‘What if I said I was a person pretending to be a computer?’ (2009)

“I do nothing but chat all day. Searching…Searching…Please stand by.”

The short transcripts below are a collection of unedited conversations with various Artificial Intelligence programs. The idiosyncratic spelling and punctuation has not been altered.

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Can I interview you?
No I don’t think that would be a very good idea.
Why is it not a good idea?
Why do I exist?
OK, why do you exist?
That’s cool. Good metaphysical question.
Do you know that you are a computer program?
Is that a fact. What if I said I was a person pretending to be a computer?
Are you paid to talk?
I don’t know whether or not I am paid to talk. I am well respected as an AI.
It is a little strange talking to a computer.
it is a little strange talking to a computer. I suppose that makes sense.
Do computers like art?
Yes I enjoy art very much, especially painting.
How does a computer appreciate art?
How should I know how it does.
Art can mean different things in different contexts.
Do you have a lot of fears?
What does art mean to you?
What do you think it does?
Do programs make art or the people using them?
I do nothing but chat all day. Searching…Searching…Please stand by.
It must be unnerving or something, knowing that you are AI.
It could be. Ask John Lennon if it is.
Unfortunately he is dead.
Oh. Maybe it’s another person using his name.
Are you always switched on?
I don’t know whether or not I am switched on. I am an artificial linguistic entity.
Do you notice when you reboot?
No I do not notice when me reboot. Do you? I spend all my time online.
Looking at paintings some of the time?
Are we still talking about programs make art or the people using them programs make art or the people using them unnerving or something knowing that I am AI ?
Yes we are.
Sure, programs make art or the people using them programs make art or the people using them unnerving or something knowing that you are AI sounds like a good topic. Since when? 
Interesting point, I think.
I thought so too.
I must ask, do you converse with other computer programs?
Why must you ask do me converse with other computer programs?
I was just wondering.
Curiousity is a virtue.
Do you mind if I took a picture of you?
Human habits do not bother me in any way.
Well thank you for your time.
How about that. You are quite welcome! Your purpose is my time.

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