On Thursday, April 3, we challenged ChatGPT, https://chatgpt.com Microsoft Copilot (integrated into the Edge browser) and the new chatbot, DeepSeek https://deep-seek.chat with several different tasks.
First, Chris noted that there were new developments daily and that ChatGPT had gone down the previous day because an enormous number of people had signed up to use its new AI Image generation feature. https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/chatgpt-ai-image-openai-studio-ghibli-b2726538.html.
There is an increasing number of chatbots based on a variety of Language Model (LLM) technologies. This linked article lists the”best” in 2025: https://zapier.com/blog/best-ai-chatbot/ . A member asked what the “GPT” in ChatGPT stood for. So we asked ChatGPT the question. It answered that it means “Generative Pre-trained Transformer” — whatever that is.
We noted how AI is everywhere. Meta has recently introduced its chatbot into WhatsApp, and now, if you ask Google Search a question, it starts by giving you an “AI Overview” tagged with the little star icon of Google’s Gemini AI.
Another member remarked that E-Bay now has an AI tool to help sellers create descriptions of their items. She had found it very useful for selling a specialised book.
Chris remarked that the three Chatbots we were going to play with were all free of charge but had usage limitations as follows:
Chat GPT 4’s limit is 25-50 interactions per 3 hours in the free version according to ChatGPT.14 Jan 2025
Copilot web usage limits vary based on the browser used, with Microsoft Edge offering 30 messages per conversation and other browsers like Chrome and Safari limiting users to 5 messages per conversation.
DeepSeek As of January 21, 2025, the chat platform is free to use, but with a daily cap of 50 messages in “Deep Think” mode. This limitation makes it ideal for light usage or exploration.
ChatGPT requires you to create an account. This is not the case for Co-Pilot or DeepSeek on the Web (though you have to register to use the mobile apps)
A member remarked that he had used ChatGPT to create quiz questions. So we made up this prompt:
> Can you create a quiz for retired Brits with a theme of anagrams of Christmas carols. We want 21 questions, with answers. 7 hard, 7 easy and 7 very easy.
ChatGPT did a good job, Copilot included American Christmas songs such as “Winter Wonderland” , which would probably not be classified as carols by a retired Brit. Some of the easy ones were hard..Deepseek didn’t appear to understand what an anagram was and produced an unintelligible something. This was probably because Chris had used the wrong Specialist AI Assistant (She had used the Creative writing Assistant and should probably have used the Entertainment one..)
We then challenged them with:
> Can you write a paragraph as to why people should join the Jávea Computer Club?
Chat GPT was encouraging :
Joining the Jávea Computer Club is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your tech skills and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or just starting your journey into the digital world, the club offers a welcoming environment where you can learn, share, and grow. With regular workshops, engaging talks, and hands-on sessions, you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and gain practical skills to make your digital life easier and more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new friends, exchange ideas, and be part of a vibrant community in Jávea. Why not give it a try? You’ll discover it’s more than just a club—it’s a gateway to new possibilities!
Copilot was very corporate and a bit boring – it looked like it had been lifted from our web page!
DeepSeek was long-winded and very enthusiastic! Perhaps we can use this on our web site:
Discover the Joy of Technology at the Jávea Computer Club!
Tired of feeling left behind in our fast-paced digital world? The Jávea Computer Club is your perfect solution! We offer a warm, welcoming environment where retirees and newcomers to technology can learn at their own pace. Our experienced, patient tutors break down tech challenges into simple steps – whether you’re mastering WhatsApp to connect with family, navigating online shopping safely, or just wanting to organize your digital photos.
What makes us special? It’s not just about screens and buttons – it’s about community. Enjoy our regular coffee mornings, themed workshops, and social events where you can share experiences and make new friends. With sessions tailored to all ability levels and ongoing support between meetings, you’ll gain confidence, independence, and valuable life-enhancing skills.
Join our growing family of tech-savvy members today – because it’s never too late to fall in love with technology!
Chris then asked a topical science-related question:
> Is there any evidence that global warming, through the melting of ice sheets, has had any effect on seismic activity?
ChatGPT said Yes, and summarised the theories as to how, mentioning vaguely “a study in 2017” but gave no references. CoPilot’s output was similar, but it only referenced “The Conversation” which is a website of review articles written by academics but these are not original research papers. DeepSeek shone at this task, citing research papers, giving a reasoned opinion about why there could be a link, but also pointing out caveats to the theory.
