white thinking and instead, explore the ways LLMs can provide value to you. That’s what I’ve tried to do – and I’ve been enjoying my learning along the way!