Synthetic Intelligence is taking on the world. The most recent era of instruments and chatbots open up unimaginable alternatives for improved productiveness and automation. For some — together with myself — it’s type of unnerving how good these machines have gotten. And the way pervasive AI output is changing into in all types of digital content material.
Lower than two years in the past, ChatGPT (developed by OpenAI) began the AI increase. For a tech geek, it’s extremely enjoyable to mess around with the chat interface. Having conversations, asking questions, and actually seeing what machine studying can do. There’s a sure nuance required, to craft excellent prompts that lead to genuinely helpful responses. And one has to know the restrictions of the software program and the occasional clunkiness of its solutions.
So I puzzled… May we use ChatGPT to lastly settle some nice Jersey debates, as soon as and for all? You understand, these questions that each one New Jerseyans have an opinion about and struggle about usually. (In fact, these points typically discover a dwelling on our radio station’s airwaves.)
Listed here are the AI overlord’s opinions on some basic NJ arguments. Notice: ChatGPT typically prefers to be indecisive and wishy-washy, so I attempted to mould the prompts to pressure it to provide a particular reply with particular reasoning. I’m additionally paraphrasing some responses, edited for brevity and readability not for content material. I can even present my very own notes and commentary (“DZ”) as acceptable.
Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham?
(Photograph: Getty Photos, istockphoto)
ChatGPT: Within the nice New Jersey debate over the correct time period for the state’s beloved breakfast meat, the definitive reply is “Taylor Ham.” This time period not solely displays the product’s historic roots, named after John Taylor who created it in 1856, but additionally resonates strongly with the cultural id of North Jersey, the place the time period is broadly used. Whereas “Pork Roll” could be the generic time period for comparable merchandise, “Taylor Ham” holds a particular, cherished place within the hearts of many New Jerseyans. It’s greater than only a identify; it’s a convention that has been handed down via generations, a culinary icon that represents the distinctive character and wealthy historical past of the Backyard State.
DZ: Wow, a scorching take proper out of the gate. (And completely mistaken, in my private opinion.) The machine admits that “Taylor” is the model and “pork roll” is the product. However goes with the North Jersey reply in any case. I am shocked! (And appalled!)
Which is the worst highway in New Jersey?
ChatGPT: New Jersey is thought for its intensive freeway system, however a number of highways stand out as notably difficult for drivers. Listed here are a few of the worst highways within the Backyard State:
1. New Jersey Turnpike (I-95): Identified for heavy site visitors congestion, notably round main metropolitan areas like Newark and Jersey Metropolis. The Turnpike additionally experiences frequent development and accidents, including to the frustration of commuters.
2. Backyard State Parkway: A significant north-south route that may change into extraordinarily congested, particularly throughout peak journey occasions and summer time weekends when beachgoers head to the shore. The slim lanes and quite a few toll cubicles additional complicate journey.
3. Route 22: This freeway is infamous for its complicated site visitors patterns, quite a few site visitors lights, and dangerous jughandles. The dense focus of companies and procuring facilities alongside Route 22 results in frequent stop-and-go site visitors and excessive accident charges.
4. Route 1: Operating via central New Jersey, Route 1 is stricken by heavy site visitors and a plethora of site visitors alerts. The freeway’s outdated design, with frequent merges and exits, makes it one of many extra irritating roads for drivers.
5. Route 287: Serving as a serious connector between New York and Pennsylvania, Route 287 sees heavy truck site visitors and frequent congestion, notably round interchanges with different main highways. Building initiatives and weather-related points typically exacerbate delays.
DZ: Whereas the reasoning is sound, the inclusion of the Turnpike and Parkway as #1 and #2 appears overblown. I believe quite a lot of NJ commuters would argue Route 3, Route 46, and even Route 9 belong on the record. (Personally, I’m glad my private hellscape Route 22 made the minimize.)
Does Central Jersey exist?
Twitter: GovMurphy
ChatGPT: Central Jersey completely exists. This area is characterised by its personal distinct cultural and geographical id, bridging the hole between North and South Jersey. Cities like Princeton, New Brunswick, and Trenton showcase a singular mix of city and suburban environments, educational hubs, and historic landmarks which are distinct from the influences of New York Metropolis to the north and Philadelphia to the south. Central Jersey additionally options its personal distinctive landscapes, such because the scenic Delaware River cities and the expansive farmlands of Somerset County, additional solidifying its standing as a definite and integral a part of the Backyard State.
DZ: For this one, I didn’t “pressure” ChatGPT to choose a facet, simply to investigate the query. And take a look at that first sentence, declaring that Central Jersey “completely” is a factor. Increase, mic dropped.
Who’re the highest 5 most well-known individuals to hail from NJ?
Frank Sinatra
ChatGPT: Listed here are the highest 5 most well-known individuals to hail from New Jersey, showcasing the state’s wealthy cultural and historic affect:
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Bruce Springsteen
3. Whitney Houston
4. Thomas Edison
5. Meryl Streep
DZ: Properly, three of the highest 5 have a relaxation cease named after them on the Parkway or Turnpike — clearly the very best honor our state can bestow on somebody. Bruce reportedly declined such star therapy, however clearly belongs on this record. However Meryl Streep is an attention-grabbing inclusion. I might have thought Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Nicholson, Grover Cleveland, or Buzz Aldrin can be a more sensible choice. I assume ChatGPT actually favored Sophie’s Alternative?
Which is the very best county in NJ to stay?
