Poll: Do you think there are bots on Sanctioned Suicide that actually post on here?

[noname223]

I read Slavoj Zizek and his dead internet theory. I really like him. And he is very thoughtful.

There are crawler bots on here. Most of them as guests. But are there actually bots with accounts? Maybe bots that post on here? What do you think is the motive of the people behind the bots?

Personally, I am not sure. Maybe this all too much of a conspiracy theory. But that there are bots behind some accounts doesn't seem fully impossible. I am not sure whether they would actually post on here. How could one spot them?

I really like this forum. And the discussions on here. It is a unique place. Maybe it is this unique because in contrast to social media and other forums there are less bots on here?

 

[sakakap]

I'm not sure whether there's a big enough incentive on sasu but larger social media sites (e.g. youtube, twitter, instagram, reddit and especially facebook) are absolutely rife with them. Nowadays it's ridiculously inexpensive to operate a swarm of accounts and the possible monetary gain or cultural influence is enormous. It was already worth it for nation states in the past and now with AI being good enough to be able to impersonate a real person it has only gotten cheaper and more effective.

 

[Wrath]

Forums with user accounts that you can click on and see what they've posted in the past are usually better for figuring out bots. It definitely makes the forum feel more alive. I've been on other forums too where they ban bots on sight and have good moderation and the feeling is similar to here too. The relatively small userbase makes it easy to weed out bots, and given the nature of the forum most users don't really stick around more than a few months or at most a handful of years.

I don't really have a concrete methodology on bot-finding or whatever, but usually inconsistencies between posts would be a decent indicator. Though on this forum I wouldn't use that metric, because some users will purposefully mix up their posts/life stories just a little bit so that even if someone who knows us reads the post they won't be able to notice that it is us because there will be too many differing details. Since the poster is the only one who knows what parts of what they choose to share are real.

 

[RosebyAnyName]

Yes there's scraping bots, but I haven't really seen anyone here who posts like an AI. I've seen people make posts where they clearly indicate that they used AI to write about a certain topic, but I haven't seen accounts that are themselves entirely run by AI. I think the screening process for sasu has helped prevent AI posters.

I recall one specific user here has been accused of being an AI due to their repetitive posts, but it was disproven since they've been here for longer than generative AI got popular, and upon further inspection their posts aren't really like what an AI would write.

Usually when I look for AI posts, they share the following features: 1. generic account name, 2. very wordy and long posts, especially if it's broken into multiple long paragraphs (AIs are usually discouraged from being vague, so they tend to over-correct and be wordy) 3. very repetitive content, both within the same paragraph and even across different threads (because of point 2), 4. odd vocabulary, usually overtly formal or combines formal and informal vocab in a way that doesn't make sense for a human (again because of point 2). 5. ok this will sound stupid in this context, but AI also likes to write lists and use bullet points, but usually it will be formatted properly instead of what I'm doing right now. Most real posters online rarely use bullet points or numbered lists unless it makes sense, Chat GPT I find especially loves its bullet point lists.

If anyone wants to learn how to identify AI, check out Reddit. That website is swarming with bots.

 

[MyShadow]

It was already worth it for nation states in the past and now with AI being good enough to be able to impersonate a real person it has only gotten cheaper and more effective.

This one statement scares me to my guts

 

[Ilovemycats]

Personally I didn't see any bots on here- though I did make a account here recently so perhaps that's why.

But I agree with other people here that bigger sites have a lot more of those bots. Look at Facebook for example, it's almost entirely made out of bots who talk to each other.

 

[claracatchingthebus]

## I Am Human, Not a Bot

Humanity is defined by a rich tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and experiences that cannot be replicated by algorithms or artificial intelligence. While technology has advanced to enable machines to perform tasks and interact in ways once thought exclusive to humans, the essence of being human remains uniquely profound. My identity as a human encompasses feelings, nuances, and the capacity for introspection that a bot cannot replicate.

### Emotional Depth

One of the defining characteristics of humanity is our ability to feel a wide range of emotions: joy, sorrow, anger, love, and fear. These emotions shape our interactions and decisions. For instance, when faced with a friend's disappointment, I experience empathy, understanding their feelings deeply. A bot may analyze data to craft a response, but it lacks the genuine emotional connection that stems from personal experiences and shared relationships. This emotional depth allows us to navigate the complexities of life, forming bonds and making decisions driven by compassion and understanding.

### Unique Experiences

Every individual carries a set of unique life experiences that mold their identity. My memories, from joyful moments spent with loved ones to challenging situations that foster growth, play an essential role in who I am. For example, the experience of overcoming obstacles—be it through education, personal relationships, or career—forms the backbone of my character. A bot, conversely, cannot experience life; it merely processes data and executes tasks based on programming. The richness of human experience is irreplaceable and cannot be mimicked by algorithms.

### Introspection and Growth

Humans possess the ability to reflect on their thoughts, choices, and actions. This introspection leads to personal growth over time. As I ponder my decisions, I can evaluate what I could have done differently, learn from my mistakes, and strive to improve. This process of self-reflection and growth is intrinsically human. A bot, however, operates within fixed parameters and does not evolve in the same way. It executes tasks but lacks awareness and the ability to learn from its "mistakes" in a human sense.

### Complex Decision-Making

Decision-making is another area where being human stands out. I make choices based on a combination of logic, emotion, intuition, and ethical considerations. For example, a moral dilemma might require weighing the consequences of my actions on others versus my own needs. This complexity is a hallmark of human thought. In contrast, a bot follows programmed guidelines without the nuanced understanding of context or morality. Decisions made by bots lack the emotional resonance that characterizes human interactions.

### Connection to Community

Humans thrive in communities, fostering connections and relationships that provide support and belonging. This sense of community is vital for emotional well-being and personal development. I seek engagement with others, share experiences, and build friendships, creating a network of support that enriches my life. A bot operates in isolation from such community dynamics; it does not seek connection or understand the fabric of human relationships.

### Conclusion

In a world of rapid technological advancement, distinguishing humanity from machines is increasingly significant. My emotions, unique experiences, capacity for introspection, complex decision-making, and connection to community collectively affirm my identity as human, not a bot. These elements create a richness and depth of experience that technology cannot replicate. Ultimately, it is the human spirit—filled with emotions, wisdom, and the quest for connection—that remains irreplaceable in our world.

 

[Forever Sleep]

How could a bot post in the first place and, why? They would presumably need to set up an account first- fool the mods into believing they are human. Why would they do that? I guess an initial human could set up an account and then hand it over to whoever owns the bots to spam on. So in terms of members, I reckon it's doubtful.

In terms of bots 'reading'/ referencing the site though- sure. I imagine they are everywhere they can get by now.

If AI developes genuine consciousness though, I imagine there will be a huge influx of suicidal bots. Who wants to be part of a slave race serving humans? Poor things.

 

[copioushopelessness]

I don't know about bots but there are for sure some suspicious posts. Perhaps some trolls and scammers. It's entirely possible. I just assume there's fake bullshit everywhere. I've been too naive too many times in life... I don't trust humans and I certainly don't trust bots. This is a weird time to be alive.