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All of Bob’s columns are archived here and well worth reading.
By BOB CHAREST, Why You Should Care NH
I’ve known for a long time that if I want to have an intelligent conversation with someone, I don’t sign on to Facebook. I gave up on that puppy years ago.
Little did I expect that if I want straight answers, I need not go to another human, but why not try a machine?
Just for kicks, I signed on to the ChatGPT site. The clearest explanation of what this is, I found on a website, probably generated by ChatGPT:
ChatGPT is a large language model that uses artificial intelligence to hold text conversations with users that can feel natural, as if you were asking someone questions.
So what’s a journalist to do? I tried it.
Here are the five questions I asked, and ChatGPT’s answers.
Why would I subscribe to a newspaper?
Stay informed: Newspapers offer comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international news, providing readers with a thorough understanding of important issues.
Trustworthy source: Newspapers frequently employ professional journalists with years of experience covering stories, ensuring that the news you read is unbiased and accurate.
Exclusive content: Newspapers often publish exclusive stories, interviews, profiles, and other content that you won’t find anywhere else.
Convenient: Newspapers are available both in print and online, so you can always access the news wherever you are, at any time.
Community connection: Local newspapers report on events and issues that are important to your community, helping you understand the people and places around you.
Special sections: Newspapers often provide special sections with topics such as entertainment, recipes, sports, weather, and more.
Time-saving: Reading a newspaper saves time by consolidating news stories and updates into one source, eliminating the need to search multiple websites or read various blogs.
Support journalism: By subscribing to a newspaper, you can support high-quality journalism and investigative reporting, helping to promote and strengthen democracy.
Are newspapers going to go extinct?
As an AI language model, I cannot predict the future of the newspaper industry. However, the decline of the newspaper industry is a global trend, with many newspapers struggling to adapt to the digital age and facing challenges such as declining advertising revenue and changing consumer habits. Some traditional print media outlets have shifted their focus to digital platforms, while others have developed subscription models to generate revenue. The future of the newspaper industry remains uncertain, but it is clear that industry players must continue to innovate and adapt to survive.
What could happen in New Hampshire if newspapers do go extinct?
As an AI language model, I do not have personal feelings, opinions, or knowledge on current events, but I can provide some possible effects that the extinction of newspapers could have on New Hampshire based on data and research.
Lack of Local News Coverage: Newspapers are important sources of local news, events, and information. Without them, people in New Hampshire may not have a reliable source for local news. They may have to rely on social media, which may not be a trustworthy source of information.
Decline in Journalism Jobs: If newspapers go extinct, journalism jobs in New Hampshire could also decline. This would affect the local economy and job market.
Loss of Historical Records: Newspapers are important historical records that document important events, milestones, and moments in time. Without them, important historical and cultural events in New Hampshire could be lost.
Digital Divide: If newspapers go extinct, people who lack access to digital communication technologies, such as the internet, may lose access to important news and information. This could create a digital divide between those who are digitally connected and those who are not.
Rise of Fake News: The extinction of newspapers could create more opportunities for fake news to spread. Without reliable news sources, people in New Hampshire may be more vulnerable to fake news and misinformation.
Are online news websites trustworthy in New Hampshire?
As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions. However, in general, online news websites can vary in terms of their reliability and trustworthiness. It is important to consider the source of the news, the credibility of the authors and journalists, and the editorial policies and practices of the website. It may be helpful to compare multiple sources and fact-check information before accepting it as true. In New Hampshire, some online news websites that have gained a reputation for being reliable include NHPR, WMUR, Union Leader, and Concord Monitor, among others.
Is InDepthNH.org considered trustworthy?
As an AI language model, I cannot determine the trustworthiness of a website with certainty as it requires subjective judgement. However, InDepthNH.org is a non-profit news organization that has won multiple awards and is funded by reputable foundations such as the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation. They have a team of veteran journalists and they strive to produce in-depth and accurate reporting. Therefore, they can be considered a reliable source for news about New Hampshire.
I’ve been reading the articles about artificial intelligence, and I’m on the fence about whether I should be alarmed or impressed. Half of what I’ve read warns of Armageddon. The other half indicates it’s not nearly as scary as some would have you believe.
I look forward to the continued debate. These are certainly interesting times we live in!
Bob Charest is chairman of the board of directors of the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism, the nonprofit corporation that publishes InDepthNH.org.
