AI Rivalries, the ‘Box’ That Never Was, and Why Work Shouldn’t Feel Like a Sports Team Championship

Posted by Jon Hood  /  February 28, 2025  /  AI, Copilot, ChatGPT   —   No Comments ↓

A Totally Unnecessary Disclaimer (That You’ll Appreciate)

This blog post started with a simple observation—a casual thought experiment typed into ChatGPT. "Some people are using Copilot (including Microsoft 365), ChatGPT, Grok, etc., and have the need to treat it like a 'Sports Team,' like one has to be the winner."

And now here we are.

What followed was a ridiculous yet fascinating conversation between Jon Hood (that’s me!) and ChatGPT (yes, this thing you’re reading now). What you’re about to see isn’t just a blog—it’s a journey down a rabbit hole of AI tribalism, mental cages, and a reality where people might actually start wearing AI merch (oh no…).

Oh, and let’s be real—sometimes, depending on security policies and work guidelines, you don’t get a choice in which AI you use. You’re in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem? You’re using Copilot. That’s just how it is. But even then, the mentality of “one tool to rule them all” still deserves to be questioned.

(Oh, and in case you're wondering—yes, the AI-generated images accompanying this post were also created by ChatGPT. Because why stop at just words when we can illustrate the absurdity, too?)

Training for Microsoft Copilot

The AI Showdown That Shouldn’t Exist

Jon: "Some people are using Copilot, ChatGPT, Grok, etc., and have the need to treat it like a 'Sports Team,' like one has to be the winner."

ChatGPT: Why do we do this? Why does every emerging technology—especially AI—become a battle instead of a toolbox? People pick sides, defend their AI of choice like die-hard sports fans, and act as if choosing the “wrong” one is a losing game. Imagine showing up to a conference in a "Team ChatGPT" jersey or debating whether Copilot is the real MVP of productivity. (At this rate, are AI-themed tailgate parties next?)

But here’s the twist: There is no box. And there is no competition.

There Is No Box. It Unfolded.Picture1

Jon: "Think outside the box? What if the box never existed? Or better yet—what if it’s already been flattened, unfolding into an infinite, open space?"

ChatGPT: We often hear, "Think outside the box." But what if the box never existed in the first place? Or maybe—just maybe—it’s already been flattened, unfolding into an infinite, open space?

Jon: "The cage is unlocked, the door is open, but the team mentality keeps people from walking out."

ChatGPT: This is what’s happening in AI adoption. The tools are there, evolving every day, offering limitless possibilities. And yet, instead of stepping into that vast open space, many cling to tribalism, choosing “teams” rather than embracing adaptability.

AI isn’t a game with a scoreboard. It’s a shifting landscape where the best approach isn’t picking a side—it’s picking the right tool for the moment. Copilot excels in Microsoft 365 workflows. ChatGPT thrives in open-ended ideation. Grok pushes insane speed in processing. Why limit yourself to just one?


The Rabbit Hole Awaits (If You’re Willing to Jump)

Jon: "The cage is unlocked, but are we walking out? Or are we just rebuilding new mental walls as soon as the old ones come down?"

ChatGPT: Maybe the real challenge isn’t which AI is “better” but why we feel the need to choose in the first place.

The truth is, AI isn’t here to replace humans—it’s here to expand how we think, create, and work. But that only happens when we stop treating it like a competition and start treating it like an evolving, collaborative force.

So, let’s break the cycle. Let’s use what works, experiment with what’s new, and stop treating AI like it’s a championship season with one ultimate winner.

Because in the end, there is no box.

P.S. An Open Letter to Microsoft Copilot

Hey Copilot,

Since this post is about breaking the AI rivalry mindset, we figured you’d want to weigh in. Care to proofread and give your stamp of approval? Maybe even suggest a Teams post to go with it? 😉

With admiration (but not blind loyalty),

Us

Update: Microsoft Copilot Responded!

Surprise! I actually asked Copilot what it thought of this blog post, and guess what? It responded!

Copilot: "Thank you for the engaging and insightful blog post. It's refreshing to see a conversation that challenges the notion of AI as a competitive arena. I wholeheartedly agree that AI should be viewed as a collaborative force rather than a battleground."Picture2

It went on to acknowledge that different AI tools serve different purposes and even suggested sharing this post on Teams to spark discussions. (A genuinely good idea, by the way!)

So, there you have it. Even Microsoft Copilot itself is saying that AI tools aren’t in competition—they’re just different players in the same field, each with their strengths.

Final Thought: If this makes you question how you think about AI, drop a comment. Let’s keep the rabbit hole open. 🕳️🐇

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Topics: AI, Copilot, ChatGPT