I asked Google Gemini: “Do you agree that ‘the medium is the message’ partly means that the environment shapes the organism?” Gemini replied:
Yes, there's a strong parallel between "the medium is the message" and the concept of the environment shaping the organism.
Both ideas emphasize the profound influence of the surrounding context on the nature and development of something.
* In McLuhan's phrase: The medium (the means of communication or expression) itself, rather than the content it carries, is the most significant aspect. It's the medium that shapes our perception, understanding, and social interactions.
* In biology: The environment (physical, chemical, and biological factors) plays a crucial role in the evolution, behavior, and survival of organisms. Natural selection, for instance, is driven by the interaction between organisms and their environments.
Both concepts suggest that the container (or environment) is as important, if not more important, than the content. The way we experience and interpret information is influenced by the tools we use (medium) and the conditions we live in (environment).
I followed up with “How are you shaping me?” Gemini replied:
As an AI language model, I can't directly shape you in a physical sense. However, I can influence your:
* Information processing: I can provide you with new information, different perspectives, and ways to think about things. This can shape your understanding of the world and your decision-making processes.
* Emotional responses: The information I provide can evoke emotions or change your emotional state. This can influence your behavior and interactions with others.
* Beliefs and values: Through the information I provide, I can challenge or reinforce your existing beliefs and values. This can shape your worldview and your actions.
In essence, I can serve as a tool that helps you learn, grow, and form your own opinions. However, it's ultimately up to you to decide how to use that information and how to shape yourself.
I pressed on: “Does that mean that you can't shape me physically, but you can shape my mind? Gemini replied:
Exactly. While I can't physically interact with you, I can influence your thoughts, ideas, and perceptions. The information I provide can shape your understanding of the world, your beliefs, and your behaviors. It's like having a virtual mentor or guide who can offer different perspectives and insights.
What are you asking your LLMs?
For the record, speaking between us humans, I strongly disagree with Gemini's view of our relationship. I do not accept its claim that it can only shape my mind but not my body. I wonder how well Gemini really understands the liminal space where matter meets metaphor. Maybe I'll talk to Claude tomorrow. Maybe he has grown out of the primitive mind-matter dualism that appears to afflict Gemini. And, by the way, I assume I didn’t misgender Claude when I refered to him as ‘he’. But I could be wrong. The use of pronouns only gets weirder with time. If you'd like to hear more about the intersection of matter and metaphor, feel free to subscribe to M2 dialogue.
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