Letting ChatGPT write an article about girl-boss fantasy The Hating Game

July 15, 2023

A few days ago I wrote a post describing the movie The Hating Game as a girl-boss fantasy. This morning it occurred to me I should let ChatGPT have a go at it just to see what it does with it.

A full-color screengrab from The Devil Wears Prada. The copy reads: I told myself to take a chance on the large language model.

This is the prompt I used to instruct ChatGPT to spit back strings of words: Write an article in a personal, intimate yet casual style about how the movie The Hating Game is a girl-boss fantasy. Include the names of the main characters as well as the names of the actors who play them.

What follows is the resulting output, followed by my brief noncomprehensive critique of it. Take it away, ChatGPT:

The Hating Game: A Girl-Boss Fantasy Unleashed on the Silver Screen

Hey there, fellow movie enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my thoughts on a film that had me hooked from start to finish—the sassy and empowering rom-com, "The Hating Game." Brace yourselves, because this movie is a true girl-boss fantasy that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.

Adapted from Sally Thorne's bestselling novel, "The Hating Game" introduces us to two fierce rivals-turned-lovers, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman. Portrayed brilliantly by the talented Lucy Hale and Nicholas Hoult, respectively, these characters bring an electric chemistry and undeniable charm to the big screen.

The story revolves around Lucy and Joshua, two coworkers who seemingly despise each other. They constantly engage in a hilarious battle of wits, fighting for the same promotion at their publishing company. But beneath the surface of their rivalry lies an intense, undeniable attraction. As they navigate their complicated feelings, we are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, laughs, and heart-melting moments.

What makes "The Hating Game" such a powerful girl-boss fantasy is Lucy Hutton's character. She's not just a simple damsel in distress, waiting for her knight in shining armor to come and save the day. No, Lucy is a force to be reckoned with—a fiercely independent, smart, and ambitious woman who refuses to settle for anything less than what she deserves.

Throughout the film, Lucy's tenacity and determination shine through. She fearlessly challenges the glass ceiling in her workplace, proving that women can thrive in competitive environments. Her unwavering commitment to her dreams and the refusal to back down in the face of adversity are traits that every girl-boss can relate to and aspire to.

And let's not forget about Joshua Templeman. Nicholas Hoult brings this character to life with his irresistible charm and magnetic screen presence. Beneath his tough exterior, Joshua possesses a vulnerability that draws us in. As the layers of their relationship unfold, we witness the power of vulnerability and authentic connection, reminding us that love and ambition can coexist harmoniously.

But what truly sets "The Hating Game" apart is its ability to address workplace dynamics and gender roles in a lighthearted yet meaningful manner. It challenges societal norms, encouraging us to break free from the shackles of expectations and embrace our individuality. The movie beautifully captures the essence of empowerment, reminding us that success and love are not mutually exclusive. Lucy's journey is a testament to the fact that a girl-boss can have it all—the career, the romance, and the unwavering belief in herself.

So, if you're in the mood for a delightful rom-com that celebrates strong women, witty banter, and the triumph of love, "The Hating Game" is an absolute must-watch. Lucy Hale and Nicholas Hoult breathe life into their characters, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, creating a captivating on-screen chemistry that will leave you swooning.

"The Hating Game" is a girl-boss fantasy that reminds us that in a world where we're constantly pushing boundaries, it's okay to embrace vulnerability, pursue our dreams, and find love along the way. It's a charming and empowering journey that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired, ready to conquer your own world.

So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and let "The Hating Game" transport you to a world where girl-bosses reign supreme and love conquers all. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Critiquing ChatGPT's take on girl-boss fantasy The Hating Game

It appears that ChatGPT includes a factual error. According to IMDB, Joshua Templeman is played by Austin Stowell, not Nicholas Hoult. Hoult is not credited at all on IMDB as an actor in The Hating Game.

Whereas I used the word "fantasy" to indicate a pursuit of the impossible or at least highly improbably, ChatGPT writes the "movie is a true girl-boss fantasy" that is "a testament to the fact that a girl-boss can have it all." In ChatGPT's slippery words, the fantasy becomes a fact.

ChatGPT's proposition that Lucy "fearlessly challenges the glass ceiling in her workplace" is odd given that her boss is a woman and also co-owner of the company. A reasonable observer can credibly argue that there is a metaphorical glass ceiling in place even if one or more persons have broken through it. The real issue is that ChatGPT's output is completely unsourced, so it's hard to tell immediately what corpus the LLM is drawing on for its output. I suspect the LLM glommed on to words frequently used in conjunction with the phrase girl boss and adjacent terms, but even if the suspicion is correct it is pointlessly unspecific.

ChatGPT's repetitive verbosity grates on me, but that is a matter of personal preference. It is probably possible to make ChatGPT produce more efficient copy

I want to stress that my point is not that my article is better than ChatGPT. Effort does not equal value. It is entirely readers of the articles who decide how valuable they are.