theSkimm

“ChatGPT”

— The Economist’s word of the year. Sorry, Grok.

Top Story

Editor’s note: Before last year, many had not heard of ChatGPT. It’s safe to say that’s changed. Soon after its November 2022 launch, the AI chatbot reportedly became the fastest-growing app in history.

In an effort to determine if ChatGPT is as “creative,” “clever,” and “powerful” as many have described, we asked it to write the top story in today’s newsletter. The challenge: Write in the style of the Daily Skimm about the year in AI. We admit to juicing it with a few “make it more” prompts for entertainment value, but it went… further than we expected.

Big disclaimer: Because AI is known to hallucinate, for the first time in Daily Skimm history, we can’t vouch for the factual accuracy of today’s top story. Instead, we’ll pop in with our thoughts.

AI in 2023: Tech's Newest It-Girl

The Story

Picture this: 2023's AI scene isn't just on the move; it's sprinting in high heels with a jetpack. And ChatGPT? Oh, it's wearing the highest heels and the shiniest jetpack.

Margaret: I have a lot of questions.

Chantal: Like why not just use the jetpack?

Rashaan: Because someone took a cue from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

What's Popping in AI Land?

First, let's talk about ChatGPT's makeover. Imagine if Einstein and Shakespeare had a baby, and that baby was raised in Silicon Valley. That's ChatGPT. Then there's Google's LaMDA, basically doing AI CrossFit, getting those neurons in shape. It's not just a tech race; it's a genius pageant.

Margaret: Einstein and Shakespeare’s baby…unexpected queer subplot.

Julie: I used an AI baby generator for this one because I was curious. Cute baby.

In the News

2023 in AI? More plot twists than a telenovela. January saw ChatGPT passing the bar exam – lawyers, time to up your game. February was like an AI Valentine’s Day, with Microsoft and ChatGPT becoming the Brangelina of tech. Then March rolled in with the EU playing the role of the stern librarian, setting new AI rules. Cue to now: Sam Altman drops the mic at OpenAI, generative AI is the new cool kid in school, and everyone's treating AI ethics like the latest reality TV drama.

Rashaan: AI will never be able to get on “Scandoval’s” level.

Chantal: Ok but can ChatGPT cry in Spanish?

Maria: The Brangelina of tech...we all know how that ended.

Imagine 2023's AI world as a rom-com with a sci-fi twist. ChatGPT's updates and its power couple status with Bing are like sneak peeks into a future where AI isn't just another smart Alex; it's the life of the party. With new rules popping up left and right, one thing's for sure: AI's not just passing through – it's here to slay, hopefully more as the life of the party and less like the relative who overstays their welcome.

Rashaan: ChatGPT must be a Leo because it really hyped itself up here.

Margaret: This paragraph is why the bots won’t win.

Julie: I don't know, Margaret. It said it's here to slay.

And Also...This

Now that we got through that, below is a roundup — written by humans — of some of the biggest 2023 stories in AI and how it is already changing our lives.

In education…Turns out, students like being able to use AI to help them do their homework. At first schools tried to shut it down. Now, many are running with it (see: AI instructors). This all comes as ChatGPT gives students a run for their money on everything from the SATs to the bar exam to the medical licensing exam. Nothing like a little competition to keep everybody on their toes. Speaking of...

At work…Guess who’s coming for our jobs? AI, apparently. From programmers to writers to actors, AI had everyone on notice. Hollywood writers took AI on in their strike demands — and won. Drake went up against AI Drake over “Heart on My Sleeve.” Meanwhile, some media companies let AI write stories thinking ‘what could go wrong?’ only to find out what could go wrong. Turns out, robots make mistakes too.

Off the clock…AI made us question what was real — and kept us entertained in the process. We got an AI pope in a puffer coat and fake Trump getting arrested. We got fake headshots and ‘90s-styled yearbook photos. There were even AI boyfriends. In other words: he’s a 10 but he’s not real.

Oh, AI. We love you, we hate you, we’ll have to get used to you, because you’re here to slay. Coming up tomorrow: a roundup of the year’s biggest scandals. For those, humans get all the credit.

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Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A subscription that’ll help you save time and money without sacrificing flavor.

This meal-kit service offers 45+ delicious recipe options every week. They crunched the numbers, and it’s 25% cheaper than takeout. Subscribe now to score free breakfast for life, plus 16 free meals.*†

Do it to it

2. Halle Berry’s favorite probiotic.

Start 2024 on the right gut — err, foot with this powerful probiotic. It supports everything from digestion, to immune function, to metabolic health. Even better? Skimm’rs get 20% off their first month of membership with SKIMM20.*

Add to cart

3. Our editors' favorite products of the year.

From a foolproof nice top to the jeans that make us feel like we're living in a '90s rom-com, these are the products that made our shopping editors' lives a little more stylish in 2023.

Buy them

4. Scrapbook accessories for your next craft day.

All those family pics you took over the holidays? It's time to do something with them. (Pro tip: You can add these botanical stickers to your thank-you cards, laptop, and even your glassware, too.)

Get crafty

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

†One free breakfast item per box as long as subscription is active. 16 free meals applied as a discount across nine boxes. New subscriptions only. Varies by plan.

On Our Radar

The Credit Card Competition Act. If it passes, card issuers could cut back on cash back and travel rewards (which we racked up over the holidays – and reallyyyy don’t want to lose). Learn more about it on The Points Guy.*

Skimm’rs

(Some) Birthdays...John Hicks (SC), Patricia Deuel (MI), Meredith Keeler (IA), Jordan Staus (IN), Melissa J Eddy (TX), Chelce Scaturchio (GA), Monica Krishnan (FL), Elizabeth Brauer (NY), Carly Roman (NY), Jessica Hanes (MI), Nell Maynard (CO), Joie Shettler (CA), May Wong (CA), Danika Baez Vaughan (CA), Morgan Frazier (GA)

theSkimm - The year AI took over everything

Daily Skimm

“ChatGPT”

Top Story

AI in 2023: Tech's Newest It-Girl

The Story

What's Popping in AI Land?

In the News

theSkimm

And Also...This

theskimm beta

Skimm Picks

1. A subscription that’ll help you save time and money without sacrificing flavor.

2. Halle Berry’s favorite probiotic.

3. Our editors' favorite products of the year.

4. Scrapbook accessories for your next craft day.

On Our Radar

Skimm’rs

Older messages

The year women secured the bag

Weekend: DJ, play a Christmas song

Weekend: Feel like I'm made out of gingerbread

Cause I'm Mrs. Snow

Might have been the wrong girl anyway

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