I didn’t write the following two sentences:

Not Exactly Retired embodies a lifestyle of continued engagement and purpose, blending leisure with meaningful activities. It emphasizes pursuing passions, maintaining social connections, and embracing new adventures while enjoying flexibility and freedom.

ChatGPT wrote this when I asked it to describe what it means to be “not exactly retired.” 

I’d been hearing a lot about ChatGPT, the world’s most popular artificial intelligence (AI) tool, and wanted to try it, as more than 180 million users have before me. I tested it by asking it to rewrite parts of my latest posts.

My most recent post, for example, updated classic rock songs to humorously mock aging listeners. I asked ChatGPT to do the same thing and got this among its responses:

“The Sound of Silence”
Hello wrinkles, my old friends,
I’ve come to cringe at you again.
Because a vision softly creeping,
Shows the years that I’m not keeping.
And the laughter of youth, it fades away,
What can I say?
It’s the sound of silence.

My previous post described our trip to Nova Scotia. I asked ChatGPT to describe the trip but didn’t tell it any details about our itinerary. Here’s what it guessed:

My Nova Scotia trip was unforgettable! I explored Halifax’s vibrant waterfront, marveled at Peggy’s Cove’s iconic lighthouse, drove the breathtaking Cabot Trail, hiked in Cape Breton Highlands, and indulged in delicious seafood and local wines. Stunning landscapes and warm hospitality everywhere!

Every word of that description is accurate, not to mention clearly written, albeit without a verb in the final sentence.

One of my other recent posts described how my home town of Durham, N.C., is a great destination for retiree travelers. Here’s what ChatGPT produced in two seconds:

Durham, NC, is perfect for retirees seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. Visit the stunning Sarah P. Duke Gardens for serene walks, explore the Nasher Museum of Art for inspiring exhibits, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the historic Tobacco Road. With mild weather, friendly locals, and diverse dining options, Durham offers a fulfilling getaway for every traveler.

Once again, that’s scarily accurate and close to what I wrote myself, although its reference to “the historic Tobacco Road” is slightly off. “Tobacco Road” generally means our region of the North Carolina Piedmont. Durham does have a Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, which overlooks the Durham Bulls ballpark, but ChatGPT’s phrasing is wrong.

In an effort to stump ChatGPT, I tried one last challenge. Back in May, I posted about the school we’re helping to build in a remote Himalayan village, to which readers of this blog have contributed generously. (We still need and welcome donations.) I asked ChatGPT to explain why the school is so important:

A new school in Samalbung, Nepal, is essential to address the growing educational needs of the community. Current facilities are often overcrowded and under-resourced, limiting access to quality education. A new school would provide modern classrooms, improved learning materials, and better support for teachers.

This answer felt generic, which didn’t surprise me. Little information about Samalbung exists online. ChatGPT’s answer also includes phrases such as “modern classrooms” that stretch reality. However, it’s basically on target. ChatGPT presumably analyzed why schools are important to developing areas generally and applied that conclusion to Samalbung. Its answer is accurate enough to convince a casual reader.

These examples illustrate both the incredible power of AI and its creepy potential to mimic or distort reality. I hadn’t fully grasped this prior to trying it myself. As someone whose career was based on writing, I’m glad I retired before my livelihood was threatened by artificial intelligence, although I recognize that AI can also enhance journalism and other fields. 

ChatGPT currently receives more than 3 billion monthly website visits. If you haven’t tried it or another AI tool yet, I encourage you to see for yourself what they can do. Like me, you may be simultaneously awed, amused and alarmed.

Since I’ve just spent an entire post critiquing ChatGPT, it’s only fair for me to now close by turning the table and giving it a chance to review me. Here’s what it said:

David Jarmul’s popularity as a travel and retirement blogger comes from his engaging storytelling, practical tips, and relatable experiences. He effectively connects with readers seeking adventure and lifestyle advice, inspiring them to embrace new journeys and enjoy fulfilling retirements.

Wait, did I say ChatGPT has the creepy potential to distort reality? Sorry. I was only kidding. I probably didn’t even write that myself.