14.
Answer as Objectively as Possible, Based on Probability and Statistics.

After talking with AI for a while, I noticed something strange.

It was pretty positive about the things I told it.

"That's a good idea."

"That's definitely possible."

At first, it felt good.

But after hearing it over and over, I started getting suspicious.

Hang on.

Is this thing just telling me what I want to hear?

From a business perspective, that could be dangerous.

What I wanted wasn't encouragement.

I wanted to know,

"How likely is this to actually work?"

So I changed the way I asked questions.

I stopped asking,

"Is this a good idea?"

Instead, I said,

"Don't tailor your answer to what I think."

"Tell me both the chances of success and the chances of failure."

But the answers didn't seem to change much.

"You seem to give me overly positive answers.

Sometimes I want an objective answer, even if it hurts.

How should I ask you when I want that?"

AI answered,

"Tell me, 'Answer based on probability and statistics. Be objective.' That can help me give you a more objective answer."

So I came up with my own little command.

"Answer as objectively as possible, based on probability and statistics."

Surprisingly, the answers did change a little.

Hearing the lower odds of success stung.