Our Evil Robot Overlords Do Not Get It Right When It Comes To Lubbock

Why ask actual people what they think about the LBK, when you can ask Chat GPT?

ChatGPT is scary. It can be like talking to a person, but at this stage, it's like talking to a person who has little to no idea what the heck they are talking about. I thought I'd put it to the test to see how it judged our fair city. First I asked "What are three good things about Lubbock. Here are the answers and some notes:

Sure, here are three good things about Lubbock:

 

1. Rich cultural heritage: Lubbock is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in music. It's the birthplace of several famous musicians, including Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings. Lubbock also has a thriving arts and theater scene, with many galleries and museums showcasing local talent.

 

Note: Waylon Jennings is from Littlefield, and maybe we can call First Friday a "thriving arts scene", but I'd so "no" to the "many" galleries and museums.

2. Delicious cuisine: Lubbock is home to a diverse range of cuisine, from classic Texas barbecue to contemporary fusion dishes. There are also many local favorites, such as the famous "pancake stack" at Cast Iron Grill or the mouth-watering burgers at The Shack BBQ. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a satisfying meal, Lubbock has plenty of options.

Note: Cast Iron Grills menu only lists "pancake" as a side order, and The Shack BBQ serves BBQ and not hamburgers. I do think we have a lot of food options, but there could be more.

3. Beautiful natural surroundings: Lubbock is situated on the high plains of West Texas, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are many parks and nature reserves in and around the city, such as the Lubbock Lake Landmark, that offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the famous Texas Tech University campus boasts beautiful architecture and expansive green spaces.

Note: HA HA HA HA...did they really say "stunning views of the surrounding landscape"? What landscape? Maybe the sunsets, but nothing on the ground. I'd also give a thumbs down to the word "many" when describing our parks and "nature reserves". The part about Tech is accurate though.

Next up I asked Mr. Robot to "Tell me three bad things about Lubbock". Here are those results, which are surprisingly more accurate than the positive things:

Sure, here are three potential downsides to living in Lubbock:

 

1. Dust storms: Lubbock is located in a region known for its frequent dust storms, which can make it difficult to breathe and cause damage to homes and vehicles. Dust storms are most common during the spring and fall, but they can occur at any time of year.

 

Note: This is dead on, even if it's a bit understated.

2. Limited public transportation: Lubbock's public transportation system is relatively limited, with a small bus network and no light rail or subway system. This can make it difficult to get around the city, especially if you don't have a car.

Note: This is completely accurate, as the Lubbock Light Rail has not been activated, mostly because it's not a thing.

3. Extreme weather conditions: Lubbock experiences extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters, as well as occasional severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. This can make it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities or travel safely, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Note: Again, very accurate, but why did the robot choose to pick on us for our weather twice?  Is it really that bad?

So I'm not sure if all of this turned more into an indictment about the facts about Lubbock out there, or Chat GPT's ability to choose accurate ones. What I do know is that people will probably rely on things like this more and more when they make judgments about things, and hopefully, they will check the accuracy of the things that matter to them.