What does ChatGPT think of Hungary?
ChatGPT revolutionised our life in just months. But what does an open AI think about Hungary as a country politically, and culturally, and is it a reliable source of information for tourists visiting Hungary?
Recently a German MEP gained some international coverage for asking ChatGPT to make a rap about Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán. While the verse won’t put any rapper out of job, this made me wonder. What is ChatGPT saying about other aspects of Hungary?
What does ChatGPT think of Hungary?
ChatGPT provides a very generic answer, straight from the pages of an educational book (or Wikipedia lately. “It says Hungary is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its capital city is Budapest, which is known for its beautiful architecture, thermal baths, and Danube River cruises. Hungary has a rich history and culture, with a unique language and traditions.”
Is it worth visiting Hungary?
ChatGPT provides us a very well-written marketing material to this question, which explains why some marketing agencies would turn to this shortcut. It says:
“Yes, Hungary is definitely worth visiting! Hungary is a beautiful and historic country in Central Europe with a rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning architecture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the capital city of Budapest, relaxing in one of Hungary’s famous thermal baths, or tasting delicious Hungarian cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
As for sights, it mentions the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle. Outside of Budapest ChatGPT reckons it is worth visiting Szentendre, the Tokaj and Eger vineyards, the Danube Bend and Lake Balaton.
What does ChatGPT think of the politics of Hungary?
As with other opinion-based questions, ChatGPT begins its answer with a disclaimer, that “as an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or beliefs”. But it continues with that it can provide “factual information about the politics of Hungary.”
“Hungary is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a Prime Minister as the head of government and a President as the head of state. The current Prime Minister is Viktor Orbán, who has been in office since 2010. Orbán’s party, Fidesz, is known for its conservative and nationalist policies.”
It also says that “One of the defining aspects of Hungarian political life in recent years has been the dominance of the ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán”, which won elections by a significant margin.
According to ChatGPT, “Orbán and Fidesz have been criticized by some for their nationalist and populist policies, which have included measures to restrict press freedom, limit the independence of the judiciary, and tighten controls on civil society organizations.”
The open AI also mentions that “another important aspect of Hungarian political life is the country’s relationship with the European Union. Hungary joined the EU in 2004, but its government has clashed with EU officials in recent years over issues such as migration, human rights, and the rule of law. The EU has initiated several legal proceedings against Hungary, including for alleged violations of EU law and the erosion of democratic norms.”
“Overall, the politics of Hungary are complex and multifaceted, and opinions about the country’s political situation can vary depending on one’s political views and perspectives.”
ChatGPT about the economics of Hungary
Once again, ChatGPT provides highly detailed information, which according to the programme is based on factual information.
Hungary has a mixed economy that is heavily reliant on exports, with a focus on manufacturing and services. The country has made significant progress in developing its economy since transitioning to a market-oriented system after the fall of communism. Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU) and has benefited from EU funding and access to the single market.
The Hungarian economy has faced some challenges in recent years, including a large current account deficit, high public debt, and a relatively low level of labour productivity. However, the government has implemented several policies aimed at promoting economic growth, such as tax cuts and investment incentives. In addition, the country has attracted significant foreign investment, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors.
Overall, while Hungary faces some economic challenges, it has made progress in developing a diversified economy and attracting foreign investment. However, the government’s economic policies are criticised by some for being too focused on short-term gains and lacking in long-term sustainability.
Is Hungary a good place to work in?
This is the first time that ChatGPT allows itself some leniency and answers the question rather subjectively. However, once again it examines both sides of the coin. It states that Hungary is a “well-developed economy and a diverse range of job opportunities in sectors such as finance, IT, engineering, and manufacturing.”
ChatGPT identified as an advantage for foreign workers that “the cost of living is generally lower compared to many other European countries, which means that the salaries can go further. Hungary also has a favorable tax system for individuals and businesses, which can make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs or investors.”
As a disadvantage, it mentions the possible language barrier, which can especially troublesome outside of Budapest. ChatGPT says that the work culture can also be different from what some foreigners may be used to, “with a focus on hierarchy and a strong emphasis on punctuality”. It also recommends that one should speak with people who have experience working in Hungary to get a better sense of what to expect.
Overall, it is clear that ChatGPT highly generalises the content that is available for it. This highlights the importance of detailed and nuanced journalism to enable people to create their own perspectives with the help of more relatable stories.
It’s fascinating to see AI being used to explore opinions and perceptions of countries like Hungary. AI can provide valuable insights into public sentiment and perceptions.