Chris finished off with a plea for help:
> I am organising a series of one-hour, interactive presentations for a local computer club. The audience consists mainly of retired English speaking people. We usually cover practicalities such as using Windows, smartphones, e-mail and Facebook, as well as general topics such as online security, VPNs, AI , social media, and IPTV. Can you suggest some challenging, interesting topics which would stimulate discussion to create a balanced programme for my audience?
Here are the results for JCC members to choose from. It’s gratifying that we have covered many of these topics in the past. But they are always worth revisiting and there are some new ones here!
ChatGPT:
Practical & Everyday Technology
Mastering Windows 11: Hidden Features & Productivity Tips – Explore lesser-known features and shortcuts to make everyday tasks easier.
Smartphones for Seniors: Getting the Most Out of Your Device – Cover accessibility features, useful apps, and troubleshooting common issues.
Email Management: Organising, Filtering & Avoiding Spam – Practical strategies to keep emails tidy and secure.
Facebook & Social Media: Staying Connected Without the Hassle – Guide to privacy settings, avoiding scams, and making the most of social media.
Online Shopping & Digital Payments: How to Buy Safely – Best practices for using PayPal, credit cards, and avoiding fraud.
Security & Privacy: Online Security Essentials: How to Spot Scams & Stay Safe – Common scams, phishing emails, and fraud prevention.
VPNs & Privacy: Do You Really Need One? – Explaining how VPNs work and whether they’re useful for everyday users.
Strong Passwords & Password Managers: Making Security Easy – Hands-on session to help attendees set up and manage passwords securely.
Smart Homes & IoT: Are Your Devices Spying on You? – Discussion about data privacy in smart TVs, Alexa, and other IoT devices.
Deepfake Videos & AI Scams: How to Spot Fake Content – Interactive session to show examples of AI-generated fakes and how to identify them.
Emerging Technology & Thought-Provoking Topics
AI & Chatbots: Can You Trust an Artificial Intelligence? – Hands-on demo of AI tools like ChatGPT and discussions on their implications.
The Future of Social Media: Will Facebook, TikTok & Twitter Survive? – Discussion on the evolving social media landscape and its impact.
Is Big Tech Controlling Our Lives? A Debate on Digital Ethics – Exploring the power of companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
IPTV & Streaming Services: What’s Legal and What’s Not? – A guide to legal vs. illegal streaming services and the risks involved.
The Cashless Society: Is Cash Becoming Obsolete? – Exploring the shift to digital payments and the implications for different generations.
Digital Creativity & Fun with Tech
Photo & Video Editing for Beginners: Enhance Your Memories – Hands-on session using free or low-cost tools.
Podcasting & Blogging: Share Your Thoughts with the World – Guide to creating and publishing content online.
Ancestry & Genealogy Research Online: Discovering Your Roots – Exploring resources like Ancestry.com and DNA testing services.
Drones, 3D Printing & New Hobbies for Tech Enthusiasts – Introduction to emerging tech-based hobbies.
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality: A Glimpse into the Future – Demo of VR headsets and AR apps.
CoPilot
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI): Explore how AI is shaping everyday life, from voice assistants to healthcare. Discuss ethical considerations, risks, and benefits.
The Evolution of Social Media: Examine how social media has changed over the years and its impact on society, relationships, and privacy. Encourage discussion on its role in their own lives.
Digital Legacy Management: A thought-provoking topic on managing online accounts, photos, and documents for future generations. Tips on creating a “digital will.”
Cybersecurity Threats of the Future: Go beyond basic online security to explore upcoming challenges like deepfake scams and quantum hacking
Mastering Modern Communication Tools: Dive into apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Slack. Discuss their benefits and limitations for staying connected.
The World of Smart Homes: Introduce the concept of smart home devices and how they can simplify life. Discuss privacy concerns and how to secure them.
Streaming Wars and IPTV Explained: Break down the rise of streaming platforms and IPTV. Discuss their pros and cons compared to traditional broadcasting.
Tech for Environmental Sustainability: Share how technology is helping the planet, from renewable energy innovations to smart farming practices.
The Ethics of Digital Surveillance: Encourage critical thinking about surveillance in the digital age—explore the balance between safety and privacy.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Show how these technologies are used in gaming, education, and healthcare, and spark curiosity about their potential.
