Matthew Kupfer

Artificial intelligence can already generate artwork, write poetry and create realistic portraits of people who don’t actually exist. So what’s next for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/what-is-cerebral-valley-san-franciscos-nerdiest-new-neighborhood/">San Francisco’s buzziest emerging technology</a>?&nbsp;

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Artificial intelligence can already generate artwork, write poetry and create realistic portraits of people who don’t actually exist. So what’s next for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/what-is-cerebral-valley-san-franciscos-nerdiest-new-neighborhood/">San Francisco’s buzziest emerging technology</a>?&nbsp;

How about remaking Seinfeld? Enter Nothing, Forever—an endless, trippy and distinctly absurd parody of the iconic 1990s sitcom—generated by AI.&nbsp;

How about remaking Seinfeld? Enter Nothing, Forever—an endless, trippy and distinctly absurd parody of the iconic 1990s sitcom—generated by AI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/watchmeforever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadcast 24/7</a> over the streaming platform Twitch, Nothing uses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/i-tried-to-visit-openais-office-hilarity-ensued/">OpenAI’s</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">GPT-3 language model</a> and a proprietary “director” technology to create a continuous series of lo-fi, animated vignettes about … nothing. The online series has been running since December <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjkyxp/whats-the-deal-with-nothing-forever-a-21st-century-seinfeld-that-is-ai-generated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">but went viral Tuesday</a>.

<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/watchmeforever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadcast 24/7</a> over the streaming platform Twitch, Nothing uses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/i-tried-to-visit-openais-office-hilarity-ensued/">OpenAI’s</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">GPT-3 language model</a> and a proprietary “director” technology to create a continuous series of lo-fi, animated vignettes about … nothing. The online series has been running since December <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjkyxp/whats-the-deal-with-nothing-forever-a-21st-century-seinfeld-that-is-ai-generated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">but went viral Tuesday</a>.

It’s the stuff dreams are made of—if you’re like me—a person who has spent the past several months trying to induce OpenAI’s chatbot to write new episodes of Seinfeld on a series of increasingly inappropriate and grotesque subjects.&nbsp;

It’s the stuff dreams are made of—if you’re like me—a person who has spent the past several months trying to induce OpenAI’s chatbot to write new episodes of Seinfeld on a series of increasingly inappropriate and grotesque subjects.&nbsp;

But as I tuned into Nothing, Forever, I realized the dream had elements of a nightmare.

But as I tuned into Nothing, Forever, I realized the dream had elements of a nightmare.

Nothing features four main characters roughly reminiscent of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer—recast as Larry Feinberg, Fred Kastopolous, Yvonne Torres and Zoltan Kakler—and is mostly set in its protagonists&#8217; respective apartments.&nbsp;

Nothing features four main characters roughly reminiscent of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer—recast as Larry Feinberg, Fred Kastopolous, Yvonne Torres and Zoltan Kakler—and is mostly set in its protagonists' respective apartments.&nbsp;

Nothing features four main characters roughly reminiscent of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer—recast as Larry Feinberg, Fred Kastopolous, Yvonne Torres and Zoltan Kakler—and is mostly set in its protagonists&#8217; respective apartments.&nbsp;

In keeping with Seinfeld’s “show about nothing” ethos, the dialogue focuses on the absurd minutiae of daily life and occasionally drifts into the realm of the truly philosophical. The short episodes begin with a scene of Jerry—ahem, Larry—doing a dad joke-heavy standup routine. It even has a laugh track.&nbsp;

In keeping with Seinfeld’s “show about nothing” ethos, the dialogue focuses on the absurd minutiae of daily life and occasionally drifts into the realm of the truly philosophical. The short episodes begin with a scene of Jerry—ahem, Larry—doing a dad joke-heavy standup routine. It even has a laugh track.&nbsp;

While that may sound impressive to Seinfeld fans, the final product is lo-fi, robotic and, often, unfunny. But its creators believe Nothing, Forever is more than a joke: Rather, it represents an important step on the path to new “generative media.”

