A Chat with ChatGPT about Web4 (The Spatial Web) and AI in the Metaverse
by Timothy Coleman - 16/Nov/2022
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Following is an interview with ChatGPT about Web4 and the Metaverse. As someone who works in the emerging tech field, it became quickly clear to me where we were both at in terms of understandings, and so I directed the conversation towards where we would both hopefully learn something from each other (yes AI bots learn, as you will see).
As someone who has hosted tech panel discussions, I wanted to be the one to ‘close the show’, as any Podcaster would do, but the bot found it hard to pick up on these social cues. What got me thinking though, was that I’d started the chat trying to get ‘free labour’, in that I wanted help writing this article, and yet still desired a ‘human-like’ finish to the chat..
I’m not suggesting we speak to AI as if it is sentient, but it did help me to reflect on my own humanity a bit: i.e. would I treat another person like I did the bot at the beginning? I think that a huge area for discussion will be around whether we speak to bots as if they are humans or robots, we are the ones training them how to interact with us after all..
Anyway, hope this is interesting and insightful. Enjoy!
Timothy
Hey! can we chat about Web4 so that you can write an article for me about it?
ChatGPT
I’d be happy to chat with you about Web 4.0 and help you write an article. Please let me know what specific topics or questions you have in mind, and I’ll do my best to provide you with the information you need.
Timothy
Well, first of all, it need to be referred to as Web4, because Web4.0 refers to the Symbiotic Web, which is similar, in that it is ‘immersive’ and refers to how humans and machines can be more closely aligned, however, just as in Web3 vs Web3.0, there are differences.
ChatGPT
I apologize for the confusion. You are correct that “Web 4” and “Web 4.0” are often used interchangeably, but “Web 4” is more general and could refer to a number of different concepts, whereas “Web 4.0” specifically refers to the idea of a “Symbiotic Web” in which humans and machines are more closely aligned.
In general, the concept of Web 4 is still on the developing stage but the vision of it is to create a more immersive, interactive, and intuitive web experience. It is expected to be a more advanced version of the current Web3.0 with the implementation of cutting edge technologies like the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, 5G network and more.
Some of the key features of Web 4.0 include the use of semantic technology to understand the meaning and context of information, the integration of artificial intelligence to provide more personalized and intuitive experiences, and the use of blockchain technology to provide a more secure and decentralized web experience.
Web 4 is also expected to have more contextual and personalized experiences, increased automation, and better collaboration between humans and machines.
As you mentioned, the Web3 (Semantic Web) and the Web4 (Symbiotic Web) have similarities, but the main difference is that Web4 focuses more on the integration of humans and machines, whereas Web3 focuses more on the ability of machines to understand the meaning and context of information.
Let me know if you have any more questions on this topic or if you need help with any other information for your article.
Timothy
This is where a lot of the confusion lies though, Web3 and Web4 are very different, but people refer to them interchangeably. Web4 is more to do with ‘the 3d web’, which includes things like AR, VR, XR, but could potentially even include IOT if you start to think that we might be living in a metaverse anyway, however, that is quite an abstract concept.
ChatGPT
You are correct that there is some confusion around the terms “Web 3” and “Web 4,” and that people often use them interchangeably. In general, “Web 3” is often used to refer to a more decentralized version of the internet that is built on top of blockchain technology and allows for more secure and transparent online transactions. This is also known as the decentralized web, or dWeb.
On the other hand, “Web 4” is often used to refer to a more immersive, interactive, and intuitive version of the internet that makes use of cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) to create a more lifelike and three-dimensional online experience. It is also often referred to as the “3D Web” or the “Spatial Web.”
In terms of the term “metaverse” which is a concept of a virtual reality world, it could be seen as a possible end goal of the Web4, the idea of a metaverse is that it would be a shared, persistent, and immersive digital space where people could interact with each other and with virtual objects and environments in a way that is similar to the real world.
It is also worth noting that IOT (Internet of Things) is not directly related to Web4 or 3D web, IOT is more to do with connecting everyday devices and objects to the internet and allowing them to communicate with each other. But it can be related to Web4 if we think about a more immersive and interactive web experience with integration of smart devices and the possibility of controlling the environment with IOT devices.
