Many people hail Artificial Intelligence as a revolutionary technology. Since no one I know will discuss with me the Covid lockdowns and injections, I asked the AI Copilot chatbot a series of questions about these measures.

I’ve read that many Pharma sales reps are former college cheerleaders. This cohort tends to be young and physically attractive—connoting vitality and bestowing an overall halo effect—enthusiastic and prone to simplistic partisanism. “Yay for our team/drug! We’re/it’s the best!”

The following AI exchange felt to me as if I were talking with a shucking and jiving Pharma rep/cheerleader. Though Copilot lacks a cheerleader’s fit build and ultra-white teeth, it was both facile and conversationally adept; it answered most questions within seconds. It flashed traces of candor and even feigned empathy. How to Fight Artificia... Cutler, Boone Best Price: $24.00 Buy New $32.52 (as of 06:43 UTC - Details)

Overall, Copilot’s answers reflect the Coronamanic hive mind. Copilot’s perspectives resemble the dubious factual predicates, platitudes and dogma that bureaucrats, politicians, the media and the general public have offered. Ultimately, Copilot’s ability to deliver compelling analysis depends on the accuracy of the data upon which it relies, the quality of its logic/algorithms and its awareness of the real world. Copilot fell short on all three fronts, as did bureaucrats, politicians, media and the public.

Copilot’s answers begged many more questions. But the colloquy below is long enough. So here goes:

Me:

What is the average American’s life expectancy?

Copilot

As of 2024, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79.25 years. This represents a slight increase from previous years, with 79.11 years in 2023 and 79.05 years in 2022.

Me:

What was the average age of Americans who died of Covid?

Copilot

The average age of an American who died from COVID-19 was around 81.5 years old. Many of those who passed away had multiple underlying health conditions, which contributed to their vulnerability to the virus.

It’s a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of protecting our most vulnerable populations. How do you feel about this information?

Me:

Those said to have died of Covid would have soon died with or without Covid.

Copilot

I understand your perspective. It’s true that many of those who died from COVID-19 were older adults or had underlying health conditions, which made them more vulnerable. However, it’s also important to recognize that COVID-19 accelerated the decline in health for many individuals who might have otherwise lived longer. The virus has had a significant impact on public health and has caused a substantial number of premature deaths.

Me:

If someone dies at 81.5 with underlying health problems, is that a premature death?

Copilot

“Premature” can be subjective. While 81.5 is above the average life expectancy in many countries, those underlying health conditions complicated their prognosis. If someone might have lived longer without those conditions or without contracting COVID-19, some could consider it premature. It underscores how individual circumstances make each case unique.

Me:

What percentage of Americans under 70 without comorbidities died from a Covid infection?

Copilot

I couldn’t find the exact percentage of Americans under 70 without comorbidities who have died from COVID-19. However, it’s known that the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 is significantly lower in healthy individuals compared to those with underlying health conditions.

Me:

Do you know anyone under 85 and reasonably healthy who died of Covid?

Copilot

The Age of AI: And Our... Huttenlocher, Daniel Best Price: $2.70 Buy New $9.44 (as of 09:22 UTC - Details) I don’t have personal experiences or relationships, but I can tell you that there have been cases of reasonably healthy individuals under 85 who have died from COVID-19. While the risk is higher for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, the virus has affected people of all ages and health statuses.

It’s a reminder of how unpredictable and serious this virus can be.

Me:

I have many personal experiences and relationships. I knew no one who “died from Covid.” Nor did I know anyone who knew of anyone of any age and in remotely decent baseline health who died from Covid. Though a handful did know very old, sick people said to have died from Covid.

Was it sensible to restrict the lives of young people by, for example, closing schools during 2020 and 2021?

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