Influencer couple Mery Caldass and Alejandro Cid were all set for what should’ve been a dreamy trip to Puerto Rico. But instead of basking in beach vibes, they ended up stuck in an airport, sobbing and blaming none other than ChatGPT for their nightmare.In a now-viral TikTok with over 13,000 views, as reported by New York Post, Mery with tears streaming, frustration loud and clearly explains that, “I always do tons of research, but I asked ChatGPT and it said no visa was needed.” Which, sure, sounds convenient. But unfortunately, that “advice” missed a tiny, yet crucial detail: while they didn’t need a visa for Puerto Rico, they did need something called an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It’s kind of like a quick online clearance that ChatGPT apparently forgot to mention.Unsurprisingly, the clip lit up the internet. A lot of people had words. Some were with the sarcasm, like commenting, “Natural selection, I guess,” mocking their decision to rely on ChatGPT for something important. Another quipped, “Who trusts ChatGPT for that kind of info?”On the flip side, a few folks defended the AI: maybe the couple just didn’t phrase their question properly, sure, they asked if they needed a visa, but they never asked whether an ESTA was necessary.
What is ESTA?
The ESTA, short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is basically an online permission slip. If you’re from one of the eligible countries, you don’t need a full visa, but you do need to fill out this quick online form before you travel. It’s not a visa interview or a mountain of paperwork, just an application you do online, pay a small fee for, and usually get approved within minutes (though they say apply at least 72 hours before your trip, just in case). Once approved, it’s valid for two years, and you can use it for multiple trips. Think of it as a “fast pass” but skip it, and you might end up like those influencers stuck at the airport instead of sipping piña coladas.
Another ChatGPT mishap
This isn’t the only headline-grabbing ChatGPT slip-up lately. Other stories have spotlighted more concerning misadventures: one older guy ended up hospitalized with hallucinations after following AI-generated suggestions. Clearly, when it comes to AI, a healthy dose of skepticism and double-checking is a must.
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#Influencers #flight #ChatGPT #advice #twist #leave #speechless
