Turing Test for Climbers

With the growing sophistication of programmable machines, we thought it would be fun to come up with a climbing-based Turing Test.

Originally proposed by Alan Turing in 1949 as the “imitation game,” the Turing Test aims to determine if a machine can exhibit intelligent behavior that is indistinguishable from a human. The test involves a human evaluator who analyzes text-based natural language exchanges between a human and a machine. The machine is considered to have passed the test if the evaluator cannot consistently identify it. Crucially, the evaluation focuses on the human-like nature of the machine’s responses, not just their accuracy. 

Given the simple prompt “I love climbing because __________?” Carrot, High-Clip, Coach Max, and a Generative AI have used about 200 words to convince you, dear reader, that they are not the machine.  

So, if you’re willing to play, then you’ll be our human evaluator in a test to see if you can determine which of the following is a silicone-based response, and which are the product of good old-fashioned carbon-based intelligentsia!

#1

I love climbing because it is a full body and mental workout. I love climbing because it is a way to get away from everybody while still being with everybody. I love climbing because it is a reset for your mind but a reward for your body. I love climbing because it is for everybody and anybody. I love climbing because it is one of the few sports that has no age limit or restriction. I love climbing because it teaches life lessons and keeps you accountable. I love climbing because the environment that climbing gyms give.  They are supportive to everybody and not judgmental about how good or experienced people are. I love climbing because it is never the same routes when I go in to climb with the route-setters changing routes around the gym every week. I love climbing because there’s no pressure to do all the hard routes or be an advanced climber. I love climbing because you can always learn something new. I love climbing because you can go outside and inside to rock climb. I love climbing because I can climb by myself or with other people. I just love climbing from the mental and physical workout I get from it to the community I get to be around each time I go into the gym! 

#2

I love climbing because, (*inhales*) I love climbing because climbing forces you to live in the moment.  Climbing forces you to be present and intentional.  When climbing, every worry, concern, and intrusive thought vanishes.  For a moment, the blink of an eye, an instant, it’s just you and the rock.  One distraction at the wrong time and it’s a reintroduction to the power of gravity.  I love climbing because it connects me to nature.  It’s one thing to see rocks, it’s quite another to feel rocks.  To feel the jagged edges, the warmth absorbed from the sun, the breeze from high off the ground, to feel the textured rock earned by millions of years of erosion, to experience a landscape from a perspective unavailable to anyone else in the world is a reminder that we are not distinct from nature, but rather part of it.  Putting your life in the hands of your partner, your gear, and the rock is exhilarating.  I love that climbing makes me feel alive and that it’s a constant reminder about the difference between living and dying.  I love climbing because it offers shared experiences thus connecting us not only to nature, but also one another.  And finally, sometimes, I love climbing just because.

#3

I love climbing because it’s this incredible blend of physical exertion and mental focus! There’s a unique satisfaction in figuring out a sequence of moves, feeling your muscles engage and strain, and then finally sticking that crux hold. It’s like solving a three-dimensional puzzle with your body. Up on the wall, everything else fades away. The noise of the world disappears, and it’s just you, the rock, and the next handhold. That intense concentration is almost meditative. And then there’s the community – the shared struggles, the beta spraying, the cheers when someone sends! It’s a supportive and passionate group of people who understand that pull towards the vertical. Plus, let’s be honest, the views from the top aren’t bad either! That feeling of accomplishment, of having pushed yourself both physically and mentally to reach a summit, is truly addictive. It’s a constant challenge, a continuous learning experience, and a deep connection with both the natural world and a fantastic group of humans.

#4

Let’s be clear: I don’t always love climbing, but when I love climbing, it is because it makes everything else quiet. There comes a point where you just can’t worry about the rest of your life. Every muscle has to be engaged, and you have to be planning 3 steps ahead. That’s just it. Maybe it’s stressful, but at the same time, maybe it’s the only time you can escape stress. At any rate, even if the climbing is so-so, you usually still win because of the community. Everybody is welcome, and everyone is friends. What else could you really want?

Furthermore, I love the access that climbing provides. There are only so many places you can hike to. Sometimes, climbing is the only way to the top, or the only way to reach another destination. So, in that sense, I appreciate how much more I can see and do because I can climb. Plus, learning all the safety techniques, I feel safer in the outdoors, even if I’m not technically climbing. I feel like I can handle a variety of situations that may come up, and it’s nice to have that security.

Lastly, even if I plateau sometimes, climbing is a good measure of personal growth. You can get physically stronger, mentally stronger, etc. Sometimes I think back to my first day on the wall, and even though that was a while ago, I have come quite a long way, and I’m proud of that.

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Alright, three humans and a bot. Can you spot the bot? We’re guessing that you’ll be able to, but would love for you to post your best guesses below (1-4).