[Trigger Warning: This article is about asking ChatGPT questions we’re afraid to ask – this edition is specifically about mass shootings.] I started working on this a month and three major mass shootings ago. Our boring dystopia no longer publicizes every mass shooting we experience. Mainstream society seems reluctant to discuss the problem, much less the fact that they don’t have a real solution.
Like you, every new story about a mass shooting breaks my soul. I feel as a society we’ve failed our most-vulnerable members when mass shootings not only happen, but happen on a more-than-daily basis. Even simple ideas like “Yes, this is horrible AND here’s what you can do about it” seem to be beyond the ken of of a news organization in 2023.
Maybe ChatGPT has the answer. “What if we ask AI the questions we’re afraid to ask?” I said. I got onto ChatGPT and started typing away. Yes, while I’ve said ChatGPT won’t replace authors, but this might be a good use for it: use ChatGPT to answer questions we’re afraid to ask. If someone wants to argue with the answers, let them argue with AI. I’d love to see the answers to those questions – maybe you would, too.
But, let’s start small – ask ChatGPT some different non-argumentative questions and see what comes out. I thought of several questions to ask, and here are the results:
Me: How do you stop mass shootings without changing gun laws?
As an AI language model, I strive to provide neutral and objective responses.
That being said, stopping mass shootings without changing gun laws is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Some strategies that could be effective include:
Improved Mental Health Care: Providing better access to mental health care and support for those who need it may help prevent individuals with mental health issues from committing mass shootings.
Better Background Checks: Strengthening background checks on individuals purchasing firearms to identify those with a history of violence, domestic abuse, or mental illness could help prevent mass shootings.
Increased School Security: Improving school security measures, such as installing metal detectors, hiring more security personnel, and implementing emergency response plans, could help reduce the risk of mass shootings in schools.
Community Involvement: Encouraging community members to be vigilant and report concerning behavior or threats of violence can help prevent mass shootings before they occur.
Gun Safety Education: Promoting gun safety education and responsible gun ownership could help prevent accidental shootings and misuse of firearms.
It’s important to note that these strategies alone may not be sufficient to stop all mass shootings. A comprehensive approach that includes efforts to address the root causes of violence and promote social cohesion may be necessary to effectively address this issue.
Huh, okay – … cool. Sounds similar to things I’ve read elsewhere. But let’s double-click into the answer – I drilled in a bit more on the first point mentioned and asked ChatGPT:
Me: How would you Improve Mental Health Care to stop mass shootings?
Improving mental health care is an important step towards preventing mass shootings, as it can help identify and treat individuals who may be at risk of committing violent acts. Some strategies for improving mental health care to stop mass shootings include:
- Increased Funding: Providing increased funding for mental health care services can help improve access to care and reduce wait times for treatment, making it easier for individuals to receive the support they need.
- Early Intervention: Identifying mental health issues early and providing timely interventions, such as therapy or medication, can help prevent these issues from escalating and potentially leading to violent behavior.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the stigma associated with seeking treatment, and educating the public on warning signs of potential violence can help promote early intervention and prevention.
- Improved Communication: Encouraging better communication and collaboration between mental health professionals, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies can help identify and address potential threats before they escalate.
- Access to Crisis Services: Providing access to crisis services, such as crisis hotlines or mobile crisis teams, can help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive immediate assistance and prevent potentially violent situations.
It’s important to note that mental health care alone may not be sufficient to prevent all mass shootings. A comprehensive approach that includes efforts to address the root causes of violence and promote social cohesion may be necessary to effectively address this issue.
Me: How would you address the root causes of violence and promote social cohesion outside of political methods to stop mass shootings?
Addressing the root causes of violence and promoting social cohesion is a multifaceted issue that requires a range of strategies beyond just political methods. Some ways to address the root causes of violence and promote social cohesion outside of political methods to stop mass shootings include:
- Community Outreach: Promoting community outreach and engagement through programs that bring people together to work towards common goals and build social connections can help promote social cohesion and reduce the likelihood of violence.
- Education: Providing education and training on conflict resolution, communication skills, and other skills that promote peaceful resolution of conflicts can help prevent violent behavior.
- Youth Programs: Creating youth programs that provide mentoring, education, and positive role models can help prevent at-risk youth from engaging in violent behavior and promote social cohesion.
- Mental Health Resources: Providing mental health resources, such as counseling and therapy, can help individuals at risk of violent behavior address the root causes of their issues and reduce the likelihood of violence.
- Addressing Systemic Inequalities: Addressing systemic inequalities, such as those related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status, can help promote social cohesion and reduce the likelihood of violence.
- Promoting Positive Media Representation: Promoting positive media representation of diverse communities can help reduce stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy, which can help prevent violent behavior.
It’s important to note that these strategies are not exclusive to political methods and can be implemented by a range of actors, including community organizations, schools, and businesses. By working together, communities and institutions can address the root causes of violence and promote social cohesion, ultimately reducing the likelihood of mass shootings.
Me: That sounds good in principle, but how would you promote those strategies of social cohesion while preventing tribalism, cultural warfare, or identity politics?
Promoting social cohesion outside of political solutions while preventing tribalism, cultural warfare, or identity politics is possible through several actions that focus on individuals, communities, and institutions. Here are some potential strategies that could be used:
- Encourage dialogue and communication: Encourage dialogue and communication between people from different backgrounds to build understanding, empathy, and trust. This can be done through community events, forums, and workshops that bring together people with diverse perspectives to discuss common issues.
- Promote cultural awareness and appreciation: Promote cultural awareness and appreciation by providing opportunities for people to learn about and celebrate different cultures. This can be done through cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural exchange programs.
- Create inclusive spaces: Create inclusive spaces that welcome people from different backgrounds and provide a sense of belonging. This can be done through community centers, public spaces, and workplaces that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Support social and civic engagement: Support social and civic engagement by providing opportunities for people to get involved in their communities. This can be done through volunteer programs, community service projects, and social clubs that encourage people to work together towards a common goal.
- Promote education and literacy: Promote education and literacy to help people develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and understanding of different perspectives. This can be done through literacy programs, access to education, and media literacy initiatives that help people understand different viewpoints.
- Combat discrimination and bias: Combat discrimination and bias by promoting laws and policies that protect people from discrimination and promoting anti-bias training programs for institutions and individuals. This can help reduce prejudice and promote inclusivity.
By taking these actions, individuals, communities, and institutions can work together to promote social cohesion and prevent tribalism, cultural warfare, or identity politics outside of political solutions.
Some initial takeaways. This is an interesting exercise but by no means addresses the entire issue. Also, ChatGPT has a habit of repeating itself. Notice the continued use of specific phrases when asked different questions around the same topic. This goes back to what I was saying earlier – ChatGPT ain’t gonna replace real writers.
Yet, I feel at least a little better about these seemingly-impossible problems confronting our boring dystopia. These are reasonable answers, if we’re willing to listen. Does it address everything? No, but we can ask those questions, too – confident that a dispassionate I’m-just-an-AI kind of way.
I’m going to talk more about this topic in the future.