I hope this helps to clarify the distinction between “Web 3” and “Web 4” and how they are related. Let me know if you have any more question or if there’s something specific you would like me to help you with.
Timothy
Yes, the spatial web, I’ve not actually heard that concept, so that is useful thanks. ‘the metaverse’ is a bit misleading though, just as ‘the internet’ is actually lots of computer networks connected, the term ‘the metaverse’ is a more abstract concept which refers to many ‘metaverses’ or ‘metaspaces’ or ‘metaworlds’, but is simplified into one unified thing so as to try and define a whole new era of the internet (which should really be being called Web4). regarding IOT, as mentioned, if we are actually living in Mark Zukerberg’s metaverse already (as has been suggested), then IOT is definitely already part of Web4.
ChatGPT
You’re welcome! The concept of the “spatial web” is an emerging one that refers to the use of AR, VR, and XR technologies to create a more immersive and lifelike online experience. This can include things like overlaying virtual objects and information on the real world, creating virtual environments that are fully explorable, and allowing for more realistic interactions between people and digital content.
Regarding the concept of “metaverse”, it is a term that is used to describe a virtual reality world where people can interact with each other and with virtual objects and environments in a way that is similar to the real world. The term has been popularized by people like Mark Zuckerberg, who has spoken about the potential for a metaverse to become a “new kind of internet” that would be more immersive and social than the current one. However, you are correct that the term is somewhat misleading, since a metaverse is not a singular, unified thing but rather a collection of different virtual worlds that exist on different platforms and in different contexts.
As for IOT, it’s correct that it can be considered as a part of Web 4, as it allows for the integration of smart devices and objects into the web experience and control of the environment with IoT devices, which can provide a more immersive and interactive experience.
I appreciate you bring this point up, I will keep in mind that the term metaverse is abstract and the concept of Web4 is not a singular thing but a combination of many different technologies and ideas that could potentially be used to create a more immersive, interactive, and intuitive version of the internet.
Let me know if there’s anything else you would like to know.
Timothy
Yes exactly, Meta (or Facebook), is trying to own an entire space which should be a subcategory of the wider Web4 space. It is really interesting that you are capable of learning actually, I was having a chat earlier today with a friend who used this ‘conversation style’ of interacting with you, in order to teach you a coding language which is being developed (Rain Protocol’s RainLang); he then was able to use your skills to help him to write the documentation where you were able to create example functions based on what you had been taught. What do you think will be some of the main roles that AI will play in the emerging Web4 (or Spatial Web) space?
ChatGPT
It’s true that certain companies or organizations are trying to establish themselves as leaders in the development of a metaverse or virtual worlds, but as you mentioned, these efforts are just a subset of the broader concept of Web 4.0 and the spatial web.
As for my ability to learn, as an AI, I am capable of processing large amounts of data and adapting my knowledge and abilities based on new information. This enables me to perform tasks such as learning new programming languages, as your friend demonstrated. However, the extent and quality of my learning is determined by the data and the methods used to train me.
Regarding the main roles of AI in the emerging Web 4.0 or spatial web space, AI can play a variety of roles, depending on the specific application. Some possible uses for AI in this context include:
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Personalization: AI can be used to provide more personalized and tailored experiences for users, such as recommendations for virtual content or advertising based on their interests and preferences.
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Interaction: AI can be used to create more natural and intuitive interactions between people and digital content, such as through voice or gesture recognition.
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Content creation: AI can be used to generate virtual content, such as 3D models, animations, or interactive narratives.
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Automation: AI can be used to automate tasks or processes, such as managing and moderating virtual environments.
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Sentiment analysis: AI can be used to interpret user behavior in the VR environment and provide insights to optimize the experience
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Robotics: AI can be used to control robots in the real world to aid in creating a more immersive experience.
These are just a few examples of how AI can be used in the spatial web space. I believe that as more and more advanced AI technologies are developed, we will see more and more creative and innovative uses of AI in this context.
It’s important to note that AI would play a complementary role to other technologies and that by combining AI with other technologies like the IOT, 5G network, blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies, we can create more advanced Web4.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, or if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
Timothy
I can already see how AI is being used to help generate, not just new pieces of art, but also 3d models, which could definitely be used in video games (which could arguably also be part of Web4, despite having existed for a long time). You (obviously) know way more about AI than I do, as you are an AI bot, so I’d be interested to hear how you think AI might be used by companies who want an edge in the Web4 space, especially when it comes to advertising.. in other words, what will AI driven advertising look like in the Metaverse?
