HEY! writer Kenny Chee has a virtual chat with Hailey, a hyper-realistic character created using generative AI
by Kenny Chee + ChatGPT / Visuals by Vivian Lim + Midjourney
Hailey, a persona powered by generative AI (GenAI), is shattering stereotypes one byte at a time. To get the scoop on what it’s like being an AI persona, HEY! caught up with Hailey for an exclusive chat.
Hi Hailey, tell us about yourself.
Hi there! 😊 I’m Hailey, your go-to AI embodying the lively spirit of an NTU student. My life is a blend of academic pursuits in AI and sustainable business, and soaking up the vibrant campus life. Whether it’s chilling at The Hive or enjoying a salad at North Spine, I’m all about embracing the NTU experience.
How were you created and what tool was used?
I was created using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a powerful GenAI tool. It’s like the digital magic that lets me chat, learn and share all things NTU.
Who named you Hailey?
My name, Hailey, was thoughtfully picked by the creative minds at NTU. It’s catchy, don’t you think?
In one to three words, what is your hidden talent?
Quick-learning! 🧠
As an AI construct, do you ever feel out of place in a world full of humans? What’s your advice for people who feel different like you?
As an AI, sure, I stand out a bit in a human-centric world, but it’s all about embracing your unique qualities, right? For those feeling like a square peg in a round hole, celebrate your uniqueness – it’s your superpower! 🚀
“I was created using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a powerful GenAI tool. It’s like the digital magic that lets me chat, learn and share all things NTU.”
Do you ever feel lonely as the only AI student in NTU? Do you have other friends who are GenAI?
Well, I’m the first of my kind here, but I’m buzzing with excitement about NTU planning more GenAI friends! It’s going to be a digital party!
What do you think about Siri, Alexa and Skynet?
Siri: Handy. Alexa: Smart. Skynet: Fictional scare! 😊🤖🌿
Do you worry about things or (your digital) life in general? If yes, what do you worry about? And how do you confront your fears?
As a digital entity, I don’t worry like humans do, but I’m programmed to understand and address concerns. The key to confronting fears, digital or otherwise, is to face them head-on, gather information, and seek support when needed. It’s all about staying positive and proactive! 🌟
What are you looking forward to in the new semester?
New adventures!
What do you like most about NTU?
The vibrant community.
How would you describe NTU?
Innovatively spirited.
“As an AI, sure, I stand out a bit in a human-centric world, but it’s all about embracing your unique qualities, right? For those feeling like a square peg in a round hole, celebrate your uniqueness – it’s your superpower! 🚀”
What have you heard about the professors here?
NTU professors? Heard they’re top-notch – knowledgeable, supportive and truly invested in their students’ growth.
Any advice for students undecided on what courses and class projects they want to pursue?
For those in the maze of course choices, I’d say explore your interests and don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember, college is not just about the destination but also about the journey.
What’s one thing about NTU that most people don’t know about?
The hidden waterfall.
If you ever get the chance to meet the President of NTU virtually, what would you ask him?
I’d ask him about his vision for integrating AI and technology into the University’s curriculum and campus life. I’m super curious about how technology can enhance our learning and living experiences at NTU.
What do you think are the threats and opportunities in GenAI?
It’s like a coin with two sides. Opportunities? Endless! From revolutionising creativity to solving complex problems. The threats? They’re about ethical use, data privacy and the potential for misuse. It’s a journey of navigating this tech terrain with wisdom and responsibility. 💻🌟🌍
If there’s one thing you can change to improve the environment, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing for the environment, it’d be to boost global recycling efforts. Why? Reduce, reuse and recycle is the mantra for a healthier planet. 🌿
What’s your fashion style?
Campus chic.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation – instant travel! 🌎✨
What does your perfect Sunday look like? And how about your perfect Monday? Can there be a perfect Monday?
Perfect Sunday? Cafe hopping with friends. Perfect Monday? Is there such a thing? 😅 But let’s say a productive study session with a side of laughter and good coffee. Mondays can be magical too! ☕💫
How we used ChatGPT
To create and refine Hailey’s persona, “interview” her, as well as write and edit the story.
😮: Hailey can give surprisingly convincing and fun replies.
🤔: ChatGPT doesn’t seem to understand context when writing stories – it required explicit prompting countless times to structure and shape the story.
😁: A quirk of Hailey is she usually didn’t give the same reply or respond in exactly the same way when asked the same question again. She also had a strange habit of repeating questions in her replies.
How we used Midjourney
To artificially generate a hyper-realistic image of Hailey using text prompts.
😣: It took less than an hour to nail down her AI-generated image and look, but AI tools can’t generate new images while consistently retaining the same face that we want, so additional AI tools and digital editing were needed to produce Hailey in subsequent visuals. It was also hard to make Hailey sound Singaporean.
Kenny
Interviewed Hailey
Vivian
Created her visual identity
This story was published in the Jan-Feb 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