While that may sound impressive to Seinfeld fans, the final product is lo-fi, robotic and, often, unfunny. But its creators believe Nothing, Forever is more than a joke: Rather, it represents an important step on the path to new “generative media.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friends-recreate-seinfeld">Friends Recreate &#8216;Seinfeld&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-friends-recreate-seinfeld">Friends Recreate 'Seinfeld'</h2>

<h2 id="h-friends-recreate-seinfeld">Friends Recreate &#8216;Seinfeld&#8217;</h2>

Nothing, Forever began four years ago, when co-creator Brian Habersberger, a materials scientist, approached his friend Skyler Hartle, a senior product manager at Microsoft, with the idea to create a “generative show based on the idea of nothingness” that would parody 1990s sitcoms, Hartle told The Standard.

Nothing, Forever began four years ago, when co-creator Brian Habersberger, a materials scientist, approached his friend Skyler Hartle, a senior product manager at Microsoft, with the idea to create a “generative show based on the idea of nothingness” that would parody 1990s sitcoms, Hartle told The Standard.

There was one problem: The technology just wasn’t there yet.&nbsp;

There was one problem: The technology just wasn’t there yet.&nbsp;

Machine learning was still nascent, and OpenAI didn’t offer the kinds of services it does now. Hartle and Habersberger had to figure out much of the “generative stuff” on their own, Hartle explained.

Machine learning was still nascent, and OpenAI didn’t offer the kinds of services it does now. Hartle and Habersberger had to figure out much of the “generative stuff” on their own, Hartle explained.

“It’s been a funny four years, because the technology has moved really fast,” he said.

“It’s been a funny four years, because the technology has moved really fast,” he said.

A scene from Nothing, Forever, an always on, AI generated episode from the TV series Seinfeld on the website https://m.twitch.tv/watchmeforever. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED1_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Is this the &#8220;Seinfeld&#8221; remake you&#8217;ve always been waiting for? Or is this a nightmare obviating humanity&#8217;s need for hallucinogens? Actually, it&#8217;s a parody of the iconic 1990s sitcom generated by AI. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED1_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Is this the "Seinfeld" remake you've always been waiting for? Or is this a nightmare obviating humanity's need for hallucinogens? Actually, it's a parody of the iconic 1990s sitcom generated by AI. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED1_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Is this the &#8220;Seinfeld&#8221; remake you&#8217;ve always been waiting for? Or is this a nightmare obviating humanity&#8217;s need for hallucinogens? Actually, it&#8217;s a parody of the iconic 1990s sitcom generated by AI. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Nothing, Forever uses OpenAI’s GPT-3—the technology behind its popular ChatGPT chatbot—to generate the script viewers hear on the show. The voices come from Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services. And Hartle and Habersberger have their own unique technology—they call it “generative direction”—that pulls together the narrative, dialogue and voiceover, defines the scene lengths, and generates the instructions for that scene.&nbsp;

Nothing, Forever uses OpenAI’s GPT-3—the technology behind its popular ChatGPT chatbot—to generate the script viewers hear on the show. The voices come from Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services. And Hartle and Habersberger have their own unique technology—they call it “generative direction”—that pulls together the narrative, dialogue and voiceover, defines the scene lengths, and generates the instructions for that scene.&nbsp;

The one thing that isn’t generated by AI? The characters and scenery.

The one thing that isn’t generated by AI? The characters and scenery.

“Honestly that decision came from the fact that nothing existed to generate that kind of stuff at the time,” Hartle said.

“Honestly that decision came from the fact that nothing existed to generate that kind of stuff at the time,” Hartle said.

The results are pretty weird. Nothing, Forever may be the perfect metaphor for AI in 2023: It’s capable of remarkable things, but still has a long way to go.