Michael Symons/Townsquare Media NJ
ChatGPT: The perfect county to stay in New Jersey is commonly thought of to be Somerset County. Identified for its top quality of life, Somerset gives an ideal mix of suburban tranquility and concrete comfort. The county boasts top-rated public faculties, making it best for households. Its proximity to main cities like New York and Philadelphia supplies ample job alternatives whereas permitting residents to get pleasure from a extra relaxed, community-focused life-style. Somerset can be wealthy in parks and leisure areas, such because the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, providing loads of out of doors actions. Moreover, the realm’s numerous eating and cultural choices, mixed with a powerful sense of neighborhood, make Somerset County the premier selection for a lot of New Jersey residents.
DZ: Once more, a definitive and divisive reply. I prefer it.
Ought to the state’s nickname “The Backyard State” be modified?
New Jersey the backyard State, view of license plates in a flower backyard
ChatGPT: New Jersey’s nickname, “The Backyard State,” is certainly acceptable, reflecting its wealthy agricultural historical past and the abundance of farms, gardens, and inexperienced areas all through the state. Nonetheless, if we had been to think about contemporary options that seize different elements of New Jersey’s numerous id, listed below are 5 recommendations:
1. The Crossroads State
2. The Shoreline State
3. The Innovation State
4. The Historic State
5. The Numerous State
DZ: This is the place AI falters, when creativity is concerned. Sure, I particularly requested it for recommendations of potential new state nicknames. However they’re all fairly horrible and unremarkable.
Are taxes in NJ actually that unhealthy?
(Google Maps/Canva)
ChatGPT: New Jersey is commonly cited as having a few of the highest taxes in the US, which may considerably impression its affordability. New Jersey persistently ranks on the prime for the very best property taxes within the nation. The common efficient property tax charge is round 2.2%, in comparison with the nationwide common of about 1.1%. New Jersey additionally has a progressive earnings tax system with charges starting from 1.4% to 10.75%. Whereas the highest charge is likely one of the highest within the nation, it solely impacts excessive earners. Nonetheless, even middle-income residents can discover the state earnings tax to be comparatively excessive in comparison with states with no earnings tax like Florida or Texas. The state gross sales tax charge in New Jersey is 6.625%, which is barely above the nationwide median. Nonetheless, many requirements corresponding to groceries, clothes, and prescribed drugs are exempt from gross sales tax, which might help mitigate the general tax burden for residents. On the flip facet, New Jersey’s tax burden could be seen as a mirrored image of the worth residents place on high quality of life and neighborhood facilities. Whereas excessive, these taxes fund essential companies that contribute to creating New Jersey a fascinating place to stay, work, and lift a household.
DZ: This response is a conglomeration of a number of solutions ChatGPT gave, probing completely different elements of New Jersey’s tax system. The gist is fairly clear although: We pay lots. And ChatGPT, which is a machine and subsequently doesn’t pay taxes, appears to be gloating about it.
Are seashore badge charges honest?
Barnegat Mild seashore badges
ChatGPT: Seashore badge charges in New Jersey are a sensible strategy to fund the upkeep and maintenance of the state’s common seashores. These charges straight assist important companies corresponding to lifeguards, sanitation, and seashore replenishment, guaranteeing a secure and clear surroundings for all guests. Whereas some might argue that entry to public land ought to be free, the income generated from seashore badges helps preserve excessive requirements of security and cleanliness, benefiting each residents and vacationers. This user-pays system ensures that those that use the seashores contribute to their preservation, making it a good and efficient methodology to cowl beach-related bills.
DZ: You might not like paying to go to public seashores, however this rationalization completely summarizes the philosophy of each NJ coastal neighborhood that sells seashore badges.
Are New Jersey drivers actually that unhealthy?
An irritated younger man driving a car is expressing his highway rage.
ChatGPT: The status of New Jersey drivers as being notoriously aggressive could also be exaggerated, but it surely’s rooted within the distinctive challenges they face. With one of many densest populations within the U.S., New Jersey’s roads are sometimes congested, resulting in aggravating driving situations. The state’s complicated community of highways, jughandles, and roundabouts requires a excessive stage of ability and assertiveness. In comparison with states with extra simple highway techniques, this may give the impression of aggressive driving. Nonetheless, information exhibits that New Jersey drivers are not any extra accident-prone than their counterparts in different densely populated areas, corresponding to New York or California. Thus, whereas New Jersey drivers could seem extra assertive, it is largely a response to the demanding driving surroundings relatively than an indicator of poor driving habits.
DZ: You hear that? We’re not aggressive. We’re assertive!
What’s so nice concerning the Backyard State?
Remember to assist native enterprise
ChatGPT: New Jersey, referred to as the Backyard State, has lots to supply that makes it an ideal place to stay and go to. These elements contribute to the enchantment of New Jersey, making it a state with a wealthy mix of pure magnificence, cultural variety, historic significance, and trendy conveniences. Listed here are some highlights:
1. Numerous Landscapes
2. Proximity to Main Cities
3. Wealthy Historical past
4. Cultural Range
5. Schooling and Innovation
6. Nice Meals
7. Leisure and Sports activities
8. Pure Magnificence and Out of doors Actions
DZ: Nothing to argue about there. ChatGPT loves New Jersey!
POP QUIZ: Are you able to guess these NJ landmarks from Google Earth pictures?
Gallery Credit score: Dan Zarrow
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Take a look at Dan’s climate weblog or observe him on Fb in your newest climate forecast updates.
LOOK: Listed here are the 25 greatest locations to stay in New Jersey
On the record, there is a strong mixture of choices from nice faculties and nightlife to excessive walkability and public parks. Some areas have loved fast development because of new companies transferring to the realm, whereas others supply glimpses into space historical past with well-preserved structure and museums. Hold studying to see in case your hometown made the record.
