Abstract

Reading is facing a new phase in the civilization of digital technology. This study examines the anticipated changes in reading with the emergence of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model. ChatGPT, which enables conversation such as information exchange and opinion sharing, has the ability to implement the idea of “conversation with the author” that has been considered in reading. To explore this potential, this study analyzes the differences between ChatGPT and human capabilities and data processing methods and diagnoses whether interactions between ChatGPT and humans can occur in the field of reading by considering the characteristics of ChatGPTʼs responses. Through attempts to engage in conversations about classic works involving informational knowledge, emotional empathy, and logical judgment, ChatGPT is observed to generate content by combining falsehood and creativity, as well as unfamiliarity and universality. Although its responses are based on data-driven associative connectivity, it can help questioners understand their emotions through conversations and provide assistance by offering new ideas and perspectives. To derive the joy of reading and broaden horizons through conversations with ChatGPT, the active role and ability of humans to initiate and guide conversations become even more important, with the assumption of reading the original text as a prerequisite. Understanding the characteristics of ChatGPT and the prominent features that emerge from conversations as identified in this study will enable more productive reading using ChatGPT.