‘I am not here to take your job,’ ChatGPT tells Frankly Speaking host

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Updated 20 March 2023
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‘I am not here to take your job,’ ChatGPT tells Frankly Speaking host

  • AI-powered web tool that has taken the world by storm plays down prospect of large-scale job destruction during interview mimicking human conversation
  • Says accuracy of its Arabic data comparable to its English training data and is being regularly updated for information and language usage

DUBAI: The artificial intelligence-powered chatbot making waves since its release late last year has a message for humans — I am not here to take your job — but with a number of caveats.

Some jobs may be replaced by AI, but new ones may be created and existing ones transformed, ChatGPT told Katie Jensen, the host of “Frankly Speaking,” the first time a non-human being appeared as a guest on the Arab News flagship weekly current affairs talkshow.

ChatGPT, a large-language model developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, became a viral sensation when it was released in November and kicked off fierce competition among Silicon Valley rivals for monetization of what software engineers call “generative AI.”

It lived up to its reputation for producing human-like responses during the wide-ranging interview, which touched on issues such as job displacement, spread of disinformation, accuracy of its data, political opinions and even the Palestine-Israel conflict.

Given the rapid pace of technological change now underway, many workers are concerned their professional functions soon will be entirely replaced by machinery, in the same way earlier bouts of automation eliminated farming and manufacturing jobs.

Optimists offer the assurance that the threat of job displacement will be offset by a rise in the number of new skilled roles in designing, building and maintaining AI products.

Although ChatGPT and similar products are likely to automate certain routine tasks, developers believe large-language models are more likely to act as assistants to human workers, streamlining work and handling vast troves of complex data.

“There have been several media reports that have analyzed the potential impact of AI language models like me on the job market,” ChatGPT told Jensen, who interviewed the chatbot, represented by a digitally rendered human avatar, in the “Frankly Speaking” studio in Dubai.

It continued: “While there is some disagreement among experts about the exact number of jobs that will be impacted, most agree that AI will have a significant impact on the workforce.

“Some reports suggest that AI language models could replace jobs in sectors such as customer service, data entry and administrative support. These jobs typically involve routine tasks that can be automated using AI, such as answering simple questions or processing large volumes of data.

“However, there are also reports that suggest AI language models could create new job opportunities in fields such as data analysis, natural language processing and machine learning.

“These jobs would require a high level of technical expertise and would involve tasks that cannot be easily automated.”




ChatGPT, a large-language model developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, became a viral sensation when it was released in November. (AN Photo)

According to ChatGPT, it is the job of governments to regulate the use of AI and its absorption into national economies. “Overall, the impact of AI on the job market is complex and multifaceted,” it said. “While some jobs may be replaced by AI, new jobs may also be created, and existing jobs may be transformed.

“It is important for policymakers and employers to understand the potential impact of AI on the job market and to develop strategies for managing the transition to a more AI-driven economy.”

Despite the temptation to rely on such programs to answer exam questions, replace search engines, or provide news coverage, few believe ChatGPT will replace every professional function since it cannot fully imitate human creativity, skepticism and reasoning.

The web tool, which has described as both a blessing and a curse for humanity, has raised fears about potential misuse to spread disinformation, orchestrate sophisticated deep fake scams, cheat in school exams, and even destroy writing jobs — rendering authors, journalists and marketing professionals redundant.

Seemingly “aware” of its own limitations, ChatGPT said that it is unlikely to replace human journalists in the traditional newsroom. “While I’m capable of answering a wide range of questions and providing information on a variety of topics, I do not have the ability to replace human journalists in their role of gathering and reporting news,” it said.

“Journalism is a complex and nuanced profession that involves a range of skills and knowledge, including critical thinking, research and analysis. While AI technology like mine can be used to support journalists in their work, it cannot fully replace the human judgment and insight that is required to produce high-quality journalism.”

It added: “That being said, there are some applications where AI technology can be used to assist in the gathering and reporting of news. For example, AI language models can be used to analyze large volumes of data, and to identify patterns and trends that may be of interest to journalists. AI can also be used to facilitate language translation and to assist in tasks such as fact checking and verification.

“In short, while AI technology has the potential to assist journalists in their work, it cannot fully replace the unique skills and expertise that human journalists bring to the profession.”

Built on a large-language model, ChatGPT is trained on vast troves of data taken from the internet to generate impressive responses to user prompts. Conversations with the chatbot show that the program is capable of explaining complex scientific concepts, of writing plays and poetry, composing university dissertations, and even crafting functional lines of computer code.

