By Gavin Wenzel
You may have heard about ChatGPT but not really know what it is or what it does. “ChatGPT[a] is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022.”[i] But what is an artificial intelligence chatbot? I am not a computer programmer, but from my non-technical perspective, it is an interactive computer-based chatroom. A user can have a conversation with ChatGPT, or even ask it to perform tasks. As at least one college professer observed, ChatGPT could be “the greatest cheating tool I've ever seen.”[ii] Educators are concerned about the ease with which students can complete assignments without engaging in the work and learning required to produce an assignment.[iii]
I recently tried ChatGPT for the first time and decided to find out what computers think about homeowners associations. As Thomas Kuhn has been attributed as saying, The answers you get depend on the questions you ask.” So if you like HOAs, you may get positive answers. If you don’t like HOAs, I’m sure ChatGPT can help validate your concerns. Below are three prompts I inputted to ChatGPT and the responses I received. Enjoy.
First Prompt: what is ChatGPT
I am ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. I am designed to understand natural language and generate responses that are intended to be human-like. I use a complex algorithm called a transformer neural network to analyze text inputs and generate text outputs. My goal is to help people find answers to their questions and engage in conversations on a wide range of topics.
Second Prompt: write an essay about the best reasons to live in an HOA
A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a community organization that is responsible for managing and regulating the common areas and amenities of a residential neighborhood. HOAs are becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world, especially in the United States. While some people may view HOAs as a nuisance, there are many compelling reasons why living in an HOA can be beneficial. In this essay, I will discuss some of the best reasons to live in an HOA.
First and foremost, HOAs help to maintain property values. The HOA is responsible for ensuring that all homes in the community are kept in good condition, and that any changes made to the exterior of the homes are in compliance with the community's architectural guidelines. This helps to ensure that the neighborhood remains attractive and well-maintained, which can help to increase property values over time. Additionally, the HOA is responsible for maintaining common areas such as parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools, which can also add value to the neighborhood.
Secondly, living in an HOA can provide a sense of community. HOAs often host social events and activities, such as block parties, holiday celebrations, and community service projects. This can help residents to get to know their neighbors and feel more connected to the community. Additionally, HOAs often have committees that residents can join to help shape the direction of the community, which can give residents a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhood.
Another advantage of living in an HOA is that it can help to resolve disputes between neighbors. The HOA is responsible for enforcing the community's rules and regulations, which can help to prevent conflicts from arising in the first place. If a dispute does arise, the HOA can help to mediate the situation and find a resolution that is fair to all parties involved.
Furthermore, living in an HOA can provide access to amenities that would be too expensive for an individual homeowner to afford on their own. For example, the HOA may have a clubhouse, fitness center, or tennis courts that are available to all residents. These amenities can be enjoyed by everyone in the community, regardless of their individual financial means.
Lastly, HOAs can provide a sense of security. HOAs often have security measures in place, such as gated entrances and security patrols, that can help to deter crime in the neighborhood. Additionally, the HOA may have rules in place that restrict parking on the streets or limit access to the community, which can help to keep unwanted visitors out.
In conclusion, while HOAs may not be for everyone, there are many compelling reasons why living in an HOA can be beneficial. From maintaining property values to fostering a sense of community, an HOA can provide many advantages to homeowners. If you are considering purchasing a home in an HOA, it is important to carefully review the community's rules and regulations to ensure that they align with your individual needs and preferences.
Although my third prompt was intended to be a neutral question, ChatGPT’s version of humor (at least in the HOA context) is decidedly snarky.
Third Prompt: write me a funny essay about home owners associations
Home Owners Associations (HOAs) are a funny thing. They are like that one strict teacher you had in high school who never let you have any fun. You know the one who always made you follow the rules and never let you have any creative freedom. Well, that's exactly what HOAs are, except they are for your house.
For those who are not familiar with HOAs, they are basically a group of people who make sure that your house and yard look perfect all the time. They have a list of rules that you have to follow, and if you don't, they will fine you. They are like the fashion police, but for your lawn.
One of the funniest things about HOAs is the ridiculous rules they have. For example, in some HOAs, you are not allowed to park your car in your own driveway overnight. Yes, you read that right. You can't even park your own car in your own driveway. This is like telling a bird it's not allowed to fly.
Another hilarious rule is that you have to get approval from the HOA before you can change the color of your house. I mean, who cares what color your house is? It's not like it's going to offend anyone. Unless you paint it hot pink, then maybe you deserve a fine.
The best part about HOAs is the meetings. It's like watching a bunch of adults argue over who has the prettiest flowers in their yard. It's like a beauty pageant, but for houses. And let's not forget about the election process. It's like running for class president in middle school all over again, but this time it's for the position of "lawn chairperson".
The worst part about HOAs is that they can be very strict. You can't have too many decorations in your yard, you can't have weeds, and you can't have a trampoline. What kind of life is that? No decorations, no weeds, and no trampoline? That's like telling a kid they can't have ice cream.
In conclusion, HOAs are like that one strict teacher you had in high school, but for your house. They have ridiculous rules, funny meetings, and can be very strict. But hey, if you follow their rules, your lawn will look great. Just don't forget to hide your trampoline.
[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT
[ii] https://www.ksl.com/article/50576821/once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-how-one-college-professor-is-leaning-into-ai-and-chatgpt
[iii] Id.