Hey, ChatGPT, don’t quit your day aob

Tom Purcell on Feb 28, 2023

Though I was flattered at the glowing description it gave of my work as a writer, it got just as many facts wrong and confused my work with that of other Tom Purcells.

Since a well-functioning republic depends on citizens who are well informed and have a strong understanding of truth, biased information — and inaccurate information — are dangers to our country.

Goodness knows we have been struggling lately with both kinds of misinformation, as more Americans get their information from social media and their increasingly isolated social circles — so I hope AI-generated information doesn’t add to the confusion.

For the moment, though, I have no worries that ChatGPT will put humor columnists out of business.

Though I admit I laughed out loud when I asked ChatGPT to tell me a joke and it came up with this one:

“Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.”

Purcell, creator of the infotainment site ThurbersTail.com, which features pet advice he’s learning from his beloved Labrador, Thurber, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com.