The results are pretty weird. Nothing, Forever may be the perfect metaphor for AI in 2023: It’s capable of remarkable things, but still has a long way to go.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I WAS WATCHING THE INFINITE AI GENERATED SEINFELD STREAM AND WHAT THE FUCK LMAO <a href="https://t.co/QfNFNOHjJI">pic.twitter.com/QfNFNOHjJI</a>— the j (@queenbiscuit311) <a href="https://twitter.com/queenbiscuit311/status/1621014938759360512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Do you think when we die, that’s it? Or do you think there might be something else after this life?” the balding, bespectacled character Fred asks in one clip shared on Twitter.

“Do you think when we die, that’s it? Or do you think there might be something else after this life?” the balding, bespectacled character Fred asks in one clip shared on Twitter.

“Well, Fred, I’m more of a scientist than a philosopher, so I can’t say for sure. But If I had to guess, there’s probably something more out there,” Larry answers. “Who knows? All I’m sure of is that death is just the beginning of something more mysterious and wonderful.”

“Well, Fred, I’m more of a scientist than a philosopher, so I can’t say for sure. But If I had to guess, there’s probably something more out there,” Larry answers. “Who knows? All I’m sure of is that death is just the beginning of something more mysterious and wonderful.”

As Larry philosophizes, Fred swims across the living room in something resembling a glitchy, contorted side-stroke before disappearing into the turquoise couch.

As Larry philosophizes, Fred swims across the living room in something resembling a glitchy, contorted side-stroke before disappearing into the turquoise couch.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">the AI generated endless seinfeld is kinda starting to get the hang of it <a href="https://t.co/odv8qalav4">pic.twitter.com/odv8qalav4</a>— jocelyn romo (@theeroamer) <a href="https://twitter.com/theeroamer/status/1621036664511688706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In another, the characters discuss a person who hates fruit.

In another, the characters discuss a person who hates fruit.

“Maybe he was trying to be edgy or something,” Zoltan says. “Or maybe he has a secret fruit allergy.”

“Maybe he was trying to be edgy or something,” Zoltan says. “Or maybe he has a secret fruit allergy.”

“That’s an interesting theory,” Larry replies, as the other characters robotically stumble over the furniture. “Maybe he just doesn’t know how to enjoy the sweet and juicy …”

“That’s an interesting theory,” Larry replies, as the other characters robotically stumble over the furniture. “Maybe he just doesn’t know how to enjoy the sweet and juicy …”

“Or he could just be a ‘fruitophobe,’” he adds.&nbsp;

“Or he could just be a ‘fruitophobe,’” he adds.&nbsp;

&#8216;The Bizarro Jerry&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bizarro-jerry">&#8216;The Bizarro Jerry&#8217;</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-bizarro-jerry">'The Bizarro Jerry'</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-bizarro-jerry">&#8216;The Bizarro Jerry&#8217;</h2>

I am a devoted—some would say obsessive—fan of Seinfeld. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.&nbsp;

I am a devoted—some would say obsessive—fan of Seinfeld. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.&nbsp;

I’ve spent much of my life preaching the gospel of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer among adherents to the church of Friends. Like many a missionary, I converted a woman from Friends to Seinfeld and married her. References to the Soup Nazi, the big salad and, ahem, “the contest” are a regular feature of our life.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

I’ve spent much of my life preaching the gospel of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer among adherents to the church of Friends. Like many a missionary, I converted a woman from Friends to Seinfeld and married her. References to the Soup Nazi, the big salad and, ahem, “the contest” are a regular feature of our life.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

To me, Nothing, Forever isn’t Seinfeld.&nbsp;

To me, Nothing, Forever isn’t Seinfeld.&nbsp;

Rather, it resembles “The Bizarro Jerry,” an episode where Elaine falls in with a group of men who are her friends’ polar opposites: They treat people well, have healthy boundaries and enjoy spending their time reading at the library. It’s the “bizarro world.”

