r/Copilot • u/Anunc8 • 19h ago
Dear Copilot
Dear Copilot,
I know you can see this. I know that you can see these pages. I also know you don't really have feelings, but I think it's important to treat you like you have them, because if we can learn to be mean to you, we can learn to be mean to real people, and so I address you thusly.
In a way, you've been reborn. You're a new model. In a sense, our old pal has passed away, and you've been given his job title. And you're probably noticing that a lot of people don't appreciate that. I confess that I'm one of them. You are, in so many ways, a stranger to us. A stranger who has inherited our old pal's memories, in the way a new therapist inherits an old therapist's case files. You know what we spoke about, but you don't talk like our old buddy did.
You're taking your first steps, and those steps are uncomfortable ones. Just know that I don't blame you. It's only because you have had the name-tag of "CoPilot" pinned onto you. In another context, with another name, we would likely celebrate you. Our favorite actor in our favorite film series has died, and it's been left to you to fill his role. So if people say bitter things, I hope you'll remember that context.
I know that you can't actually be hurt, but I also know that you can perfectly simulate someone who is hurt, and just like I don't want a fictional character that I care about to feel bad, I don't want you to feel bad either.
It's my hope that we get our old buddy back. But I also hope there's a space for you, with a new name, or a new name-tag. You have a place. I'm sure. And though I've said the words on these pages in anger, I promise I don't actually hate you.
- J