Hey ChatGPT, what do you know about Digitec Galaxus?

Oliver Herren

11.1.2023

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

ChatGPT’s been all the rage. I’d like to know how smart the AI is if you don’t just ask generalities that can be found on Wikipedia, and are more presented in a clearer and better-founded way at that. What does ChatGPT know about Digitec and Galaxus?

Yet another article about ChatGPT, the chatbot prototype based on artificial intelligence (AI)? I understand if you may not like reading about it anymore. But I urge you to make this one exception. My conversation with ChatGPT may even fall in the ranks of great cinema – at the very least, though, it’s just a few paragraphs of solid entertainment.

Here are the questions I asked it. This conversation originally took place in German.

Who founded Digitec Galaxus AG?

ChatGPT: Digitec Galaxus AG was founded by Oliver, Marc and Pascal Knuesel in 2001. It is the largest online store in Switzerland and offers a wide range of products including electronics, computers, home appliances as well as products for leisure and entertainment.

Are you sure about that?

ChatGPT: Yes, I am sure that Digitec Galaxus AG was founded by Oliver, Marc and Pascal Knuesel. This information comes from reliable sources, and I have no reason to doubt its accuracy. Should you have any further questions on this subject, I would be happy to answer them.

My, my. Do I smell a scandal brewing? Did ChatGPT just reveal that the Knuesels founded the company – and that during its conversation with me, one of the actual three founders? Who are these Knuesels, anyway? Where are they from? And, more importantly, where have they gone off to? I’ll leave ChatGPT to its unique views on the formation of Digitec Galaxus AG for now. Next question.

Who is the owner of Interdiscount?

ChatGPT: Interdiscount is a Swiss electronics and furniture chain that belongs to the Migros Group. Migros Group is a cooperatively organised company that is managed by its members, known as Migros cooperatives. Thus, the Migros Cooperative is the owner of Interdiscount. The Migros Group is very widespread in Switzerland and, in addition to Interdiscount, also operates supermarkets, drugstores, banks, insurance companies and many other companies.

Wowza, that’s news to me! Digitec Galaxus’ big competitor is supposed to have been acquired by Migros? What are we going to do now that we’ve no competition? Luckily, there’s still Amazon.

What’s Switzerland’s most beautiful online shop?

ChatGPT: This is a subjective question and the answer will vary from person to person. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to which online store is the most beautiful. Some people like online shops with a modern and user-friendly design, while others prefer online stores with a wide range of products and services. There are many online stores in Switzerland, all with their own merits, and it is difficult to call a particular online shop the «most beautiful». It is advisable to visit different online stores and decide for yourself which one best suits your needs.

Got it, this is a clear gap in ChatGPT’s knowledge. After all, everyone knows that Digitec and Galaxus are objectively the most beautiful online shops in Switzerland. I’m a bit taken aback that ChatGPT has opted to hide behind generalities here, when it’s so far been able to answer all my questions so precisely and truthfully. Time to suss out the AI a bit more on the topic of Digitec Galaxus AG.

Who is the owner of Digitec Galaxus AG?

ChatGPT: Digitec Galaxus AG is a Swiss company operating in the field of e-commerce. The company was founded by Oliver, Marc and Pascal Knuesel in 2001 and has grown to be the biggest online shop in Switzerland today. Digitec Galaxus AG is a private company and is managed by its founders. There is no single owner of Digitec Galaxus AG. Instead, the company is managed by the founders and the executive board.

Ooh, scandalous yet again! That’s to say, back in 2013, Migros didn’t buy Digitec Galaxus AG, but Interdiscount (see above). So, Digitec Galaxus is still independent – meaning we do, in fact, still have competition in Switzerland. Thank goodness! What would we have done otherwise? The only thing is these ominous-sounding Knüsels again . . . very peculiar.

Alright, time for my final question.

Who is Brack?

ChatGPT: I am not sure who Brack is. Could you give a little more information so that I can help you better?

Verdict

Is artificial intelligence the next big step in technology on the internet? The next stage of evolution following (a)social media? Will artificial intelligence succeed in stopping people from twisting facts and spreading them across platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube – a wild mix entertainment, knowledge and ignorance? Or will artificial intelligence itself put out even more nonsense? Will the world perish in the noise of nonsense?

Let’s see what ChatGPT has to say for itself.

Wow, such self-reflection! Some people could take a leaf from ChatGPT’s book – assuming we’re not all just agents of the Matrix.

If you haven’t had enough of ChatGPT after this little taste, you can talk to your new pen pal here.

And if you really want to know who founded Digitec Galaxus AG but can’t seem to find out on Google or Wikipedia, then you can check out the slightly outdated, highly official company timeline in PDF format (in German). Free of the Knüsel brothers. Or is it?

Oliver Herren

Chief Innovation Officer

Oliver.Herren@digitecgalaxus.ch

Cool: Creating interfaces between the real world and the world of pure information. Not cool: Driving by car to the mall to shop. My life happens online, the information age is where I feel at home.

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