After running a personal development site for nearly five years, I’ve published countless articles about the benefits of reading. But after seeing OpenAI’s buzzy new language tool, ChatGPT, make headlines — including this one I authored for Business Insider — I figured it was time to ask it to challenge my literary enthusiasm.
Since few would argue that scrolling through social media like TikTok or Instagram is a better use of time than books, I asked ChatGPT to make the case.
I’ve argued against too much social media use before, and there’s no bigger proponent of reading than I, so combining the two seemed like a fitting intersection.
Here’s what I typed into the ChatGPT query box: Make an argument for why scrolling through social media is a better use of time than reading books.
ChatGPT made a noble but flimsy argument for social media
Reading has its benefits and is often considered more intellectual and culturally insightful than social media, but that’s not the whole story, according to the language bot.
Here’s how ChatGPT began its case:
Social media allows for a more immediate and interactive form of communication and information sharing. Instead of having to wait for a response from someone or for new information to be published in a book, social media allows for instant engagement and updates from friends, family, and news sources.
This can be especially useful for staying informed and connected in real-time.
ChatGPT then posited that apps like TikTok and Instagram are more accessible than books because of their simplicity and multilingual, global features. And, since they are free to download and more people than ever have smartphones, just about everyone can get online.
“Through social media platforms,” the bot said, “individuals can find and connect with others who share their interests, allowing them to expand their knowledge and skills in a specific area.”
It then moved to a separate line of reasoning:
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also popular among the younger generation, who are the future of our society. By being present on these platforms, individuals can stay up to date with the latest trends and cultural shifts, which can be beneficial for personal growth and professional advancement.
And it weaved in the classic “community-building” rhetoric found across social media platforms.
Social media can also serve as a form of entertainment and can provide a sense of community, belonging, and social support. It can also be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, especially for those who live far away.
Its answer was indeed coherent and well-written, but ultimately superficial and lacking insight. Most of what it pointed out were self-evident, but the bot impressed me with its speed, clarity, and lack of typos.
Ever the diplomat, ChatGPT closed its absurd case by reminding us everyone has unique requirements and desires: “As with any activity, it is important to find a balance that works best for each individual.”
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