By now, everyone’s probably using (or at least heard of) ChatGPT, this new AI chatbot that’s a hundred times more personable than Google. It hit a million users in under 3 days, and its user base is growing fast simply because it can answer almost any question you may have. People have asked it everything from complex coding to pop culture and even gotten it to write essays and poetry in the styles of Kurt Vonnegut and Snoop Dog.
While its language processing is excellent, it’s still a bit out of date or inaccurate when it comes to certain facts. Check out the “Hipster Guide to Tiong Bahru”, as written by ChatGPT. Those of you in the know will realise that some things are amiss…
Hipster Guide to Tiong Bahru (by ChatGPT)
Tiong Bahru is a trendy neighborhood in Singapore that is known for its quaint shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant art scene. Here is a hipster guide to exploring this vibrant neighborhood:
1. Start your day at Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre, a local institution that offers a wide variety of delicious street food. Try the iconic chicken rice and don’t forget to grab a cold beer to wash it down. (Editor’s note: Tiong Bahru Market is actually more famous for its other dishes, like its chwee kueh and lor me, evident in their long queues)
2. Head over to BooksActually, an independent bookstore that specialises in rare and unique titles. Browse the shelves and discover new authors, or pick up a local zine to support the vibrant DIY community. (Editor’s note: BooksActually closed its physical shop last year, and now operates entirely online)
3. Take a stroll down Tiong Bahru Road and visit some of the neighbourhood’s best shops and boutiques. Look for vintage clothes at Haji Lane, or browse through the unique homewares at The General Company. (Editor’s note: Haji Lane is in the Arab Street enclave, and The General Company – which doesn’t do homewares – is in the Jalan Besar district. Both are hipster, but are nowhere near Tiong Bahru.)
4. Stop by the Tiong Bahru Bakery for a delicious pastry or sandwich. The bakery is famous for its croissants and bread, and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee.
5. Finish your day with a trip to the Tiong Bahru Estate, a historic housing complex that has been transformed into a hub for local artists and creatives. Visit the Tiong Bahru Art Studio to see some of the neighborhood’s best artwork, or grab a drink at the Poetry Library to hear some live music. (Editor’s Note: Is there a Tiong Bahru Art Studio? It may be referring to Gillman Barracks, which is an artists’ enclave where you can grab a drink and hear some live music. Again, nowhere near Tiong Bahru.)
Whether you’re looking for great food, unique shopping, or a vibrant arts scene, Tiong Bahru has something for everyone. So come and explore this trendy neighbourhood and discover why it’s a favourite among Singapore’s hipster crowd.
The verdict…
Does ChatGPT – and AI in general – prove to be a threat to journalists (and basically everyone with a desk job)? Perhaps, but the more worrying thing is that we could potentially be looking at the birth of an actual SkyNet.