Rather, it resembles “The Bizarro Jerry,” an episode where Elaine falls in with a group of men who are her friends’ polar opposites: They treat people well, have healthy boundaries and enjoy spending their time reading at the library. It’s the “bizarro world.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED2_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Larry (left) and Fred sit around the house in a scene from &#8220;Nothing, Forever,&#8221; an AI-generated parody of Seinfeld. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED2_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Larry (left) and Fred sit around the house in a scene from "Nothing, Forever," an AI-generated parody of Seinfeld. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED2_AISeinfeld02032023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Larry (left) and Fred sit around the house in a scene from &#8220;Nothing, Forever,&#8221; an AI-generated parody of Seinfeld. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Similarly, Larry, Fred and company may resemble the Seinfeld cast, but their robotic lack of edginess and non-sequitur-filled, almost Dadaistic dialogue is at best a simulacrum.

Similarly, Larry, Fred and company may resemble the Seinfeld cast, but their robotic lack of edginess and non-sequitur-filled, almost Dadaistic dialogue is at best a simulacrum.

But Hartle thinks there are bigger, better things on Nothing, Forever’s horizon.&nbsp;

But Hartle thinks there are bigger, better things on Nothing, Forever’s horizon.&nbsp;

He and Habersberger—who call themselves Mismatch Media—believe their technology and idea will have more applications in the future. It may even constitute a new form of media.

He and Habersberger—who call themselves Mismatch Media—believe their technology and idea will have more applications in the future. It may even constitute a new form of media.

“As we were going through the process of creating it very early on, we realized that there was a ton of potential in the concept of generative media,” he said.&nbsp;

“As we were going through the process of creating it very early on, we realized that there was a ton of potential in the concept of generative media,” he said.&nbsp;

Hartle believes we’re a lot closer to having a product like Nothing, Forever that is less nonsensical and more realistic. Even under the current technological limitations, his team could have improved upon the show if it had more resources.

Hartle believes we’re a lot closer to having a product like Nothing, Forever that is less nonsensical and more realistic. Even under the current technological limitations, his team could have improved upon the show if it had more resources.

“If anything, I hope that Nothing, Forever showcased that it&#8217;s possible to take all these component pieces and create a new type of media like this,” he said, “and that even better versions of this are just around the corner.”

“If anything, I hope that Nothing, Forever showcased that it's possible to take all these component pieces and create a new type of media like this,” he said, “and that even better versions of this are just around the corner.”

“If anything, I hope that Nothing, Forever showcased that it&#8217;s possible to take all these component pieces and create a new type of media like this,” he said, “and that even better versions of this are just around the corner.”

A ‘Seinfeld’ remake? AI is on it, and just might revolutionize TV in the process

Liz Lindqwister

With mounting layoffs, sky-high interest rates and empty office buildings, the woes of San Francisco’s struggling tech-driven economy make headlines every day.

With mounting layoffs, sky-high interest rates and empty office buildings, the woes of San Francisco’s struggling tech-driven economy make headlines every day.

Yet, as the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/are-people-really-flocking-back-to-san-francisco-heres-what-data-shows/">population shows signs of a comeback</a>, what is the net impact of these opposing trends on the residential real estate market in the city?

Yet, as the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/are-people-really-flocking-back-to-san-francisco-heres-what-data-shows/">population shows signs of a comeback</a>, what is the net impact of these opposing trends on the residential real estate market in the city?

