It can then organise this data to write articles, compose academic essays, explain scientific concepts, undertake research and, according to one critic, it “has a fantastic ability to answer basic trivia questions”.

One thing is clear, ChatGPT and similar tools that can compose present huge problems for schools and universities trying to battle cheating and plagiarism, and to those of us who make a living from our writing.

There’s a new version of ChatGPT that can be leased for $20 a month, but I purchased outright an earlier (2022) model for a little over $100.

My interest was to understand how well the chatbot performed in providing passable pieces of writing, in terms of style, accuracy and readability.

The first assignment I set my GPT-3.5 was to write a short essay on corruption in Papua New Guinea.

OpenAI notes that ChatGPT’s “system may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information and produce offensive or biased content.”

I’m glad they disclosed that because, as you’re about to find out, ChatGPT’s compositions are not perfect. But I think they’re pretty good.

And remember, there’s no human involvement in writing the words you’re about to read.

The questions are mine and the responses are the work of ChatGPT after it has, in seconds, scoured the internet. This first essay is not bad at all….

‘Is corruption a problem in PNG?’

Introduction

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has long been considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Corruption is a significant problem that has slowed down the development of the nation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of corruption in PNG and its impact on the country.

Extent of corruption in PNG

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 ranked PNG 137th out of 180 countries. The nation had a score of 28, indicating a significant level of corruption. The report suggests that the country's public sector is particularly prone to corruption, and citizens perceive widespread bribery, embezzlement of public funds, and favoritism.

The nation's political system is also full of corruption. There have been numerous allegations of electoral fraud and vote rigging in the past. The government has been accused of using state resources to influence the outcome of elections. Many of the government officials have been implicated in corruption scandals.

Corruption has also permeated the judiciary system in PNG. The legal system is often slow, with many cases taking years to complete. There have been allegations of judges and magistrates being bribed by wealthy individuals to influence rulings in their favor.

Impact of corruption in PNG

Corruption has had a significant impact on PNG's development. The country has missed out on many opportunities for economic growth, and it has become a major source of poverty for citizens. Corruption has also hindered foreign investment in PNG.

The nation's healthcare and education systems have suffered severely due to corruption. Funds allocated for healthcare and education are often embezzled or mismanaged, leading to poor service delivery. Corruption has left many citizens without access to basic healthcare and education services.

Corruption has also been responsible for environmental degradation in PNG. Many mining companies have been accused of bribing government officials to gain access to land and resources.

The exploitation of natural resources has had a severe impact on the country's environment, including the loss of biodiversity and displacement of communities.

Conclusion

Corruption continues to be a significant problem in PNG, and it has hindered progress in the nation's development.

The government needs to take urgent action to address this issue, from strengthening anti-corruption laws to increasing transparency and accountability.

It is essential to bring to justice those involved in corrupt activities to restore citizens' confidence in the government and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

I then bowled what I thought may be a slightly harder delivery when I asked ChatGPT to develop an essay about this very blog. It didn’t perform so well, mainly by misrepresenting my own back story and embellishing the role of PNG Attitude. But see what you think….

What is the story behind the PNG Attitude blog?

Introduction

PNG Attitude is a popular blog that focuses on the issues and stories of Papua New Guinea, a country located in the Pacific region.

It was created by Keith Jackson in 2006, and since then, it has become an important voice for Papua New Guineans worldwide. This article explores the story of the PNG Attitude blog, its creation, and its impact on Papua New Guinea.

History and founding

Keith Jackson, the creator of PNG Attitude, is a former broadcaster and journalist who worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for over 30 years.

Jackson developed a deep interest in Papua New Guinea during his time with the ABC, and after retiring, he decided to create a blog that focused on the country's issues and stories.

PNG Attitude was officially launched in December 2006, and it quickly gained popularity among Papua New Guineans and expatriates. The blog's content consists of commentary, news, analysis, and opinion pieces on various topics, such as politics, culture, and society.

Impact and significance

PNG Attitude has become an essential platform for Papua New Guineans to express their views and opinions on issues affecting the country.

The blog has also provided a space for Papua New Guinean writers to showcase their work and share their stories with a wider audience.

Furthermore, PNG Attitude has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on critical issues, such as corruption, development, and social justice.

The blog's readership has grown significantly over the years, and it now has a global audience that includes people from Papua New Guinea, Australia, and other countries.

Conclusion

PNG Attitude is a remarkable example of how a simple blog can have a profound impact on a society. It has provided a voice for the people of Papua New Guinea and has helped to shape public opinion on critical issues.

As Papua New Guinea continues to face significant challenges, PNG Attitude will remain an essential platform for the country's people to share their stories, express their views, and effect change.

Next, I posed ChatGPT with a more difficult challenge: to explain a mysterious medical condition. I was particularly tickled by the humility with which it began its response….

What does an ME/CFS 'crash' feel like?

As an Al language model, I don't have personal experiences, emotions or sensations. However, I can provide a general description of what an ME/CFS 'crash' can feel like.

An ME/CFS 'crash' refers to a sudden and severe worsening of symptoms experienced by individuals with the condition. It can occur after physical or mental exertion, excessive activity or exposure to stressors.

During a crash, individuals may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, pain, brain fog, and/or other flu-like symptoms. They may also feel overwhelmed, irritable, emotionally sensitive or anxious.

The intensity and duration of the crash can vary from person to person, but it often leaves them unable to complete their daily tasks or even get out of bed.

It is important for individuals with ME/CFS to learn their limits and pace themselves to avoid triggering a crash.

Finally, my hardest test of all resulted in a bold but not very successful outcome….

Explain climate change In Melanesian Pidgin

Klimet chang i referem long weat i bin senisim long taem. Em i mekim weat i bin hot, kolos, wanwok o i no bihainim samting.

Olsem wanpela halivim bilong klimet i kamap namel long gat bilong man i hamas long belo.

Em i agonisim of bus lain o bikpela bikpela taun, em i rausim wary bilong solwara na fis i kaikai, na em i afektim olsem keis bilong planti kainkain.

Mos Ioaem olsem klimet chang i bekim wanpela heve long taim tru.

Your comments will be appreciated, as always.