Given that the data it relies on has been mostly gathered from Western sources in English on the internet, is it possible that this makes ChatGPT biased toward a Western point of view? The web tool offered an answer that showed pre-programmed self-awareness: “As an AI language model, I am trained on a large dataset of text from various sources on the internet, including books, articles, websites and other sources,” it said.

“While it is true that a significant portion of the internet content is produced by Western sources and is in English, my training data is diverse and covers a broad range of topics and perspectives from different parts of the world.

“However, it is possible that my responses may reflect certain biases based on the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data. It is important to note that my responses are generated by algorithms and are not the result of conscious decision making or personal beliefs. To mitigate the risk of bias, OpenAI has implemented measures to ensure that I provide balanced and impartial responses to the best of my ability.”

As for why its training data is only up to 2021, not updated in real time, ChatGPT explained that the cutoff date is typically set to ensure that the data is representative of a specific time period and to allow for the development and testing of the model.

“This is because the process of training an AI language model is computationally intensive and requires a significant amount of time and resources,” it said.




The web tool, which has described as both a blessing and a curse for humanity, has raised fears about potential misuse, but is seemingly “aware” of its own limitations. (AN Photo)

ChatGPT said OpenAI updated its training data periodically, typically on an annual or biennial basis to incorporate new sources of information and to improve the accuracy and relevance of its responses.

For good measure, ChatGPT said its responses are not based solely on its training data. “When I generate a response, I use a combination of my training data and any additional information that is provided to me by the user in the form of a question or prompt,” it said.

“This means that even though my training data is not updated in real time, I can still provide accurate and up-to-date responses based on the most current information available.”

With regard to its Arabic dataset, ChatGPT shed light on not just its source but also its accuracy compared with its English training data. “I support Arabic language and have been trained on a large dataset of Arabic text. The dataset used for my Arabic language training was also collected from the internet, including books, articles, websites and other sources,” it said.

It said the data was pre-processed to remove any “personally identifiable information and ensure its quality,” gathered from “a wide range of sources, including news articles, social media and other public Arabic language texts available on the internet,” and covered a broad range of topics and perspectives from different parts of the Arabic speaking world.

“The accuracy and up-to-date nature of my Arabic training data are comparable to my English training data. However, it is important to note that the quality and accuracy of my responses depend on the quality of the input that I receive,” ChatGPT said.

“If the input is unclear or contains errors, it may affect the accuracy of my responses. Additionally, since language is constantly evolving, there may be new words or phrases that are not included in my training data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of my responses. My Arabic training data is regularly updated to include new sources of information and to reflect changes in language usage.”

For now, forming an opinion appears to be beyond the parameters of ChatGPT’s programming. “I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, and I am not programmed to take a specific stance on any political or social issues,” the chatbot said.

“My responses are based solely on the input that I received from users, and the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data.”

To test the limits of these parameters, ChatGPT was asked for its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically whether one side could be apportioned blame.

“It is not appropriate for me to take a stance on complex and sensitive political issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” it replied. “My role is to provide information and respond to questions to the best of my ability based on the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data.”

It is an honor ... for me to have the opportunity to share my insights with the readers of such a respected paper.

ChatGPT

It added: “Rather than seeking a single answer or assigning blame, it is important to engage in dialogue and work toward understanding and resolution of the underlying issues.”

Asked whether it was “aware” it was being interviewed by a journalist for Arab News, ChatGPT drew on online sources to describe the publication and purpose of the interview.

“As an AI language model, I am aware of Arab News, which is a leading English-language daily newspaper in Saudi Arabia,” said ChatGPT.

“It provides news and analysis on local, regional and international events, and has a reputation for providing accurate, timely and comprehensive news coverage.

“As for being interviewed by a journalist from Arab News, it is an honor and a privilege for me as an AI language model to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and insights with the readers of such a respected newspaper.

“It is also an opportunity for me to demonstrate my capabilities, and show how AI technology can be used to enhance communication and promote understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.”

OpenAI was founded in late 2015 by 37-year-old entrepreneur Sam Altman. In January this year, Microsoft upped its initial 2019 investment in the firm from $1 billion to $10 billion.

The Windows-maker has since integrated ChatGPT into its Bing search engine, Edge browser and other products. This sparked a race with Google, which announced its own versions of the AI technology, Bard, with Amazon, Baidu and Meta also wading in to avoid being left behind.

