ChatGPT is an Open AI chatbot that has garnered huge attention since it was launched in November 2022, with it being able to provide an answer to almost any prompt asked of it.

It has been used to write lines of code and full essays amongst other things, but we thought we would ask it what the best and worst things about Essex are.

The service has been known to confidently provide responses that are not always completely accurate, so you will have to be the judge of if what it says is true or not.


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After inputting the prompt 'What are the five best and five worst things about Essex' here's what ChatGPT had to say.

Five best things about Essex according to ChatGPT

Natural beauty: Essex is a county in the southeast of England that is known for its natural beauty. It is home to many stunning landscapes, including the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the River Stour, and the Epping Forest.

History and Culture: Essex is also known for its rich history and culture. It has many historic sites, including the Colchester Castle, Cressing Temple Barns, and Layer Marney Tower. The county is also famous for its traditional English villages and local traditions, such as Morris dancing.

Gazette: Colchester Castle is one of the many historic attractions in EssexColchester Castle is one of the many historic attractions in Essex (Image: Steve Brading)

Coastal towns: Essex has a long coastline that is home to many charming coastal towns, such as Clacton-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, and Leigh-on-Sea. These towns offer a range of seaside activities, such as beachcombing, fishing, and watersports.

Gazette: Photos show packed Southend seafront as sunseekers during a heatwave. Photo: PAPhotos show packed Southend seafront as sunseekers during a heatwave. Photo: PA

Shopping and dining: Essex has many great shopping and dining options, including the famous Lakeside Shopping Centre and the Brentwood high street. The county also boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with many great pubs, restaurants, and cafes.

Transport links: Essex is well-connected to London and other parts of the UK, making it easy to travel to and from the county. It has many train stations, including Chelmsford, Colchester, and Southend, and is served by several major motorways, including the M11 and M25.

Five worst things about Essex according to ChatGPT

Stereotypes: Essex has often been associated with negative stereotypes, such as being perceived as a "trashy" or "tacky" place full of superficial people who are obsessed with their appearance and material possessions. Such stereotypes can be harmful and unfair to the people who live in the region, as they don't reflect the diversity and complexity of the area.

Traffic: Like many places in the UK, traffic congestion can be a major issue in Essex, particularly during peak hours or on major roads. This can cause delays, frustration, and pollution.

Gazette: Traffic queuing on the A12 Traffic queuing on the A12 (Image: Newsquest)

Crime: Some areas of Essex have higher rates of crime than others, which can make residents feel unsafe and affect the quality of life in those communities. However, it's important to note that crime rates can vary widely depending on the specific location, and that many parts of Essex are safe and welcoming places to live.

Cost of living: Housing prices in some parts of Essex are relatively high, which can make it difficult for some people to afford to live there. This can lead to issues of gentrification and displacement, as well as a lack of affordable housing options for lower-income residents.

Negative media coverage: Essex has often been the subject of negative media coverage, particularly in tabloid newspapers and reality TV shows. This can perpetuate negative stereotypes and unfairly depict the area in a negative light.