AI Watermelon Picker Goes Viral For Perfect Choice

AI The New Grocery Shopping Assistant

In an era where artificial intelligence assists with complex tasks like drafting emails, identifying rare diseases, and even offering advice on relationship issues, an Arab woman recently captured global attention by using it for an everyday question: Which watermelon should I purchase?

The woman, whose identity remains private, took a photograph of several watermelons at a local market. She then uploaded this image to ChatGPT, posing the question of which one appeared to be the ripest and most suitable for purchase.

ChatGPT responded with a specific recommendation. Its choice was reportedly based on an analysis of color gradients, surface patterns, and the positioning of the watermelons in the photo, all processed through its image analysis capabilities. Trusting the AI's judgment, she proceeded to buy the watermelon it had selected.

A few hours later, she shared her experience in a brief social media video, joyfully announcing, “ChatGPT picked the perfect watermelon.” This simple endorsement caused the clip to go viral across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), accumulating millions of views and generating a widespread response of amusement and amazement from online users.

Two decades ago, few would have imagined humans turning to machines for advice on everything from relationships to grocery shopping. AFP file

Beyond Groceries A Growing Trend of AI in Daily Life

The story of the AI-selected watermelon is more than just a charming anecdote; it is a clear illustration of a rapidly accelerating trend. People worldwide, across diverse cultures, are discovering innovative and often delightfully unexpected applications for generative artificial intelligence. Indeed, just two decades ago, the idea of humans relying on machines for guidance on matters ranging from personal relationships to grocery shopping would have seemed far-fetched to most.

Surprising and Serious AI Applications Worldwide

This watermelon incident joins a growing list of viral stories showcasing AI's expanding role. In recent months, these have included:

• A Greek woman reportedly considering divorce after ChatGPT interpreted coffee cup residue as evidence of infidelity.
• A mother in India utilizing AI to craft a stern message for her son.
• A young Egyptian man who used an AI tool to get first-aid instructions for pesticide poisoning, helping a cousin when immediate hospital admission was challenging.
• An American mother whose son’s rare medical condition was diagnosed by ChatGPT after numerous inconclusive doctor visits over several years.
• A man in India successfully using a chatbot to negotiate a more favorable fare with an auto rickshaw driver.

Even in the complex domain of romance, AI is finding a role. One American TikTok user has famously turned to ChatGPT for dating advice, essentially using it as a virtual coach to help find love by crowdsourcing suggestions.

These examples, varying from the lighthearted to the life-altering, demonstrate the versatile and increasingly integrated presence of AI in modern life.