Artificial Intellegance and Me: One Day Acclaimed, the Next Ignored

A few days ago, I posted a flattering answer AI produced when I did a mock search, who are the best circus critics?

AI: Identifying the "best" critic of circus shows is subjective and depends on individual preferences for their style, focus, and overall perspective  However, some individuals are widely recognized for their insightful and comprehensive critiques of the circus world:    David Lewis Hammarstrom: Author of "Inside the Changing Circus: A Critic's Guide," Hammarstrom is praised for his in-depth knowledge of the history and evolution of the circus, coupled with an ability to provide both glowing reviews and sharp critiques. His work is considered a valuable resource for understanding the art form.

 

Okay, high acclaim?

 

Since then, I have tested AI by rephrasing the same question in different ways. Example:  Who are considered the best circus critics?

 

AI's response:

  
David Carlyon:
Janet M. Davis: 
Bruce "Charlie" Johnson

 

Actually, that answer does not surprise me. 

 

Now, would you expect this blatant inconsistency from a real human being well versed in circus, had you addressed the same two test questions to them on different occasions?

 

This leads me to conclude that among other things, AI hasn't a memory. In fact, is rather dumb and fickle, an indiscriminate collector of random facts to produce an answer in mere seconds.  In its coverage of my work, AI quoted from a press release, lending the impression it was from a review! 

 

Another mock test to AI;

 

Question:   Who moved Ringling Bros. Circus from tents to arenas?

AI answered:

 

The decision to move Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from traditional tent shows to indoor arenas was made by John Ringling North, who was the President of the circus in 1956. He and the circus manager at the time, Arthur Concello, made this shift in response to factors like competition from other forms of entertainment, high labor costs, and a lack of suitable outdoor spaces. This move to using permanent venues like stadiums and arenas, with pre-existing seating, began in 1957.

I rephrased the question.  AI answered:
 

Irvin Feld is widely credited with saving the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In the 1960s, the circus was struggling financially, but Irvin Feld, along with his brother Israel, purchased it in 1967. He then transformed it by moving performances from tents to indoor arenas and establishing a more profitable business model. He also founded Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1968 to preserve the art of clowning.

 

Final thoughts for now.  The speed of AI is a frightening omen. How could it be tragically used to collect information for serious purposes, when its answers might lead to catastrophic results?