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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Lifestyle
Rhik Samadder

I let AI guide me through London for a day. Why do I keep being sent underground?

a man looks through binoculars
Rhik Samadder tries out AI as a tour guide. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian, Frame by Mathieu Labrecque

I recently met a friend for a drink who had just visited three galleries. She was having a cultural day – curated for her by AI. Based on what it knew about her, it suggested exhibitions she would enjoy, places to eat, even the best routes between stops. I was stunned. (Was I part of the itinerary?)

As part of my skeptic AI diary, I decide to use it to rediscover my home town. I ask ChatGPT to plan a full day out about town in London, packed with activities I might not normally choose. I tell the AI to ask me a few questions first, to gauge what I’ll enjoy and steer clear of neighbourhoods I already know well. I also ask it to check in after each stop, to vibe-check what comes next and offer backup options.

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