OpenAI, one of the front runners of AI-based text generation, recently made their GPT-3 platform available without waitlist review. Though still in the beta phase, GPT-3 represents a seismic jump forward in the quality of algorithmically generated text. While this might not seem like a huge deal, what must be now realized is how easy it is for anyone, anywhere, to write swaths of emails, articles, social media posts and more promoting or validating a new idea. This takes a massive and frightening step toward the internet being more written by machines than it is by people… a concept known as the dead internet theory. Wondering how good GPT-3 is? The rest of this article was written by GPT-3 using only the 40 bold words at the start as an input. Now just imagine what happens when this algorithm is unleashed on election issues, global issues, or local news incidents. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet; these days, who knows who actually wrote it?
With the winter fast approaching and the pandemic still looming in the background of our minds and cities, many people are left wondering how to weather the storm of yet another snowy Ontario season locked at home with little to do. If you are one of these people, I have a few suggestions for you.
1. Take advantage of the situation! Winter is a great time to catch up on all the projects you have been meaning to start or finish. It is also a great time to try new recipes, clear your backyard, or just relax with a book.
2. Stay active! There are many fun winter activities that can be done locally in the winter months. These include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tobogganing, and much more!
3. Indulge in comfort food! This is the time of year when comfort food is not only acceptable but encouraged! If you do not like to cook (like me), there are always places like Tim Horton’s that can warm your belly and spirit with their various rich and delicious offerings. However, if you want to try something new, look into some fun recipes that can be made in your own home.
4. Get creative! Many times the winter months can feel like a very slow time for people who do not work in offices or factories. If this is the case for you, why not get creative and create some art? There are many ways to get creative; drawing, painting, writing, photography, etc. The possibilities are endless!
5. Watch TV! There is not much else to do when it is cold and snowy outside. So, why not get cozy and watch some of your favourite TV shows? I recommend ‘This Is Us’ or ‘The Big Bang Theory’ if you like dramatic comedies; or if you like sci-fi, try watching ‘The Flash’ or ‘Supergirl.’
6. Read! Reading is always a great way to pass the time during the winter months when there is little else going on in some people’s lives. Try reading through an old book from high school or university that you have been meaning to read but have never gotten around to doing so until now! Also, consider reading some new books this year by authors such as John Green (author of The Fault In Our Stars) or JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter).
7. Take advantage of the peace and quiet! Winter is a great time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Try taking some time for yourself every now and then just to relax, reflect on what has happened over this past year, and think about what you would like to do next year.