Curious about ChatGPT? I sure was

I don’t think I’ll be losing my content creation job anytime soon.

In fact, I’m convinced of it.

Since ChatGPT and all the other AI languages have exploded, I’ve been asked many times whether I believe things will change for writers.

My answer hasn’t changed much in the weeks since I’ve been playing around with it.

It’s a powerful tool, and if used correctly it can cut down on research time, help with writer’s block, and generate talking points, but it’s no substitute for writing with personality, humor, and charm.

I’ve tested it with a variety of research questions. For blog post headline ideas. Asked it to look at copy from my website. Write jokes, tell stories, and come up with class outlines to use in my content coaching classes.

I’ve used a suggestion made here and there.

Mostly, I’ve read about it; I’ve particularly enjoyed case studies of conversations gone awry, and misinformation shared by an increasing list of journalists.

Tonight, I had one of those.

I was starting a blog for a client about the value of using essential oils in the bath, and needed to paint a bathtime story to open with. I considered using the woman in the old commercials saying, “Calgon, take me away.” And then asked ChatGPT to identify some iconic movie bath scenes.

She reminded me of the Julia Roberts/Pretty Woman scene and I got excited. 

She quoted me the line, "I want a bath. I wanna go in the tub."

Well, Pretty Woman is on my short list of movies I’ve watched again and again, and I did not remember that line. But since I also don’t remember what I had for lunch, I watched the scene on YouTube. 

Line wasn’t there. 

I searched for it in every way I could, and couldn’t find it.

This was one of those AI fails. 

She gave me bad information!

So, I called her on it. 

She didn’t argue. She simply backed down.

I was floored.

But I sure learned a lesson.

BELIEVE NOTHING you get from these bots.

I do that anyway, well taught by tough, gruff Jonathan Klarfeld in his City Room class at Boston University’s J-school.  

But this is my PSA for those of you tempted to ask and run.

I’ll have a lot more to say about AI in the future, I’m sure, as it progresses and as the world learns responsible, non-plagiaristic ways to incorporate the spirit of it without--what I truly believe can be-- stealing and cheating. 

Have you played around with any of the AI tools? What do you think? What kind of questions have you gotten the best response to? Have you had a case of misinformation yourself? I’d love to hear a bit about your experience.