Artificial intelligence may shape the future, but it doesn't always get things right. When we asked ChatGPT to name Birmingham's least-friendly neighbourhood, it picked Lozells, citing crime, economic challenges, and reputation. But we visited to test that perception and found a divided community.
Worker Describes 'Ghetto' with Daily Drug Problems
Cheryl Forbes has worked in Lozells for nearly four years but lives in Northfield, which she says is a very different area. Her business on Villa Road suffers from a 'daily' issue around drug abuse, and she feels 'people are fed-up over nothing being done'.
She told BirminghamLive: 'Lozells is a different culture now. Everybody is doing their own thing, I wouldn't say it's a friendly area. Too many things going on around the area, no one seems to care. Not even the council. The streets are dirty, we are the businesses who run neighbourhood watch and nothing comes out of it. We have too many alcoholics and drug addicts around here. At night I go home by 8pm, but it's a bit rough during the daytime. People are fed-up over nothing being done. Everyday is the same thing. Northfield is totally different and a residential area.'
Regular Visitor Disagrees, Calls Lozells 'Vibrant'
But Tsega Michael, a regular visitor to Lozells, dismissed the unfriendly label. Speaking at Rahya restaurant & bar, he said: 'You will find friendly people all across Birmingham. It's all about your personality. I used to live in Erdington, wherever I go is similar to me and I don't see negatives in people. I don't know how ChatGPT works but who gives data to it? Is it from people from different backgrounds or just someone in an office who doesn't know the area? If you went to Villa Road ten to 15 years ago, it was empty and a dead street. Now it's vibrant with a lot of coffee shops. Even in this pub, this was closed. Now it's open and a very vibrant, friendly place. From the criteria I've seen, I don't agree with ChatGPT. You will find friendly people across Birmingham, whether it's Lozells or Sutton Coldfield. I use artificial intelligence but you have to compare knowledge with what you know. It's not a person, it's a machine, so you have to be careful from my understanding.'
Council Responds
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: 'Views expressed by individual residents are, of course, their own, but we remain committed to working with communities across Birmingham to improve neighbourhoods and tackle issues that matter to residents. Lozells is a diverse and active community and we will continue to work with local people and partners on the issues that matter most to residents.'
