Artificial Intelligence (AI) is computer-generated intelligence that can perform tasks which, up to now, have required humans. There has been a lot of talk recently about a new chatbot (that’s a ‘chat robot’, or some kind of computer software or app … or something!) – Chat GPT - that will write anything you want in the number of words that you want. Is this a challenge for all those who write for the Barrow Voice? I decided to put Chat GPT to the test.
I asked for 200 words about Barrow upon Soar and this is what it gave me:
“Barrow upon Soar is a picturesque town located in Leicestershire, England. It is situated on the banks of the River Soar and is known for its beautiful countryside and charming architecture. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to Roman times and the name ‘Barrow’ is derived from the Old English word ‘beorg’ meaning hill or mound.
“Barrow upon Soar is a thriving community with a range of local amenities including hops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The town also has several schools, including Barrow upon Soar Primary School, St. Winefride’s Catholic Primary School and John Storer House. One of the town’s notable attractions is St James’ Church, a historic Anglican church dating back to the 13th century with beautiful stained-glass windows, medieval wall paintings and a 15th century oak screen. “Surrounded by stunning countryside, the River Soar runs through the town providing opportunities for fishing, boating and other water-based activities. The town is also close to several nature reserves and country parks including Beacon Hill Country Park, Charnwood Forest and Bradgate Park, offering a chance for visitors to escape to the peaceful English countryside.
“Barrow upon Soar is a great place to live, work and play. Its peaceful atmosphere and friendly community make it a perfect location for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax or a bustling community filled with activities, Barrow upon Soar is the perfect destination.”
Hmm … students in Barrow who may have been thinking of using ChatGPT to write their essays, may like to think again!
You can also ask it to write in a particular style. For fun, I asked for something about Barrow written in the style of Shakespeare:
“Barrow upon Soar, a fair town in Leicester’s shire,
Where the River Soar doth gently flow,
With streets of brick and homes of stone,
And fields of green that gently groan.
Oh, the beauty of this place doth inspire,
With its quaint church and market square,
And the ancient bridge that doth span the river fair,
Where the townsfolk come to stroll and repair ….”
And so it goes on for several more lines.
I asked for something in the style of Jane Austen. You could waste a whole Sunday afternoon on this, which I did in the name of research for you, dear reader… But I quite liked this paragraph from a rather long text:
“The villagers are known for their warm hospitality and cordial manners, with social events and festivities being a regular occurrence in the local assembly rooms.
Young ladies of good breeding and eligible gentlemen gather here to dance and converse, creating an atmosphere of gaiety and merriment”.
It doesn’t seem quite ready to take over from a real human person!
Karisa Krcmar