Does AI know more about Roma people than we do? Experimenting with ChatGPT

We have already checked how tolerant GPT is and how it addresses stereotypes, and Artificial Intelligence passed this test with flying colours. But is it indeed so perfect, and should we still expect the ‘rise of the machines’? Yes, we would like to test AI, again. This time, we are going to ask it to find ten interesting facts about people of Roma origin.

Spoiler: this was a task which GPT accomplished quite decently. See for yourselves.

What does artificial intelligence know?

Chat GPT’s reply: The Roma community has given the world plenty of prominent personalities who contributed considerably to culture, arts, and science. Here are 10 interesting facts about renowned people of Roma origin».

Not bad, innit? Acknowledgement of contribution, correct phrases. What are the facts then?

Charlie Chaplin: This legendary actor and director of silent films, known for his image of a ‘vagabond’, had Roma roots. He had concealed his origin for a long time but eventually, documents were revealed which confirmed that Chaplin was born in queen’s Gypsy caravan cart.

Author: Yes, this is a verified fact.

Elvis Presley: The King of Rock’n’Roll had Roma roots on his mother’s side. His music and his style had an impact on the development of 20th century pop music.

Author: This information has only been revealed recently. Migration researchers opine that Elvis comes from a family of German Roma.

Ronnie Wood, the guitar player of the legendary Rolling Stones band, too, has Roma roots. His musical talent and his energy constituted a significant contribution to the global rock music.

Author: Yes, indeed, Roma roots of this musician are well-documented.

Bronisława Wajs (Papusza): a famous Polish poet of Roma extraction who wrote in Romani language. Her poetry was a reflection of the life and culture of the Roma people.

Author: Spot on! Would you, by any chance, care to read more about this renowned author? We are currently preparing a dedicated text as this lady is worth getting acquainted with. 

Tony Gatlif: This French director and script writer of Romani extraction is known for his films depicting the culture of Roma people, particularly by his Gadjo Dilo (1997) movie.

Author: Yes, that is correct. There is indeed this figure in the Roma culture. He is also referred to as the ‘father of Romani cinema’. 

Rani Romani: A prominent Indian TV anchor and producer which is of Roma extraction. She contributed immensely to the development of Indian TV and other mass media.

Author: We have actually already prepared a material about this famous woman. Read more in:  «I am Ukrainian, yes – I am a Romani»: the impressive story of the poetess Rani Romani.

Gypsy Kings: This is a famous music band from France whose participants have Romani roots. They are renowned for their unique style merging flamenco, salsa, and pop music.

Author: The name itself gives up the fact that band participants are Roma people. Gypsy means Roma in English.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: a famous psychologist of Hungarian origin who has come up with the concept of ‘the flow’: a condition of complete immersion into an activity. His research has impacted contemporary psychology and the theory of happiness.

Author: I have, alas, been unable to find information about this person. I therefore addressed my virtual interlocutor requesting a clarification. What was its reply? He admits to having been mistaken here: «As far as his ethnic origin is concerned, there is no verified data confirming his Romani roots. His surname points to his Hungarian roots and none of the currently available biographical sources mention his Romani ethnic origins. Hence, the preliminary information on the Romani origin of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has proven to be erroneous. Thank you for your question which helped me clarify this fact». 

Florin Cioabă: A Romanian Roma leader, known as the «King of Roma Everywhere». He was actively involved in improving the living conditions of the Roma community and Roma rights advocacy.

Author: That is indeed the case! However, as we delve into sources, we find somewhat sarcastic and/or ironic expressions with regard to him. There materials, though, are dated 2010. So I am happy that there are in fact some positive changes.

Đoko Rosić: a Bulgarian actor with Serbian roots, featuring over 110 films. He was famed for his deep voice and his charismatic on-screen image.

Author: There was such an actor indeed but there is no documented proof of his Roma origin. So the AI is mistaken again.

Let us grade the performance of AI then

Chat GPT also suggests we watch a movie to understand the Roma history and culture better. I, however, am not going to recommend that film as in the video, the author does explain that the word Gypsy, Gypsies has now become a derogatory term and that the term Roma should be used in its stead YET he uses the word Gypsies both in the video description and throughout the dubbing. The video sequence also features a stereotyped image of a Rom and focuses on marginalised groups. 

That said, I shall refrain from reprimanding the GPT chat for this inapposite recommendation, as I reckon that AI finds it challenging to analyse such details.      

So how should we grade the performance of AI? I think that would be a 4 on a scale of 5 (where 1 is the lowest grade and 5 is the highest one). So there is some room for improvement, as some 20 per cent of stories about Romani roots of prominent figures are way off. Besides, I have failed to note any curious facts indeed, as I had asked AI for facts, not just a list of names.

Or have I been too pernickety? How would you grade AI?