An Iowa school district is using ChatGPT to decide which books to ban. Official: "It is simply not feasible to read every book" for depictions of sex.

I just asked GPT-4 if the Twilight Series is "suitable for children" and the output was pretty spot on - summarised five issues that might be problematic and then finished with "It's always a good idea for parents or guardians to consult with a librarian or teacher".

I bet none of this is based on the actual contents of the book - it would be based on independent reviews of the book. For example it highlights issues that "some parents" have raised. Which means you really are just getting a summary of what humans think of it.

The suitability of the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer for children depends on the age and maturity of the child, as well as what a parent or guardian deems appropriate for their child to read. Here are some factors to consider:

Age Recommendation: The "Twilight" series is generally categorized as Young Adult (YA) fiction, which typically targets readers from about 12 to 18 years of age. However, the series has appealed to a wide age range, from preteens to adults.

Romantic Themes: The series is centered around a romantic relationship, and much of the plot focuses on the emotional and romantic dynamics between the main characters. Some of the romantic scenes can be intense, although they are not explicitly sexual.

Violence and Danger: The books include some violent scenes and perilous situations. Characters are placed in dangerous circumstances, and there are fights and confrontations, including some that result in serious injury or death. The violence is generally not extremely graphic, but it is a recurring element.

Supernatural Elements: The series revolves around vampires and werewolves, and thus engages with supernatural themes and folklore. Some children may find these elements frightening, while others might be fascinated by them.

Emotional Intensity: The series deals with intense emotions, including love, jealousy, longing, and heartbreak. Some parents might feel that these themes are more appropriate for older teens who have begun to navigate complex emotional experiences themselves.

Moral and Ethical Themes: Some readers and parents have criticized the series for the dynamics of the central relationship, seeing it as potentially portraying an unhealthy or obsessive relationship as idealized. Others see it as a fictional exploration of intense emotions and do not take it as a model for real-world behavior.

Reading Level: The series is written in a relatively accessible style, but the themes and vocabulary are most suitable for readers in their mid-to-late teens.

Ultimately, the best approach might be for a parent or guardian to either read the books themselves or read them along with their child, so they can discuss any questions or concerns that arise. It’s important to consider the individual child’s maturity level and sensitivities, as well as family values and comfort with the themes of the books.

For younger children, or for those who may be sensitive to the themes of romantic intensity or violence, waiting until they are older or choosing a different series might be advisable. It's always a good idea for parents or guardians to consult with a librarian or teacher, who can provide age-appropriate recommendations based on a child's interests and reading level.

That style of prompt has its own issues. If the book for some reason has text that says "this book doesn't contain any sex" then the prompt might come back as a false negative.