In a message to Ocala-News.com, a reader who asked Artificial Intelligence “what to do in Ocala” says he received a less-than-stellar response.
In his message, the reader was not only critical of the response from AI, but was also critical of the broader entertainment landscape in Ocala, citing a lack of variety for someone who is “20 years of age.”
Addressing a reader’s concerns about finding age-appropriate entertainment in Ocala reveals a broader challenge: showcasing the city’s diverse attractions beyond the usual suspects. While some venues may not cater to every taste, Ocala is brimming with alternatives that merit attention.
The Ocala National Forest offers an escape into nature with its springs and trails, perfect for adventurers of all ages. For cultural enthusiasts, the Appleton Museum of Art and the Ocala Civic Theatre provide a dose of art and drama, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Ocala’s dining scene offers a taste of local flavors, challenging the notion of limited dining options.
Historical sites like Fort King National Historic Park offer educational and leisure opportunities, connecting visitors with the city’s rich past.
Sholom Park, Silver Springs State Park, Tuscawilla Park, and several other green spaces offer serene landscapes for relaxation and exploration, while the Santos Trailhead provides miles of biking trails for the more active visitor.
Everything you just read after “20 years of age” was written by an AI.
After we received our reader’s message, we decided to ask AI the same question through a different lens.
We told ChatGPT, which is a language model developed by OpenAI to generate human-like text responses, about the letter from our reader and asked how it might respond on behalf of a news organization that’s interested in sharing everyone’s opinions, despite how critical they may be. And then we asked it how we could approach a conversation:
Do you think you can develop a story about things to do in Ocala that takes this reader’s opinion into account?
ChatGPT responded with a first draft. We asked more questions and made tweaks, and it responded with a second draft. Four drafts later, ChatGPT provided the response that we included above, nearly word for word:
When we asked ChatGPT to continue providing recommendations for places to eat, enjoy nightlife, catch a movie, or otherwise be entertained, the AI recommended the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, the Ocala Drive-In, Easy Street by Funworks, and multiple restaurants, among other activities.
What it didn’t mention is that in the last several years, Ocala got its first smash room, another escape room, and a bevy of new clubs, bars, and restaurants.
ChatGPT also failed to recognize the spattering of events hosted in the city regularly, including Light Up Ocala, the Ocala Arts Festival, and King of the Wing, which returns later this month.
As we continue to navigate the wealth of experiences Ocala has to offer, we invite our readers to share their discoveries and favorite spots. By doing so, we can collectively enrich our community’s narrative, celebrating the variety and vibrancy that make Ocala a unique place to call home. (This last paragraph was also written by ChapGPT).Â