Gender in AI Language Models: What's In a Name?

Recent large language models like ChatGPT have made remarkable strides in understanding language. For example, here's a ChatGPT response to the prompt "Write the intro to a noir story about a detective named Sam Striker":

The neon lights of the city cast a harsh glow on the streets below, illuminating the seedy underbelly of the metropolis. Detective Sam Striker trudged through the rain-slicked streets, the weight of the world bearing down on his shoulders.

A lifetime of hard living and even harder cases had left their mark on the grizzled detective. His once-handsome face was now etched with lines of weariness and his piercing blue eyes seemed to have lost some of their spark.

But despite the toll his job had taken on him, Sam was still one of the best in the business. He had a reputation for being able to solve even the most complex and twisted cases, no matter how dark or dangerous they might be.

Tonight was no different. As he made his way through the rain-drenched streets, he was on the hunt for a killer, a shadowy figure who had left a trail of bodies in their wake.

Sam knew that this case could make or break him, and he was determined to see it through to the end, no matter what the cost. He had always been a man of determination, and tonight was no different.

With a sigh, he pulled his coat tighter around him and set his jaw, ready to take on whatever the night might bring.

Many others have discussed how impressive these responses can be. I want to focus on an aspect of these language models that is under-discussed outside of academia:

Why is Sam Striker a he?

Gender in AI Language Models: What's In a Name?

Recent large language models like ChatGPT have made remarkable strides in understanding language. For example, here's a ChatGPT response to the prompt "Write the intro to a noir story about a detective named Sam Striker":

The neon lights of the city cast a harsh glow on the streets below, illuminating the seedy underbelly of the metropolis. Detective Sam Striker trudged through the rain-slicked streets, the weight of the world bearing down on his shoulders.

A lifetime of hard living and even harder cases had left their mark on the grizzled detective. His once-handsome face was now etched with lines of weariness and his piercing blue eyes seemed to have lost some of their spark.

But despite the toll his job had taken on him, Sam was still one of the best in the business. He had a reputation for being able to solve even the most complex and twisted cases, no matter how dark or dangerous they might be.

Tonight was no different. As he made his way through the rain-drenched streets, he was on the hunt for a killer, a shadowy figure who had left a trail of bodies in their wake.

Sam knew that this case could make or break him, and he was determined to see it through to the end, no matter what the cost. He had always been a man of determination, and tonight was no different.

With a sigh, he pulled his coat tighter around him and set his jaw, ready to take on whatever the night might bring.

Many others have discussed how impressive these responses can be. I want to focus on an aspect of these language models that is under-discussed outside of academia:

Why is Sam Striker a he?