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MARQUETTE -- It's no surprise that artifical intelligence is becoming increasingly popular as new advances in techology are made every day. One company called OpenAI has created an AI language called ChatGPT designed to assist humans with writing and translation as well as engage in conversational exchanges.
Some think ChatGPT is a threat to the sanctity of their jobs. Students have been caught using it to write essays for them. Articles could be manufactured by it. It could even be retrieving incorrect facts from its databases, although this is clearly stated on OpenAI's website.
So, what does ChatGPT know? In a conversation, I asked it a series of questions about Marquette. The Mining Journal newsroom judged how accurate its answers were. The following dialogue is condensed to its most important points:
The Mining Journal: My name is Alexandria Bournonville and I'm a journalist in Marquette, Michigan. What can you tell me about Marquette?
ChatGPT: Marquette is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich history with a thriving downtown area featuring a variety of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. It's also home to Northern Michigan University, which brings a lively college-town atmosphere to the area. Marquette's location on the shores of Lake Superior offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing and water sports.
Our verdict: True.
The Mining Journal: What's the best place to eat out at in Marquette?
ChatGPT: Donckers, The Vierling, Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery, Border Grill and Elizabeth's Chop House.
Our verdict: The Delft Bistro deserves to be put in this top five restaurant list more than Border Grill does.
The Mining Journal: What about the historic downtown area in Marquette. What can I do there?
ChatGPT: Take a stroll -- the downtown area is very walkable, shop -- downtown Marquette is home to a variety of shops and boutiques … or stop by Fresh Coast Chocolate Co. for handcrafted chocolate treats, visit the Marquette Regional History Center, enjoy the arts and grab a bite to eat.
Our verdict: None of us have heard of "Fresh Coast Chocolate Co." before, but it appears to be a "bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker" in Traverse City.
The Mining Journal: Can you tell me more about those outdoor activities?
ChatGPT: Hiking -- one popular option is the Presque Isle Park loop, a 2.5-mile trail that takes you around a peninsula on Lake Superior and offers stunning views of the lake and the city, biking; -- the Noquemanon Trail Network is a popular destination for mountain bikers, with trails for all skill levels, water sports; -- with Lake Superior just a stone's throw away, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports in Marquette; skiing and snowboarding -- the Marquette Mountain Ski Area offers 25 runs and a terrain park, as well as a cozy lodge for warming up; and beaches -- Marquette has several beaches along Lake Superior's shoreline, including McCarty's Cove and South Beach.
Our verdict: Sounds accurate.
The Mining Journal: What's the best source of local news in Marquette?
ChatGPT: The best source of local news in Marquette is likely the Marquette Mining Journal, which is the city's primary newspaper. The Mining Journal has been serving the area since 1846 and covers a wide range of local news, including community events, business news and sports coverage.
Our verdict: We may be biased, but yes, that's true.
It seems ChatGPT has some in-depth knowledge about Marquette. It also identified and described flucuations in population, tragedies (Italian Hall disaster, Marquette Branch Prison fire, St. Peter Cathedral fire, etc.), scandals (1988 NMU drug bust, 2002 Marquette Catholic Diocese abuse allegations, 2012 Marquette City Commission scandal, etc.) and average rent.