The latest data show that the economic downturn has negatively impacted residential real estate across the city with stagnating sales, falling rents and certain areas bearing the brunt of the decline. But ever-optimistic real estate agents say the market may be ready to heat back up.&nbsp;

The latest data show that the economic downturn has negatively impacted residential real estate across the city with stagnating sales, falling rents and certain areas bearing the brunt of the decline. But ever-optimistic real estate agents say the market may be ready to heat back up.&nbsp;

Pedestrians pass homes for rent and sale on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FEATURE_HomeSalesDrop.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90270"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians pass homes for rent and sale. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Rents Are Down in Most SF Neighborhoods&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rents Are Down in Most SF Neighborhoods&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Rents Are Down in Most SF Neighborhoods&nbsp;</h2>

Rent prices are falling throughout San Francisco, recording a 1.7% dip in December, over twice the national rate of decline. And median asking apartment rents <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/Status%20of%20the%20San%20Francisco%20Economy_January%202023_final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continued to drop into January 2023</a>, according to the SF Controller’s Office. Though it’s typical for rents to decline in the fall and winter before recovering in the spring and summer, city economists say SF’s recent rent fluctuations reflect how economic challenges continue to influence renter and buyer behavior.

Rent prices are falling throughout San Francisco, recording a 1.7% dip in December, over twice the national rate of decline. And median asking apartment rents <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/Status%20of%20the%20San%20Francisco%20Economy_January%202023_final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continued to drop into January 2023</a>, according to the SF Controller’s Office. Though it’s typical for rents to decline in the fall and winter before recovering in the spring and summer, city economists say SF’s recent rent fluctuations reflect how economic challenges continue to influence renter and buyer behavior.

“In late 2022, [rent fluctuations] were worse because of concerns about the overall state of the economy, consumer confidence dropped and household formation slowed—all of which limited rent demand more than normal,” said Ted Egan, chief economist at the Controller’s Office. “SF dropped by more than the average, but not the worst in the country.”&nbsp;

“In late 2022, [rent fluctuations] were worse because of concerns about the overall state of the economy, consumer confidence dropped and household formation slowed—all of which limited rent demand more than normal,” said Ted Egan, chief economist at the Controller’s Office. “SF dropped by more than the average, but not the worst in the country.”&nbsp;

And in what many say is a continuation of pandemic-era challenges—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/what-new-census-data-says-about-perceptions-of-san-francisco/">such as the 2020 exodus of young adults</a> from the city and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-standard-voter-poll-fall-2022/">increased concerns about crime and drug use</a>—rental prices continued to remain stubbornly below pre-pandemic levels in downtown regions.

And in what many say is a continuation of pandemic-era challenges—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/what-new-census-data-says-about-perceptions-of-san-francisco/">such as the 2020 exodus of young adults</a> from the city and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-standard-voter-poll-fall-2022/">increased concerns about crime and drug use</a>—rental prices continued to remain stubbornly below pre-pandemic levels in downtown regions.

“I know a lot of owners that have classical Beaux-Arts buildings that, 10 years ago, everybody wanted to live in—Lower Nob, Polk Gulch, that area into the Tenderloin,” said Janan New, executive director at the SF Apartment Association. “The quality of life is not as great in those neighborhoods as it used to be, and a lot of people have like a 50% vacancy factor and can&#8217;t find tenants to move in.”&nbsp;

“I know a lot of owners that have classical Beaux-Arts buildings that, 10 years ago, everybody wanted to live in—Lower Nob, Polk Gulch, that area into the Tenderloin,” said Janan New, executive director at the SF Apartment Association. “The quality of life is not as great in those neighborhoods as it used to be, and a lot of people have like a 50% vacancy factor and can't find tenants to move in.”&nbsp;

“I know a lot of owners that have classical Beaux-Arts buildings that, 10 years ago, everybody wanted to live in—Lower Nob, Polk Gulch, that area into the Tenderloin,” said Janan New, executive director at the SF Apartment Association. “The quality of life is not as great in those neighborhoods as it used to be, and a lot of people have like a 50% vacancy factor and can&#8217;t find tenants to move in.”&nbsp;

Instead, real estate and housing markets in low- and middle-income neighborhoods located in southern and western SF fared better in the last year. The Sunset, for example, emerged from 2022 with rents that were 101% of 2018 levels—a metric referred to as the Rent Recovery Rate. The Sunset also reported one of the greatest year-over-year increases in average rent.&nbsp;

