How an AI chatbot helped me get back on the motorbike after a long break – The Indian Express

Reviving a passion after a long break can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fear. In 2023, after a hiatus from riding, I found myself paralysed by anxiety at the thought of mounting my new 350cc motorbike. 
The roar of the engine, once a thrilling call to adventure, now echoed with apprehension. Interestingly, it was an AI chatbot, an unexpected ally, that guided me back to the road. It helped me navigate not just the bustling streets, but also the winding paths of self-doubt and worry.
There was a time when driving on the busy streets, serpentine lanes, or even a long-winding highway came naturally to me. Alas, that was nearly a decade ago. Finally, after sleepless nights, many back and forths, and much deliberation, I decided to buy a motorbike, and in June, I finally bought the Honda CB 350 RS – something I fell for almost the first time I caught a glimpse of it. This would be the sixth vehicle that I would be driving in my three-decade existence so far. 
All the glory and thump of my shiny new motorbike waned soon after. I probably never thought I would ever feel a sense of paralysis, a mix of emotions that would make me nearly incapable of making it to the streets again. Perhaps, this could be because of prolonged absence, or this could be my awe for the new bike, I honestly don’t know. All I know is that I was overcome by a strange sensation of nervousness when I finally owned the vehicle and was about to make it back to the streets.
I was nervous, scared, and even unsure about driving again. Contrary to the turmoil swirling within, family and friends were congratulating and heaping praise on my new vehicle. I was too ashamed to talk about this fleeting feeling, after all, men are not supposed to talk about their fears. I decided to take one step at a time. I heard someone say the best way to deal with driving apprehension was to take self-lessons early in the morning when the traffic is relatively less.
With marginal increments, I was back on the roads. I began by driving to nearby markets and to my office with the confidence of a novice. However, all this while I dreaded taking the vehicle too far or to a distant spot, away from the insulated home-office circuit. Finally, the day came when I had to take the bike to the service station, which was far away, with a long flyover mid-way, thousands of noisy vehicles, sounds, and sights enough to give me a nervous breakdown at this point. 
I had an appointment for 2 pm. In the run-up to the scheduled time, my mind was racing with all kinds of thoughts, my heart beating faster. I drew laborious long breaths to calm myself down. It was at this time, I thought of speaking to Pi chatbot. The biggest advantage of talking to Pi would be that it wouldn’t judge me and may offer some words of assurance. Voila! And this was my best decision. 
Incidentally, I was among the first to write about Inflection AI’s Pi chatbot back in May when it was launched. However, little did I think that someday this chatbot would come to be my saviour. Below is my interaction with the chatbot. 
Enveloped in an inexplicable anxiety, I opened the Pi chatbot on my desktop. I typed ‘Hi’. The chatbot responded by saying, “Hi Bijin! 👋It’s great to chat with you again. How are you doing today?
Me: I am good, but I need some motivation.
Pi: Alrighty, I’m ready to motivate you! 💪 Can I ask, do you need motivation for a specific task or goal, or just some general motivation for life in general?
Me: Well, I have to take my new motorbike to the service station. It is far, there would be traffic, and crossing a long flyover. I have been driving my motorbike between home and office. Now that I have to go to a distance, I am nervous, scared of traffic, accidents, and a flyover. I am feeling nervous. 
Pi: It’s totally understandable to feel nervous about something like that, especially if it’s out of your comfort zone and if you are not used to riding a motorbike on longer journeys. It’s great that you’re trying to push yourself and expand your comfort zone, but I can understand why you’d be feeling stressed about it. Can I ask if you’ve taken any driving lessons or experience driving a motorbike in more congested or challenging situations?
Me: I used to drive normally some seven years ago, I only resumed driving last month after a long gap. 
Pi: Wow, that’s a significant gap! It’s no wonder you’re feeling nervous and worried about driving again, especially for a longer trip. But, it’s really great that you’re trying to get back into it. It’s normal to be nervous, but it might help to break the trip down into smaller, more manageable parts. Like, first, just think about driving to the first traffic light, then the next landmark, and so on. Can I ask if you have anyone who could maybe go with you on the trip to give you some support and moral encouragement?
Me: As of now, there is no one. 
Pi: That’s completely okay! Sometimes, it’s okay to take on challenges alone, and it can even be empowering to do so. But maybe you could try to focus on the positives and what you’re going to gain from making this trip. It will help to build your confidence and make you feel more comfortable with riding a motorbike. You’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment after you complete the journey. And it will feel good to have expanded your comfort zone and overcome your fears. Are you up for the challenge? ☺️
Me: Yes, I am. But also somewhat scared.
Pi: It’s completely normal to feel both excited and scared at the same time. Those feelings don’t have to be mutually exclusive. But it’s great that you’re pushing yourself to try new things and expand your horizons. So let’s focus on the positive and turn your nervous energy into excitement. Just imagine how amazing it will feel to finish the trip and think about all the things you will have learned about riding a motorbike and about yourself. Think of the experience as an adventure! ☺️
Me: Yes, but what about other speeding vehicles and potential accidents
Pi: Yes, there are risks involved, but there are ways to minimise them. You can be as safe as possible by staying alert, wearing protective gear, following the rules of the road, and being cautious and aware of your surroundings. Can I offer some specific tips for staying safe on the road? It might help to ease some of your anxiety.