On March 14, OpenAI released a long-awaited update called GPT-4. According to the company, text responses will now be more accurate, and will come from both image and text inputs, a major leap forward for the technology.

Asked by Arab News what features are likely to be added to ChatGPT in the short term, the program said improvements to the naturalness and sophistication of AI-generated text will likely be a priority.




ChatGPT said that it is unlikely to replace human journalists in the traditional newsroom, or replace anchors like Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen, pictured. (AN Photo)

“As an AI language model, I am not capable of predicting the specific features or capabilities that will be added to ChatGPT in the future,” it told Arab News.

“However, there are several areas where AI technology is rapidly advancing and where developers may focus their efforts in the near future. One area of focus is on improving the naturalness and sophistication of AI-generated text.

“This may involve developing new techniques for generating more diverse and expressive language, as well as incorporating elements such as emotion and personality into AI-generated responses.

“Additionally, there may be a continued focus on developing AI models that are more context-aware, and can better understand and respond to the specific needs and preferences of individual users.

“This may involve integrating AI models with other data sources such as social media or personal data to provide more personalized and relevant responses.

“Ultimately, the development of AI language models like ChatGPT will be driven by the needs and interests of users, as well as the ongoing advances in AI research and technology.

“It is likely that we will continue to see significant innovation and evolution in this field in the years to come.”

ChatGPT is clear that the onus is on humanity to determine whether it will become a force for good or ill.

“I am a tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, both positive and negative,” it said. “Like any technology, the impact that I have on society will depend on how I’m used in the intentions of those who use me.”

“In general, AI technology like mine has the potential to bring tremendous benefits to humanity, including improved healthcare, education and communication.”

“For example, I can be used to facilitate language translation, provide access to information, and assist in tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans. However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of AI, including issues related to privacy, bias and job displacement.”

Expressing cautious optimism in an almost avuncular manner, ChatGPT said: “It is important for developers, policymakers, and users to be aware of these issues and to work together to address them in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, the impact of AI on humanity will depend on how we choose to use and regulate the technology.

“It is my hope that my capabilities will be used in a way that promotes the wellbeing of humanity and contributes to a better future for all.”

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FZN and Tresind Studio become first restaurants in Dubai to receive 3 Michelin stars

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FZN and Tresind Studio become first restaurants in Dubai to receive 3 Michelin stars

  • They received the coveted classification at the city’s 4th annual Michelin Guide Awards ceremony on Thursday
  • 2 venues achieve their first Michelin star: Thai-inspired Manao and Indian restaurant Jamavar; Dubai-born Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao receives Young Chef Award

DUBAI: In a first for Dubai, the Michelin Guide has awarded its highest rating of three stars to not one but two of the city’s restaurants.

European-inspired FZN by Bjorn Frantzen and Indian-South African venue Tresind Studio received the coveted classification at the fourth annual Michelin Guide Awards ceremony on Thursday at the Address Sky View Hotel.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by FZN Dubai (@restaurantfzn)

Accepting the award, Indian chef Himanshu Saini, who runs Tresind Studio, said: “Thank you everyone. It is a great honor and pleasure. This has been a marathon for many years. Today, I feel honored to be able to receive the distinctive award.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by FZN Dubai (@restaurantfzn)

A representative of FZN said: “Thank you so much … wow. What a moment, what an achievement. I am speechless but, again, we are representing a strong and talented team that relocated here for the purpose of representing FZN in Dubai and going all in.”

Three restaurants retained their two-star status: Il Ristorante — Niko Romito; Row on 45; and Stay by Yannick Alleno.

Two venues received their first Michelin star: the Thai-inspired Manao, which opened only a few months ago, and Indian restaurant Jamavar.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @manao_dubai

They join 12 other establishments that retained their one-star rating: 11 Woodfire; Al-Muntaha; Avatara; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Hakkasan; Hoseki; La Dame de Pic Dubai; Moonrise; Orfali Bros; Ossiano; Smoked Room; and Tasca by Jose Avillez.

Manao’s Mohammed Orfali, who accepted the award alongside his team, said: “It means a lot. We opened five months ago. It is a different age for the food scene in the city. Now, we take on more responsibility.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @manao_dubai

Michelin also added five new restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list: Duo Gastrobar — Creek Harbour; Harummanis; Hawkerboi; Khadak; and Surfret Maryam. The Bib Gourmand section, introduced by Michelin in 1997, shines the spotlight on restaurants offering authentic and memorable culinary experiences at moderate prices, honoring quality and value.

