The AI Writer’s Paradox
I have 625 posts on Medium going all the way back to December of 2016. It’s also the platform I have the most followers on. So I wondered, what would ChatGPT 4’s output look like if I asked it to write about something in my ‘style’? Are 625 posts scraped from the internet enough? I was more afraid ChatGPT who respond, “Who is Pete Weishaupt?”
The word Abilene Paradox was stuck in my head from hearing it somewhere recently. And I decide to run with it:
prompt> What is the Abilene Paradox?
The Abilene Paradox is a concept used in management and psychology to describe a situation where a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of many, if not all, of the individuals in the group. This situation arises due to a failure in group communication, where individuals mistakenly believe that their own preferences are counter to the group’s and thus do not raise objections.
The term was introduced by management expert Jerry B. Harvey in his 1974 article “The Abilene Paradox: The Management of Agreement.” The paradox is exemplified by a story in which a family living in Coleman, Texas, decides to take a trip to Abilene, even though none of them actually wants to go. They each believe that the others are eager to make the trip, so no one objects for fear of upsetting the others. As a result, they end up taking an unpleasant trip that none of them wanted.
The Abilene Paradox highlights the problems with group dynamics and the importance of clear communication and decision-making processes within teams. It shows how a lack of open communication can lead to misaligned actions and decisions that do not serve the best interests of anyone involved. It is often used as a cautionary tale to encourage members of a group to voice their true opinions and preferences, rather than conforming to what they mistakenly believe to be the consensus of the group.
prompt> rewrite this in the style of world famous Medium blogger Pete Weishaupt
The Abilene Paradox: Why Groups Make Decisions Nobody Wants
Imagine this: You’re lounging on a cozy Sunday with the family in Coleman, Texas. The sun’s scorching outside, and the air conditioner inside whispers a sweet, cool promise. Out of the blue, someone suggests, “Hey, why don’t we drive down to Abilene for dinner?” You think it’s a terrible idea — it’s a long, hot drive, and honestly, you’d rather stay in. But then you see your sister nodding, your mom smiling gently, and your dad looking on as if it’s the next great family adventure. So, you silence that inner voice screaming, “No, thank you!” and mumble, “Sounds fun!”
Welcome to the Abilene Paradox, a curious intersection of group dynamics and collective decision-making that leaves everyone asking, “How did we end up here?”
Jerry B. Harvey coined this term in his iconic 1974 article, presenting it not just as a theory but as a vivid, relatable narrative. It’s the kind of situation that unfolds not just in families but in boardrooms, team meetings, and social gatherings across the globe.
The paradox surfaces when a group makes a decision that’s against the individual preferences of all its members. Here’s the kicker: everyone believes their personal objections are unique, out of sync with the group’s supposed consensus. The result? A collective action that no one actually desires.
Why does this happen? It boils down to a fundamental human behavior: our inherent dislike of rocking the boat. We fear isolation, we dread dissent, and oh, how we long to belong! In our quest for harmony and conformity, we sometimes silence the very opinions and desires that should be heard.
But here’s where we can turn the tide: Communication, that golden key, can unlock the door to genuine consensus. It’s about creating an environment where voices, however dissenting, are not just heard but encouraged. Imagine a world where “Does anyone actually want to go to Abilene?” is a question that’s not just asked, but welcomed.
The Abilene Paradox isn’t just a tale of misadventure; it’s a reminder. It urges us to question, to challenge, and to speak our truths, even when the winds of conformity blow fiercely. Because, in the end, the journey to Abilene isn’t just about a pointless trip — it’s about finding the courage to say, “Actually, I’d rather stay home.” Let’s start asking, “Where do we truly want to go?”
If you’ve ever read any of my stuff, what did you think? Is it close? Way off the mark? Let me know in the comments.
And the second question is this, is it ok for an author to ask AI to write future stuff in their own style?