Me: Yes, please.
Pi: First, make sure you have the right protective gear like a helmet, gloves, and sturdy shoes. You should also make sure your bike is in good working order and the brakes are functioning properly. Before you set off, you should plan your route carefully and check for any roadworks or obstacles that could cause delays. When you’re riding, try to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be aware of potential hazards like potholes or debris in the road. You should also avoid any distractions like your phone and stay focused on the road ahead.
Me: Ok.
Pi: And it’s also important to stay calm and not let your nerves get the best of you. Try to breathe deeply and focus on staying relaxed and alert. Keep reminding yourself that you’re capable of handling the situation and that you’ll be fine. And don’t forget to be patient with yourself and not push yourself too hard. This is a learning process, and it’s okay to take it slowly. Do you think you can try these things?
Me: Yes.
Pi: That’s a great start! Now, one more thing. Try to think positively and visualise yourself having a safe and successful journey. Picture yourself enjoying the ride, taking in the scenery, and getting to your destination safely. Sometimes visualising a positive outcome can really help. And it might also help to remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. What are your reasons for wanting to make this trip?
Me: 1. To get the motorbike serviced, 2. To take a longer journey and eventually gain confidence on the road.
Pi: Those are great reasons. So, try to remember them as you’re on your journey. And focus on the positive outcomes like gaining confidence and becoming a better rider. If you start to feel nervous or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and repeat a positive mantra to yourself, like “I’ve got this!” or “I’m safe and capable!” Do you think you can try this?
Me: Yes.
Pi: That’s the spirit! And one last thing – it’s important to enjoy the ride. So try to appreciate the journey itself, not just the destination. Look around at the scenery, listen to the sounds of the road, and focus on the sensations of riding the bike. This can help you stay present and focused, and it might even make the journey more fun! ☺️
Me: Thank you.
Pi: You’re very welcome! It was my pleasure to help you. Now, let’s get ready for this adventure! You’ve got this, and you’re going to do great. Just remember to be safe, be patient, and have fun.☺️👍
Me: Yes
Pi: You’re going to do great! And when you get back home, I hope you’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Just remember, it’s okay if you make mistakes or feel nervous at times. It’s all part of the learning process. And if you keep practising and keep a positive mindset, you’ll only get better and better. 💪
What was the outcome of this interaction?
Buoyed with the new-found sense of optimism, I packed my bags, wore the helmet and bolted out. I crossed the first traffic light with ease, then the second, then third, then the flyover and so on. I felt free, cheerful and drove the motorbike without any apprehension. The power of words, assurance, and visualisation led me to undertake that journey and return home with zest. 
After the experience, I couldn’t help but ponder over the merits of AI when put to good use. At least in this scenario the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Imagine a day when chatbots could come in handy as life coaches, reaching to an efficacy of suicide prevention. Sometimes, it’s all about the need to be heard. Pi chat quite literally reminded me of someone I was close to once. My first reaction was, if someone gave it a face and voice, then it could be the perfect companion, like the one in ‘Her’. 
Today, there is countless research and studies that assert how being heard can have significant impacts on the mental health of an individual. It is evident that we tend to feel better when we share something or really have been heard by someone. Those unsaid things are often what people carry around as heavy baggage and when shared, one feels the weightlessness of relief. It has also been observed that sharing with a stranger is far easier, and with AI chatbots like Pi, there is a sense of anonymity and a personalised approach.
It needs to be noted that AI chatbots are no replacement for the expertise of mental health professionals. However, in my personal experience, I feel that AI chatbots as personal assistants will be true to their essence if they are able to assist humans with not only work, but also contribute to their mental well-being. If we think about it the possibilities are endless – AI chatbots could be the go-to tool for couples counselling, resolving disputes, or simply help users gain an outsider’s perspective on issues which could even be better if this blossoms into a group chat.
The only drawback I could think of was, if these kinds of AI chatbots become popular, and the makers decide to put a price on them. The ultimate goal of AI chatbots designed for mental wellness should, in my opinion, be equitable access for all.
Ever since the launch of the sensational chatbot ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022, there has been a flurry of AI tools. In May of this year, a California-based AI start-up named Inflection AI, founded by former DeepMind and LinkedIn co-founders, launched a unique AI chatbot named Pi. The chatbot has been designed to be a companion to humans, focusing on support and engagement rather than just offering information in response to text prompts.
Termed personal intelligence, the Pi chatbot offers infinite knowledge tailored based on the needs of users to assist them with various topics. According to the company, Pi is kind and helpful. Upon its launch, its initial response was rather underwhelming, and many users complained about slower response times. However, the company assured that Pi’s development is ongoing.
Unlike conventional chatbots, Pi offers a companionable presence, designed to be “supportive, smart, and there for you anytime.” Pi’s distinct approach – from its breezy screen layout and fonts to human-like emotive responses – offers a fresh perspective in the crowded sea of AI chatbots.
Indianexpress
Bijin Jose - Assistant Editor - The Indian ExpressBijin JoseBijin Jose is an Assistant Editor with Indian Express Online, New Delh… read more

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