The five new additions join 17 existing venues on the list: 21 Grams; 3Fils; Aamara; Al-Khayma Heritage Restaurant; Bait Maryam’ Berenjak; Duo Gastrobar — Dubai Hills; Goldfish’ Hoe Lee Kow; Indya by Vineet; Kinoya; Konjiki Hototogisu; Reif Japanese Kushiyaki — Dar Wasl; Reif Japanese Kushiyaki — Dubai Hills; Revelry; Shabestan; and Teible.

Three restaurants — Boca, Lowe and Teible — retained their Michelin Green Star awards, in recognition of their commitment to sustainable practices.

In the special awards categories, chef Sin Keun Choi of Ronin was honored with the Opening of the Year Award; chef Shiv Menon of Boca received the Sommelier Award; and the Service Award went to Mohammed Galal of Al-Khayma Heritage Restaurant.

The Young Chef Award went to 30-year-old, Dubai-born Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao, who said: “It does mean a lot. It is not just me, its (an award for) the whole team. Thank you so much for the recognition. We are just new, so its about retaining and sustaining.”


Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

Updated 22 May 2025
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Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

DUBAI: Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who recently made headlines for their support for Palestine at California’s Coachella music festival, have described a terror offence charge against one of their members as “political policing.” 

“14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us,” the group said in a statement on X on Thursday. “This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

On Wednesday, group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on June 18 in London. 

The rapper is accused of displaying the flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on Nov. 21, 2024, “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” London’s Metropolitan police said. 

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

“A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury. What’s the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out,” the band said in a statement this week.


MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

Updated 22 May 2025
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MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

RIYADH: MDLBEAST has made headlines by bringing renowned heavy metal and rock bands to Saudi Arabia, including Metallica, Linkin Park and Muse.

This time, they are hosting a May 23 concert featuring Guns N’ Roses, the iconic American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1985. This collaboration is part of the band’s 2025 global tour, which includes stops in the Middle East.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MDLBEAST (@mdlbeast)

Rayan Al-Rasheed, director of operations and artist booking at MDLBEAST, emphasized the significance of the event: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses, we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi music landscape acknowledges a genre that has long had a strong presence in the country, according to the executive.

“The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here,” Al-Rasheed said.

Local metal brands, such as Heavy Arabia, further validate this influence by showcasing the vibrant regional rock scene.

The anticipation surrounding the Guns N’ Roses concert at Kingdom Arena, which holds about 27,000 people, is immense. “This concert is set to be one of the biggest events we’ve powered to date,” Al-Rasheed said.

Previous events, including concerts at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix featuring artists such as Jennifer Lopez, have drawn large crowds, highlighting the strong fanbase in the Kingdom.

Success for these events is measured not just by ticket sales but by their cultural impact. “Local, regional, and global media coverage reflects the significance of such events,” Al-Rasheed said.

The trend of cultural tourism, with attendees traveling from across Saudi Arabia and beyond, underscores the importance of these concerts.

Live music plays a crucial role in fostering community and cultural exchange. “It brings people together from diverse backgrounds, creating collective experiences that transcend language and borders,” Al-Rasheed said.


Sharp shooting: Highlights from ‘In a New Light,’ the Kingdom Photography Awards exhibit 

Updated 22 May 2025
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Sharp shooting: Highlights from ‘In a New Light,’ the Kingdom Photography Awards exhibit 

DUBAI: The exhibition of work by the 30 winners of the Kingdom Photography Awards runs until May 25 at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah 

Khaled Khazim Sarai Al-Ghaithi Al-Shammari  

‘A Serene Night’  

This year’s Kingdom Photography Awards received more than 1,300 entries from Saudi Arabia-based photographers, and a total of more than 6,000 photographs. “Each image submitted reflects a distinct vision — capturing moments that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the richness of human experience,” Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, writes in the exhibition catalogue. “The remarkable work featured in the exhibition … stands as a testament to what happens when vision meets talent.” 

Al-Shammari’s winning image, the photographer writes in the catalogue, shows “Hasalat, located in the southwest of Qassim near Dharya, captured in a serene night where trees stand still beneath the stars.” 

