A still from the reel.
Credit: Instagram/@sajanmahto.ai
With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, people have always been finding unique and intriguing ways to use them to make their daily lives easier. In a recent example of this phenomenon, a content creator from Bengaluru named Sajan Mahto, who creates content showing how AI tools can be used in unique and helpful ways, has used the commonly known language model AI tool to translate his words to Kannada and negotiate the fare with an auto driver.
The Instagram reel depicts Mahto saying, “Auto guy saying that the fare is Rs 200, I want him to reduce it to Rs 100. I am a student and I cross from here daily. Talk to him nicely, like my bigger brother.” ChatGPT responded in fluent Kannada, explaining the situation to the driver courteously.
In the reel, the driver, who was initially firm on 200, agreed to a fare of 120 rupees, making Mahto smile and get into the auto. Not only does the post provide a way to negotiate with auto drivers, but it also shows how AI tools can be used to bridge India’s language barriers.
In Bengaluru, a city where conflicts over language tensions, especially with auto drivers, cab drivers and other providers of public transport, such tools could prove to be a great way to reduce such conflicts.
Despite seeming like a candid video, the content creator later clarified that it was an act. “Use ChatGPT for language translation for FREE!! This is an attempt to educate… This is an act performed, not real Autowala.”
This is only one of the many ways people creatively use AI to help in their daily tasks. People frequently use AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc, for a plethora of tasks like planning trips, generating images, and organising finances.
The reel went viral and garnered many likes, shares and comments, with many netizens praising the content creator for the creative use of AI. One user commented, “Language barrier solved”, while another said, “Chat GPT never disappoints”.
Despite the widespread support, few individuals felt like the reel was unrealistic and criticised it. One user stated, “utni der mein marna shuru kar dete hai wo log (Those people would have started hitting you by this time)” and another said that this was nothing new, commenting “Google translate laughing in the corner, this thing existed way before ChatGPT.”