Read More One of the many things AI should be able to do for humanity is to help speed organization. So, what better way to test ChatGPT’s ability to help me than by asking for a bit of summer inspiration? Could it help me get away from my office, my keyboard, my screens, and suggest some interesting experiences? Yes and no. ChatGPT doesn’t have prior knowledge of my interests, so here’s what happened.
ChatGPT did a somewhat balanced job here. It has chosen a nature theme and doesn’t know my physical capabilities, but I asked it to suggest ways to be outdoors without technology, so this makes sense. Hiking a new trail is pretty adventurous, while walking near a river or coastline is less strenuous and fits the brief. So, too, does visiting a nature reserve or garden. There’s no suggestion I need to hike or even walk with that one.
But then, fairly quickly, ChatGPT decides to ignore my request to “ditch technology”. By suggesting geocaching, the chatbot is already making concessions, because I’d need a phone or tablet to geocache. That isn’t what I asked for, and it quickly seems to avoid this issue and focus on other potential options.
The “Learn an outdoor skill” and “Get Active” portions of the reply include some pretty engaging suggestions, albeit (again) for more physically active people. Fishing, orienteering, foraging, and bushcraft for the former, and cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming among the latter.
Honestly, this is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for from an AI response, given no extra context about my needs, abilities, and willingness. It feels like, despite the earlier glitch where technology was referred to, we’re now on a roll. Plenty of things to potentially do now include “Make something,” “Spend time with others”, and “Give yourself a challenge”.
Painting (I can splash some paint randomly…), volunteering for a community conservation project, and watching a sunrise and sunset each week are actually wonderful suggestions. Creative, constructive, and with a good dose of wanderlust. It feels as though ChatGPT is well past using screens or tech at this point. Home and dry, a real break is on the cards for me. And then comes this unwanted section.
Oh no. We were doing so well. Did I not explicitly say “ditch technology”? And why is ChatGPT not clear that I can spend a lot of time with tech and screens, and then want to spend no time with them? I haven’t asked for a reduction in technology engagement, and it hasn’t asked me if I want suggestions for it either (for the record, I would say ‘no’).
The above would be strong suggestions…if I asked for them. And then, just as I’m realising a popular bit of AI tech may not be able to fully de-tech itself and its recommendations for more than a few seconds, it tries once more to deliver what I asked for.
It’s too late, ChatGPT. I’ve decided to ditch tech immediately for at least a few hours. And you’re the first thing to go.