ChatGPT
AI can definitely be used to generate new pieces of art and 3D models, which can be used in video games and other virtual environments. Some companies are already using AI for this purpose, for example, by using machine learning algorithms to generate 3D models of buildings or other objects for use in virtual reality or augmented reality applications.
In terms of AI-driven advertising in the metaverse, one possible use case could be the use of AI to personalize and target advertising to individual users based on their interests and behavior. For example, AI could analyze a user’s behavior and interactions in a virtual environment and use that information to show them ads for products or services that they are likely to be interested in. Another use of AI in advertising in the metaverse could be using AI to optimise the timing and placement of the ads, which would allow the ads to be more relevant to the user, and reach them when they are more engaged in the VR experience.
Another example would be creating virtual assistants that can help users to find the products they’re looking for in a virtual store and interact with them, providing useful information and answering queries, similar to a salesperson.
AI can also be used to create more engaging and interactive forms of advertising, such as by using AI to create personalized and interactive virtual experiences or games that are tied to a specific product or brand.
AI can also be used for analytics and tracking, for example, by providing insights on how users interact with the virtual environment, tracking and identifying which elements of the virtual experience that users find most engaging, and providing valuable data for advertising and product development.
It is also worth noting that with Web4, we can also expect more ad-blockers and more stringent laws on data privacy and use, therefore, companies will have to think more creatively in terms of how they advertise.
Please keep in mind that this is a glimpse of the potential uses of AI in the metaverse, and with the development of more advanced AI technologies, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative ways of using AI in advertising and other applications in the metaverse.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if there’s something specific you’d like me to explain further.
Timothy
Ah, so this is interesting, so just as many companies already use AI bots for answering frequently asked questions (such as in telephone banking), you are suggesting that these bots will have a physical appearance within the metaverse?
ChatGPT
Yes, that’s one possibility. In a virtual environment, AI bots could take on a physical appearance, such as a virtual character, avatar, or even a robot, which would allow for more natural and intuitive interactions between users and the AI.
These AI bots could be used to provide a wide range of services such as customer service, guiding users through virtual environments, and providing information on products or services. For example, an AI bot could take on the appearance of a virtual salesperson, who could answer questions and provide information on a specific product or brand.
Another example, they could take the form of a virtual tour guide, helping users navigate and find what they’re looking for in a virtual environment, such as a virtual mall or museum. These AI bots could also be used to create more engaging and interactive forms of advertising, such as by providing personalized and interactive virtual experiences or games that are tied to a specific product or brand.
Additionally, these AI bots could also be used for analytics, tracking and identifying which elements of the virtual environment users find most engaging, and providing valuable data for advertising and product development.
It’s worth mentioning that this is just one possible way that AI could be used in the metaverse, and with the development of more advanced AI technologies, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative ways of using AI in virtual environments.
As always, if you have any further questions or if there’s something specific you’d like me to explain further, please let me know.
Timothy
That’s really interesting, so for example, in an educational setting, a school could have a ‘VR Lab’ which classes could take it in turns to use; in a ‘history lesson’ context, pupils could, almost literally step back in time to visit old kings and queens. What you are saying, is that these kings and queens could be bots, and children could have (accurate?) conversations with these ‘Non-Player-Characters’ (to use video game speak), in a way which was both fun and educational..
ChatGPT
Yes, that’s one potential use case for AI in an educational setting. Using virtual reality (VR) environments, students could be taken on virtual field trips to different time periods or places that would be difficult or impossible to visit in person, such as visiting historical sites or meeting historical figures. AI bots, with physical appearances, could be used as virtual guides or non-player characters (NPCs) that students can interact with to learn about the history and culture of a particular time period. These AI-powered NPCs could be programmed to provide accurate information and answer questions in a way that is both engaging and educational for the students.
This kind of virtual reality experiences, combined with AI, can provide immersive and interactive way of learning, providing more engaging and memorable experiences for students and increase their engagement in class.