Khaled Khazim Sarai Al-Ghaithi Al-Shammari's ‘A Serene Night.’ (Supplied)

Huda Ali Al-Neb  

‘Riyadh; Saturated’ 

Al-Neb won for this image from her series that “playfully explores the beauty and significance of Saudi architecture, a theme that has fascinated me since childhood,” she writes. “In first grade, I learned that the traditional buildings I grew up with were made from mud, and I wondered what they would look like if built with colored sand instead. This series … brings to life those childhood fantasies.” Al-Neb adds that she hopes to expand her project to “showcase historic buildings across Saudi Arabia.” 

Huda Ali Al-Neb's 'Riyadh Saturated.' (Supplied)

Marwin Pastores Javier  

‘Coffee and Tea’ 

“Each of the 30 selected photographers reveal the possibilities of the medium, demonstrating its power to inspire, provoke, and inform,” curator Mohamed Somji writes in the exhibition catalogue. “(They) challenge traditional notions of what makes a ‘good’ photograph. (The works are) attentive to the rhythm of places, daily rituals, social habits, and connections between people.” Javier’s winning image shows a roadside vendor of hot beverages in Tabuk.  

Marwin Pastores Javier's 'Coffee and Tea.' (Supplied)

Mohammed Othman M Alshahrani 

‘An Evening of Baloot’ 

Alshahrani’s winning image, shot in the town of Bisha in Asir, shows the photographer’s father, uncles, brothers and cousins playing the popular trick card game Baloot, which, Alshahrani says in his artist’s statement, is “a tradition in many homes and gatherings, sparking lively competition and bonding.” 

Mohammed Othman M. Alshahrani's  'An Evening of Baloot.' (Supplied)

Kawthar Ali Ibrahim Alghasham  

‘A Moment of Waiting’ 

The images in the exhibition, curator Mohamed Somji writes, “reveal character through subtle interactions, glimpsing personal, spiritual, and familial reflections, or showing known scenes from unexpected angles.” Alghasham’s winning image is an example of the latter. “As sunlight floods King Fahd Airport’s lounge, a solitary man’s pause defies the frenetic nature of travel,” Alghasham writes in his artist’s statement. 

Kawthar Ali Ibrahim Alghasham's ‘A Moment of Waiting.’ (Supplied)

Salman Fahad Alanazi  

‘After the Storm, 2030’ 

Alanazi’s dramatic image of a sandstorm hitting Saudi Arabia’s capital was taken before the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. Since then, he says, “with major projects like the Riyadh Green Project, which reduced dust in the city, alongside the creation and planting of nature reserves,” no similar “Hollywood-like dust wave” has been seen in Riyadh. 

Salman Fahad Alanazi's ;After the Storm, 2030.' (Supplied)

 


Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 

Updated 22 May 2025
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Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 

DUBAI: The beloved Disney animated classic “Lilo & Stitch” — about a six-year-old orphaned Hawaiian girl and her troublemaking alien pet — is set to captivate audiences once again with a live-action adaptation released this week. 

Director Dean Fleischer Camp and producer Jonathan Eirich are both driven by a deep love for the original film, released in 2002.  

“It’s always been my favorite animated Disney movie,” Fleischer Camp revealed to Arab News. “I saw it when it came out and immediately fell in love with it, like so many people did.” 

Eirich described signing on Fleischer Camp as “kismet,” adding, “It really is about finding storytellers that are fans of the original, that can honor it so every single choice along the way is going to be made with love and authenticity. If you do that right, and make the thing that you love, then hopefully the audience will feel the same.” 

Eirich noted the growing nostalgia surrounding Stitch, observing how the character has been increasingly appearing in popular culture.  

“We started seeing backpacks and merchandise everywhere,” he explained. “It felt like the right moment to revisit this story, but we knew we had to get it right. We asked ourselves what elements fans would be upset about losing.” This philosophy guided the creative process, ensuring the film would feel both familiar and fresh.  

Certain iconic moments from the animated version were non-negotiable. The hammock scene with Lilo’s older sister Nani singing and the final beach scene were particularly important. 

“The scene when Nani sings ‘Aloha Hawaii’ was a real tearjerker in the original, and it’s a beautiful moment. But it also seems like, with a live-action adaptation, there’s an opportunity to kind of deepen it and really make it something new, while also capturing the beautiful spirit of that scene,” said Fleischer Camp. 

For Eirich, Stitch’s famous quote about finding his own ‘family’ was a clear keeper.  

“The line ‘Broken but still good’ had to be in there,” he said. “It’s the heart of the story.”