Recent studies have found that most people Google themselves. Indeed, a survey in May 2021 of nearly 9,400 adults* found that nearly one in ten people look up their name online every day using one or more search engines.
“Ego surfing,” it’s called.
Vanity and curiosity aside, internet searches are a good way to research the history of a prospective dinner date, or the background of the kid you’re your kid is planning to go to the prom with. Such searches also are a good way to monitor one’s reputation, especially if you’re looking for a new job. The last thing you want is to walk into an interview and be blindsided by some unfounded allegation your new prospective employer dug up in their own online search of your personal history.
Most authors I know Google themselves periodically. I include myself among them. We want to know what reviewers are saying about our books and us. I’ve found that most readers who graciously take the time to comment about my work, for better or worse, get their facts straight. The same unfortunately cannot be said for that robotic new kid on the block. I’m speaking, of course, of artificial intelligence.
Recently, I decided I might be enlightening to find out what A.I. knew about me. Utilizing the free search engine on chatgpt.com, I typed in, “Who is author David Freed?” The response was undeniably flattering:
“David Freed is an American author known for his mystery and thriller novels. He gained recognition for his Cordell Logan series, featuring a former government operative turned flight instructor and freelance aviator. Freed’s writing is often praised for its wit, humor, and intricate plots. Some of his notable works include “Flat Spin,” “Fangs Out,” “Voodoo Ridge,” and “Hot Start.” His novels often blend elements of crime, espionage, and aviation, providing readers with engaging and fast-paced stories.”
So far, so good!
I decided to test artificial intelligence further. For those unfamiliar with my books, Logan lives in a converted, two-car garage with the world’s dumbest cat in Rancho Bonita, a sunny, seaside enclose on California’s Central Coast. Some readers have astutely deduced that Rancho Bonita bears an uncanny resemblance to Santa Barbara, where I happen to live. So I typed in, “Where is Rancho Bonita?” ChatGPT responded:
“Rancho Bonita is a fictional location created by author Ross Macdonald. It serves as the setting for several of his mystery novels, particularly those featuring the private detective Lew Archer. Rancho Bonita is described as a wealthy and picturesque area in Southern California, often portrayed as a place of affluence and privilege, but also hiding dark secrets and scandals beneath its seemingly idyllic surface.
“Ross Macdonald’s novels, including those set in Rancho Bonita, are known for their intricate plots, complex characters, and exploration of social issues. While Rancho Bonita itself is fictional, it’s inspired by the real-life affluent communities and landscapes of Southern California.”
Uhh, not quite.
I wrote back, “Are you sure it’s Ross McDonald?” ChatGPT responded:
“My apologies for the oversight. Rancho Bonita is indeed associated with the works of author T. Jefferson Parker, particularly in his crime fiction novels. Parker’s novels often feature Southern California settings, and Rancho Bonita is a recurring fictional location in some of his works. It’s depicted as a wealthy and sometimes troubled community, providing a backdrop for various mysteries and dramas. Thank you for catching that mistake!”
Me: Are you sure it’s T. Jefferson Parker?
ChatGPT: “You’re correct, and I appreciate your patience. Rancho Bonita is actually associated with the works of mystery author Elmore Leonard, not T. Jefferson Parker or Ross Macdonald. Leonard’s novel “Out of Sight,” published in 1996, features the character of Karen Sisco, a U.S. Marshal, who pursues an escaped convict named Jack Foley. Rancho Bonita is mentioned in this novel as a fictional location in Florida. Leonard’s portrayal of Rancho Bonita often reflects the charm and contradictions of Florida’s coastal communities. Thank you for prompting me to double-check!”
Me: Are you sure it’s Elmore Leonard?
ChatGPT: “My apologies for the confusion. Rancho Bonita is actually a fictional location associated with the works of author Christopher Moore. It appears in his novel “The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove,” published in 1999. Rancho Bonita is a quirky and eccentric coastal town located in California, known for its colorful inhabitants and unusual occurrences. Moore’s depiction of Rancho Bonita is characterized by its offbeat humor and surreal elements, making it a memorable setting in his novel. Thank you for your patience as we sorted that out!”
By this point in the conversation, I was starting to feel a little sorry for ChatGPT. It was like talking to a know-in-all who knows virtually nothing. Plus, my dog was nudging me on the leg with his nose because it was ten minutes past his 6 p.m. dinner time and I was still sitting obliviously at my desk, not filling his dish with food. So, I decided to set the record straight:
“Rancho Bonita,” I responded, “is the fictional home of Cordell Logan, created by author David Freed.”
Chat GPT seemed almost chagrined, as if artificial intelligence is yet capable of such emotions. Immediately it wrote back, “You’re absolutely correct. My apologies for the oversight. Rancho Bonita is indeed the fictional home of Cordell Logan, a character created by author David Freed. Cordell Logan is a former military pilot turned amateur sleuth, and the Rancho Bonita series of novels follows his adventures as he navigates through various mysteries and intrigues. Thank you for clarifying!”
You’re welcome, AI.
Experts all agree that in the not-too-distant future, artificial intelligence will transform virtually every aspect of our lives. For now, though, when I want to know what the world thinks of me and the fictional world I’ve created in my books, I’m planning to stick with real intelligence, the flesh-and-blood people who bother to read what I write and who comment about it online.
But, hey, not that I mind being compared by a robot to the iconic likes of Ross McDonald, Elmore Leonard, T. Jefferson Parker, and Christopher Moore.
*https://today.yougov.com/topics/entertainment/survey-results/daily/2021/05/27/e6f62/1