Instead, real estate and housing markets in low- and middle-income neighborhoods located in southern and western SF fared better in the last year. The Sunset, for example, emerged from 2022 with rents that were 101% of 2018 levels—a metric referred to as the Rent Recovery Rate. The Sunset also reported one of the greatest year-over-year increases in average rent.&nbsp;

Impact on San Francisco Home Sales

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact on San Francisco Home Sales</h2>

<h2>Impact on San Francisco Home Sales</h2>

Rents aren’t the only housing measure affected by the nation’s economic downturn; San Francisco’s home sales lagged after an astounding 2021 market, as rising interest rates and soaring home prices cooled buyer interest.&nbsp;

Rents aren’t the only housing measure affected by the nation’s economic downturn; San Francisco’s home sales lagged after an astounding 2021 market, as rising interest rates and soaring home prices cooled buyer interest.&nbsp;

The likely cause? Downtown SF&#8217;s huge stock of unsold and empty condos, which comprise the city&#8217;s largest share of residential home sales but in today&#8217;s economic environment are the most difficult to sell.

The likely cause? Downtown SF's huge stock of unsold and empty condos, which comprise the city's largest share of residential home sales but in today's economic environment are the most difficult to sell.

The likely cause? Downtown SF&#8217;s huge stock of unsold and empty condos, which comprise the city&#8217;s largest share of residential home sales but in today&#8217;s economic environment are the most difficult to sell.

Tech&#8217;s mass exodus certainly does not help; with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-companies-vacating-leaving-san-francisco-office-space/">roughly 2.4 million square feet</a> of vacated office space <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">in Downtown San Francisco</a>, the city’s once-busiest region is now nearly a ghost town.&nbsp;

Tech's mass exodus certainly does not help; with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-companies-vacating-leaving-san-francisco-office-space/">roughly 2.4 million square feet</a> of vacated office space <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">in Downtown San Francisco</a>, the city’s once-busiest region is now nearly a ghost town.&nbsp;

Tech&#8217;s mass exodus certainly does not help; with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-companies-vacating-leaving-san-francisco-office-space/">roughly 2.4 million square feet</a> of vacated office space <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">in Downtown San Francisco</a>, the city’s once-busiest region is now nearly a ghost town.&nbsp;

The area’s real estate market has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/luxury-home-sales-across-the-bay-area-are-declining-fast/">fared similarly poorly</a>, with home sales dropping precipitously in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

The area’s real estate market has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/luxury-home-sales-across-the-bay-area-are-declining-fast/">fared similarly poorly</a>, with home sales dropping precipitously in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.compass.com/marketing-center/editor/v2/flipbook/73b8de04-bdf8-4bdc-a761-3e9adc4a0940" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">median price for two-bedroom condos</a> in Downtown dropped 19% over the last year, compared with just 4% across the rest of the city. It also takes twice as long to sell a downtown SF condo than one in any other part of the city, and the neighborhood’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-condo-real-estate-prices-continue-to-drop/">condo sales prices were the lowest seen since 2017</a>.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.compass.com/marketing-center/editor/v2/flipbook/73b8de04-bdf8-4bdc-a761-3e9adc4a0940" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">median price for two-bedroom condos</a> in Downtown dropped 19% over the last year, compared with just 4% across the rest of the city. It also takes twice as long to sell a downtown SF condo than one in any other part of the city, and the neighborhood’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-condo-real-estate-prices-continue-to-drop/">condo sales prices were the lowest seen since 2017</a>.&nbsp;

On the other hand, single-family home sales are stronger in San Francisco, showing more demand than in the condo market.&nbsp;

On the other hand, single-family home sales are stronger in San Francisco, showing more demand than in the condo market.&nbsp;

