Madison, a server at a Michelin-recommended Italian restaurant in New York City, encountered guests who ordered fish dishes containing shellfish broth despite stating a shellfish allergy. Madison observed that patrons sometimes challenge allergen warnings by referencing ChatGPT.
Increased reliance on generative AI among restaurant patrons was noted by Madison. Furthermore, guests occasionally request wine bottles that the establishment does not stock or that do not actually exist.
Jason, a river ranger working on federal lands in the Mountain West, noted visitors arriving with nonsensical itineraries generated by AI. Jason explained to groups that AI sometimes hallucinates campsites or schedules activities that are geographically out of order.
In New York, Casey, an after-school program teacher, observed parents consulting ChatGPT or Claude regarding questions about childhood development. One instance involved a family using ChatGPT to devise a bedtime routine and sleep schedule for their child, even though the child required more sleep.
Lauren Wilford, who has worked in food service for fifteen years, pointed out that AI is influencing menu guidance, including uploading photographs to ChatGPT or Claude. Over the last year, Wilford's restaurant has received calls and emails from agents attempting to book reservations on behalf of users.
