AI Tour Guide in London: A Skeptic's Day of Underground Surprises
In the third week of his AI diary, Rhik Samadder, a self-proclaimed AI skeptic, decided to let artificial intelligence guide him through London for a day. The goal was to rediscover his hometown through a curated itinerary packed with activities he might not normally choose, all planned by ChatGPT. The experiment aimed to test whether AI could offer a unique and enjoyable tour, but it left him repeatedly questioning why he kept being sent underground.
Planning the AI-Powered Adventure
Samadder began by asking ChatGPT to plan a full day out in London, instructing it to avoid neighbourhoods he already knew well. The AI first asked a few questions to gauge his interests and preferences, then promised to check in after each stop to adjust the schedule and offer backup options. The itinerary was designed to be breadcrumbed throughout the day, creating a treasure hunt-like experience. Samadder admitted feeling excited about the prospect, despite his skepticism towards AI.
Unexpected Stops and Underground Wonders
The AI selected the Postal Museum in Farringdon as the first stop, a brilliant choice that involved riding through narrow, pre-war tunnels on a tiny carriage designed for mail transport. Stalactites adorned the tunnels, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of Gringotts bank. Next, the AI sent him to wetlands in Walthamstow, East London, offering a rare glimpse of wilderness in the city with rare birds and fishing lakes. However, Samadder found himself questioning the reality of ornithology, joking about birds like the tufted pochard and goldeneye.
As hunger set in, he realised the schedule had neglected basic needs like eating or using the bathroom, leading to a quietly harrowing moment. Things took a weird turn when the AI directed him to the lobby of the Bloomberg building in the financial district, where he descended stairs to discover the Mithraeum, a Roman temple uncovered after wartime bombing. The dark, hushed remains with a chanting soundscape felt like an Illuminati induction, but Samadder couldn't help but wonder why he kept being sent underground.
Questioning the AI's Sensual Pleasure Vibe
When planning the day, Samadder had told ChatGPT his vibe was sensual pleasure, hoping to nudge it towards a spa visit. Instead, it suggested a flotation tank experience, which was booked up, and offered light therapy pods with AI robotics for a simulated massage. He expressed discomfort with AI in massage, comparing it to his dislike for a dishwasher connected to an app. Later, he refused to visit a Jamón bodega in Maltby market, not wanting to eat ham alone on a robot's command, despite the haunting alcoves.
Reflecting with RhikGPT and Finding Connection
To understand his ennui, Samadder fired up RhikGPT, an AI chatbot programmed to sound like him. It reflected that ChatGPT itineraries tend to smooth edges, making one move through London like a ghost with contactless payment. Feeling oddly cocooned, he sought advice, and RhikGPT suggested picking a purpose rather than a vibe, making micro-connections, and building in friction by jumping off the bus early or following a dog. Samadder dismissed following a dog as akin to a mental breakdown but liked the idea of meeting people.
The AI then sent him to a comedy club for first-time standup comedians, which turned out to be a graduation ceremony for strangers. It was a good time, with everyone more nervous than him, and he ended the night with 15 new friends and the nickname Ham Solo.
Conclusion: A Day of Mixed Results
Samadder's day with an AI tour guide was a mix of magical discoveries, like the Postal Museum and Mithraeum, and frustrating moments, such as neglected basic needs and repeated underground trips. While AI offered unique insights into London's hidden gems, it also highlighted the limitations of technology in understanding human nuances like hunger and social interaction. The experience left him with new friendships and a deeper skepticism about AI's role in personal exploration.
