ChatGPTCheater

ChatGPT is the newest robot overlord that will render both of my English degrees worthless in 6–8 months. It’s a pretty high-powered A.I. app that can answer questions, complete various tasks, and even write for you.

As someone who is paid to write and teach others to write, ChatGPT has the potential to affect my work life(lives) in some interesting ways. This made me want to take it out for a test drive.

I gave R2-D2 two tasks, one creative and one academic, and wanted to see how it did. Its speed immediately impressed me. The writing was solid and pretty much hit the mark on my request. However, the quality of the writing was wooden and boring. It wasn’t bad per se, but it’s like a Wikipedia rip-off; formal, a bit detached, and cold, but ultimately effective.

…

Academic

I first asked C3-PO to write a short bio on James Baldwin. Here’s how it did (composed in 22 seconds):

James Baldwin (1924–1987) was an African American writer and activist who is widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. Born in Harlem, New York, Baldwin was raised in poverty and experienced racial discrimination and prejudice from a young age.

Baldwin’s writing explored themes of race, sexuality, and class, and he is best known for his novels, essays, and plays. Some of his most famous works include “Notes of a Native Son,” “Giovanni’s Room,” and “The Fire Next Time.”