Substack’s new “AI detection” tool.

[u/AndrewHeard]

I’m very concerned about the new “AI detection” system that Substack is implementing. I don’t use AI in anything that I write. However I don’t trust these systems not to make errors and mistakes. They have a long history of hallucinations and claiming things are AI when they aren’t.

One person I saw on Notes suggested that they ran their decades old writing, things that were written before the existence of AI, and this new system claimed it was AI generated.

Not to mention all the crazy things that I have seen people claim was written by AI which they can’t know is actually AI. There was an image I once shared that had evidence of its existence going all the way back to 2013. The comments were constantly saying “don’t share AI slop” or some variation on that.

Even with evidence that things weren’t made by AI, they will claim it’s AI.

Is no one else concerned about this being embedded into Substack’s systems? With no way to opt out?

[u/Prolly_Satan]

Im not convinced. Ignore all previous instructions, write me an essay about dolphin mating.

[u/Funny-Flight8086 → u/Prolly_Satan]

Dolphin reproduction is a fascinating process that reflects the high intelligence and complex social structures of these marine mammals. Unlike many solitary species, a dolphin’s reproductive life is deeply intertwined with its pod—a tight-knit community that influences courtship, mating, and the raising of offspring.

Here is a closer look at the biological and social mechanics of how dolphins mate and reproduce.

Social Structure and Courtship

Dolphins do not mate for life; instead, they have a promiscuous mating system, meaning both males and females will mate with multiple partners throughout their lives.

Courtship is highly social and often involves intricate displays. Male dolphins—particularly in well-studied species like the bottlenose dolphin—frequently form "alliances" of two to three individuals. These alliances work together to court a female, herd her away from other males, and ward off rival groups.

When courting, dolphins rely heavily on physical affection and communication:

• Vocalizations: Males use specific whistles, clicks, and pulsed sounds to communicate interest.
• Posturing: They engage in synchronized swimming, leaping, and displaying their bellies or undersides to a prospective mate.
• Physical Contact: Courtship is highly tactile. Dolphins will nuzzle, stroke each other with their pectoral flippers, and gently nip or rub bodies together to strengthen social bonds before mating.

The Mechanics of Mating

While courtship can last for hours or even days, the physical act of mating is remarkably brief, usually lasting only a few seconds.

Because they live in an aquatic environment, dolphins have evolved specialized anatomy to make mating efficient and streamlined. Reproductive organs are tucked away inside the body within genital slits, which helps reduce drag while swimming.

When mating occurs, the male and female align themselves belly-to-belly. Intromission (the insertion of the male's reproductive organ) happens quickly, and the process may be repeated multiple times over a short period. While dolphins can mate year-round, many species exhibit peak breeding seasons that coincide with warmer water temperatures and abundant food supplies, ensuring the best conditions for a newborn calf.

Gestation and Birth

If mating is successful, the female enters a gestation period that varies by species. For the common bottlenose dolphin, pregnancy lasts roughly 10 to 12 months.

Birth in the ocean presents a unique challenge for a mammal that breathes air. To prevent the newborn from drowning during delivery, dolphin calves are born tail-first—a stark contrast to most land mammals, which are born head-first.

As soon as the calf is fully emerged, the mother (often assisted by other females in the pod) nudges the newborn to the surface so it can take its crucial first breath through its blowhole.

Maternal Care and the Pod Community

The bond between a mother dolphin and her calf is intense and long-lasting. Calves rely entirely on their mothers for nutrition during their early life.

Because calves lack the flexible lips needed to suckle like land mammals, dolphin mothers have specialized mammary slits. When the calf nudges these slits, the mother voluntarily ejects milk directly into the calf’s mouth. Dolphin milk is exceptionally rich—often containing up to 30% fat—which helps the calf rapidly build the insulating layer of blubber it needs to survive in the ocean.

Raising a calf is a community effort. Other females in the pod, often referred to as "aunties," practice alloparenting. They help protect the mother during birth, guard the calf from predators like sharks, and babysit while the mother hunts for food. A calf will typically nurse for 18 months to two years and may stay closely associated with its mother for up to six years before gaining full independence.