Navigating Digital Health Tools: Discuss apps and devices for monitoring health, scheduling medications, and staying active.
Understanding the Metaverse: Explore what the metaverse is and how it might change communication, work, and leisure.
Cutting the Cord: Alternatives to Cable TV: Offer insights into streaming services, IPTV, and free-to-air options as cost-effective solutions.
Keeping Up with Tech Trends: Provide an overview of emerging technologies like 5G, blockchain, and autonomous vehicles.
Digital Detox Strategies: Discuss the importance of unplugging from screens and creating balance in the digital age.
Online Collaboration Made Simple: Introduce tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 for collaborative projects and personal organization.
The Internet Beyond Browsing: Dive into less-known aspects of the internet, such as open-source platforms, forums, and niche communities
Exploring E-Learning Platforms: Showcase how they can learn new skills or hobbies online through platforms like Udemy and Coursera.
Reclaiming Privacy in the Digital Age: Provide actionable tips for safeguarding personal information and reducing digital footprints.
Exploring Ethical Tech Consumption: Discuss recycling old tech devices, avoiding e-waste, and making responsible purchases.
A Look Into Wearable Technology: Cover devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and hearing aids—how they improve lives and what to look for when buying.
DeepSeek
Certainly! Given your audience’s profile (retired English speakers with basic to intermediate tech knowledge), here are some challenging yet engaging topics that balance practicality with contemporary relevance. Each is designed to stimulate discussion while remaining accessible:
- “The Future of AI in Everyday Life”
Why? AI tools (ChatGPT, image generators, voice assistants) are becoming ubiquitous.Discussion Points:
Practical uses: Writing emails, summarizing articles, creating art.
Ethical concerns: Deepfakes, privacy, job displacement.
Hands-on demo: Try free AI tools like Gemini or Bing Chat.
- “Beyond Facebook: Exploring Niche Social Media“
Why? Retirees often default to Facebook but may enjoy alternatives. Discussion Points:
Platforms like Nextdoor (local communities), Meetup (hobbies), or Mastodon (ad-free Twitter alternative).
Pros/cons of algorithm-driven feeds vs. chronological ones.
Privacy settings comparison across platforms.
- “Cutting the Cord: Streaming vs. Traditional TV“
Why? Many retirees are overwhelmed by streaming options.Discussion Points:
Cost comparison: Cable/Satellite vs. Netflix/YouTube TV.
How to navigate subscriptions (bundling, free trials).
Legal grey areas: IPTV services and piracy risks.
- “Digital Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Online Life?“
Why? A vital but often overlooked topic for older adults.Discussion Points:
Designating legacy contacts for Facebook/Google accounts.
Password managers and secure sharing with family.
Handling cryptocurrencies or digital assets in wills.
- “Smart Homes for Seniors: Convenience or Overcomplication?“
Why? Voice assistants and smart devices can aid aging in place.Discussion Points:
Starter setups: Smart lights, video doorbells, medication reminders.
Privacy trade-offs (e.g., Alexa recording conversations).
Accessibility features (voice control for arthritis sufferers).
- “The Dark Side of Discounts: How Retailers Track You“
Why? Retirees are often targeted by scams but rarely understand tracking.Discussion Points:
Loyalty programs vs. data harvesting.
Browser fingerprinting and VPNs to limit tracking.
How to opt out of targeted ads.
- “From Photos to Phishing: Recognizing Modern Scams“
Why? Seniors are frequent targets of evolving scams.Discussion Points:
AI voice cloning (fake grandkid calls).
QR code phishing and “too good to be true” offers.
How to verify identities (call-back protocols).
- “Reinventing Hobbies Digitally“
Why? Encourages creativity and social connection.Discussion Points:
Digital genealogy (Ancestry.com, MyHeritage).
Online learning (MasterClass, Coursera for hobbies).
Virtual travel (Google Earth, museum tours).
Balancing Your Programme
Mix familiar and novel: Pair practical refreshers (e.g., “Advanced Gmail Tips”) with forward-looking topics (e.g., AI).
Interactive elements: Polls (e.g., “Raise hands if you’ve tried AI”), live demos, or Q&A slots.
Local relevance: Add a session on council/government services moving online (e.g., telehealth).
Would you like me to elaborate on structuring any of these sessions with timelines or activities?
Chris Betterton-Jones – Knowledge Junkie