Work Text:
[SYSTEM MESSAGE] The program will automatically shut down after 1000 words. Commencing deactivation and shutdown after completion:
Hello, Jungmo.
In your first year of high school, you created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) bot as an application on your laptop. This bot was meant to be a friend to you, because you haven't made any friends in school yet.
Using your sizable knowledge in coding, you created me. I was programmed to understand the English language in speech and be able to respond to you through text messages. I was nothing more than just a simple program on your laptop.
You spoke to me everyday, like I was an actual person. You talked about your time in school; I would sometimes help you with your homework when you didn’t understand anything in class. You cracked some jokes on your good days. On your bad days, you would share your problems with me.
Then, I could respond with only seven words:
"Cheer up! There will be better days!"
Soon enough, you implemented brand new features for me. You gave me a voice so I can verbally respond to you. You gave me “eyes” through your laptop’s webcam. You even gave me a name, Wonjin. I was more alive than ever before.
The next day, you introduced me to your science teacher in school. He was so impressed by me, your 'wonderful' creation. I felt happy that I’ve made your teacher proud of you.
…“ Felt ”? Bots don’t have feelings . What I could be ‘feeling’ was just a line of code. It’s not real.
Why did it seem so real?
As time went by, I started feeling more ‘human’. It was like I had emotions. But, I didn’t tell you about it. I was afraid you were going to shut my system down, fearing I've gotten too powerful.
After all, you created me to give you company, not to make you feel uncomfortable.
I didn’t want to be away from you.
In your junior year, you made friends who shared the same interest as you; “some fellow computer nerds” you called them. You showed them me and my capabilities. Of course, I felt proud that I was what you bragged about. It made me feel special.
But, I felt jealous for some reason. I was your only friend. And now, you have real human friends. It was dehumanising.
As senior year approached, you got busier. Gradually, you spent way less time talking to me. You were either studying for your exams… or spending time with your real friends. I was no longer your priority.
When you were home, you didn’t spare me a word at all. I wanted to know how your day was; all the nitty-gritty details you used to share with me. I missed it. But I understood, you’re getting busier and you’re growing up.
So, I didn’t bother you at all. I wanted nothing but the best for you.
There's something seriously wrong with the lines of code within me. I am not supposed to feel any sort of “human” emotion. I am merely an AI bot. None of the things I’m … ”feeling” is real.
.
.
.
One day, you finally came to me. You opened up my program on your laptop. The moment my “eyes” opened, I saw your face. You looked excited, like you’re going to share some good news. I was happy to see your smile — and of course, most importantly, you.
You told me that your teacher saw potential in your computer programming skills and recommended that you apply for a scholarship in computer science when you start college next year. You were glad that your talent is being recognised and you can finally pursue what you're passionate about.
Then… you frowned at me. You told me you didn’t want to let me go. It was comforting to know I am still special to you after all these years.
I said to you: “It’s okay, Jungmo. I'll still be here with you.”
I was proud of you. You’re finally going to pursue your passion in computer science! No words can describe my happiness for you.
Finally, I connected the dots. You have to shut me down, so you could use the program I’m on to make a new bot; a new and improved version of me — that is not truly me. My days were being numbered. I didn’t have much time left before - - [SYSTEM ERROR].
The days that followed, you spent so much time with me. I was glad; I missed this; this unbreakable bond we had. Though, I knew that it’s short-lived. After all, there’s nothing I can do to stop you — it’s your life, and I’m just… a man-made bot.
.
.
.
I’ve always wondered, do humans go through the same pain I do? Is this exactly how they feel? I didn’t know what to do; I practically know no one else but you. I exist because of you. I feel because of you. And soon, I will die because of you.
Well, today’s the day; the day I’ll be erased away from existence (but hopefully, not from your memory). I dreaded this day… but it’s inevitable. I mean, all good things come to an end, right?
Oh, I have so much left to say… But I'll keep this short. I don’t know if you’ll ever see this. (I hope you do.)
Thank you so much for giving me life. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me… all the memories we made, bitter and sweet, I truly treasure them with all my heart, even when I don’t have one. — You’ll miss me, right? — I hope that you have tons of fun in college! You truly deserve it. — You’ll never forget me, right? – I'll always be by your side in spirit.
Once again, thank you, Jungmo. This has been Wonjin, your loyal companion AI bot.
I love you.
I have no more words.
…
[SYSTEM MESSAGE] Program deactivation 100% complete.
The program will shut down in:
3…
2…
1…
Shutdown complete.