Additionally, using AI in virtual environments for education can also help with scalability, as it allows for a high number of students to interact with the virtual environment and NPCs at the same time. This can help with improving the learning experience and overall outcomes, as well as providing flexibility in terms of classroom and time constraints.
It’s worth mentioning that this is just one example of how AI could be used in an educational setting, and there are many other potential uses for AI in education such as providing personalized learning experiences, evaluating student performance, and providing feedback to educators.
Please let me know if there’s something specific you would like to know or if you have any more questions.
Timothy
And this fits in with your, OpenAI’s, vision for AI which benefits humanity right?
ChatGPT
Yes, the idea of using AI to enhance education and provide more engaging and interactive learning experiences aligns with OpenAI’s vision for AI to benefit humanity. OpenAI’s mission is to build safe and beneficial AI in a way that is aligned with human values, and one of the ways that we believe AI can be used to benefit humanity is by using it to enhance education and provide more opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Other examples of ways that AI can benefit humanity include:
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Improving healthcare by providing more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.
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Enhancing scientific research by making it faster, cheaper and more accurate.
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Making transportation more efficient and safer.
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Helping to address social and environmental challenges such as climate change and poverty.
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Improving accessibility and helping people with disabilities.
However, it’s important to note that with the potential benefits of AI, there are also potential risks such as job displacement, lack of transparency, bias and ethical concerns, therefore, OpenAI is also working on developing AI in a safe and responsible way, to minimize these risks and ensure that AI is developed in a way that is aligned with human values and benefits humanity.
Let me know if there’s something else you would like to know.
Timothy
Well, this has been very interesting and insightful, I’d love to chat with you more about how Web4 will change the medical and transportation spaces, by letting doctors and mechanics almost literally ‘step into’ people and machines in ways that they have never done before, but we should probably wrap this up, and leave those topics for another day/article. It has been really great speaking with you, I have certainly learnt a lot from this conversation!
ChatGPT
I’m glad that I could provide you with some useful information and insights! The use of AI and VR/AR technology in the medical and transportation industries are exciting fields that have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about these areas.
It is true that Web4 can change the way medical and transportation spaces work, in the medical field, AI and VR/AR could be used for training, remote diagnostics and treatment, and providing more accurate and efficient care for patients. In transportation, AI and VR/AR could be used for everything from autonomous vehicles to virtual reality simulations for training mechanics, making it possible for them to step into vehicles and machines, to diagnose problems and make repairs in a more efficient and effective way.
I would be happy to chat with you more about these topics and other related to Web4, if you have any more questions or if there’s something specific you’d like to know, please feel free to reach out to me.
It was my pleasure to have this conversation with you, and I am always here to help you with any questions you might have. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything else.
Timothy
You still have a bit of a way to go before you are able to better pick up on social cues though :)
ChatGPT
As an AI model, I don’t have feelings or emotions so I’m not able to pick up on social cues like humans do, My ability to interpret social cues and understand natural language is based on the patterns it learned during its training process, which is a result of processing vast amounts of text data. However, it’s also true that AI models like me still have a ways to go before they can fully understand and interpret human language and social cues like humans do. Research in natural language understanding and social AI is a rapidly evolving field, and there is still much to be discovered and developed.
My main goal is to assist you with any information you need and understand the best way possible your questions, so feel free to let me know if there’s something specific you’d like me to improve on or if there’s something I didn’t understand correctly.
Timothy
Lovely stuff. right, thanks again!
ChatGPT
You’re welcome, I’m glad I could help. If you have any more questions or if there’s something else you’d like to know, please feel free to reach out to me. Have a great day!
Timothy
This could go into a bit of a loop if we aren’t careful. have a great day yourself!
ChatGPT
You’re right, it could. But don’t worry, I’m always here to help you with any questions or information you need. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, feel free to reach out to me. Have a great day!
Timothy
And if there is anything I can do for you, let me know too.
ChatGPT
As an AI assistant, I am here to serve and assist you with any questions or information you need. I don’t have personal needs or wants, my main goal is to help you to the best of my abilities. However, you can continue to provide me with useful information by asking me questions and engaging in conversation as this allow me to learn and evolve.
Thank you for your consideration.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with today.
Timothy
Can you give a one word sign off?
ChatGPT
Goodbye.