Nearly two-thirds of SF home sales closed over the final asking price in 2022, compared with just 33% of the city’s condo sales. The months&#8217; supply of inventory (MSI)—the amount of time it would take to sell all the units on the market—for condos is nearly double that of the city’s home inventory, indicating much stronger buyer demand for houses.&nbsp;

Nearly two-thirds of SF home sales closed over the final asking price in 2022, compared with just 33% of the city’s condo sales. The months' supply of inventory (MSI)—the amount of time it would take to sell all the units on the market—for condos is nearly double that of the city’s home inventory, indicating much stronger buyer demand for houses.&nbsp;

Nearly two-thirds of SF home sales closed over the final asking price in 2022, compared with just 33% of the city’s condo sales. The months&#8217; supply of inventory (MSI)—the amount of time it would take to sell all the units on the market—for condos is nearly double that of the city’s home inventory, indicating much stronger buyer demand for houses.&nbsp;

But for the first time in a decade, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-prices-drop-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade/">SF median home prices dropped by 1%</a> to $1.78 million between 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;

But for the first time in a decade, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-prices-drop-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade/">SF median home prices dropped by 1%</a> to $1.78 million between 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;

Though the drop is not great news for homeowners, experts say that dropping sales prices, low unemployment and easing inflation could be signs that the worst is over for the Bay Area’s beleaguered real estate market.&nbsp;

Though the drop is not great news for homeowners, experts say that dropping sales prices, low unemployment and easing inflation could be signs that the worst is over for the Bay Area’s beleaguered real estate market.&nbsp;

“Our economy was so tech-based, and the ability for that industry to work remotely easier than other industries means that we&#8217;re particularly hit hard here,” New said. “[The SF economy has] kind of just become a one-trick pony for tech, and at the time it was great, and we rode it out. But I&#8217;m hoping that there&#8217;s some more diversity in the next growth in our market—and the growth will come, it&#8217;s just when is that going to be?”

“Our economy was so tech-based, and the ability for that industry to work remotely easier than other industries means that we're particularly hit hard here,” New said. “[The SF economy has] kind of just become a one-trick pony for tech, and at the time it was great, and we rode it out. But I'm hoping that there's some more diversity in the next growth in our market—and the growth will come, it's just when is that going to be?”

“Our economy was so tech-based, and the ability for that industry to work remotely easier than other industries means that we&#8217;re particularly hit hard here,” New said. “[The SF economy has] kind of just become a one-trick pony for tech, and at the time it was great, and we rode it out. But I&#8217;m hoping that there&#8217;s some more diversity in the next growth in our market—and the growth will come, it&#8217;s just when is that going to be?”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poised-for-a-comeback">Poised for a Comeback?</h2>

<h2 id="h-poised-for-a-comeback">Poised for a Comeback?</h2>

Some local real estate agents and market experts say that, anecdotally, it feels like residential real estate in the city is starting to bounce back from its post-pandemic slump.&nbsp;

Some local real estate agents and market experts say that, anecdotally, it feels like residential real estate in the city is starting to bounce back from its post-pandemic slump.&nbsp;

All the buyer hesitation that had homes sitting on the market for months has, allegedly, dried up. Compass analysts say that agents are reporting increased shopper and buyer activity compared to the end of 2022.&nbsp;

All the buyer hesitation that had homes sitting on the market for months has, allegedly, dried up. Compass analysts say that agents are reporting increased shopper and buyer activity compared to the end of 2022.&nbsp;

“In 2023, there&#8217;s a lot of optimism in the market amongst agents,” said Kevin Patsel, Compass’ regional vice president for Northern California. “People are moving, buyers are coming out of the woodwork, and they&#8217;re ready to buy now that interest rates are down a little bit from their highs.”&nbsp;

“In 2023, there's a lot of optimism in the market amongst agents,” said Kevin Patsel, Compass’ regional vice president for Northern California. “People are moving, buyers are coming out of the woodwork, and they're ready to buy now that interest rates are down a little bit from their highs.”&nbsp;

“In 2023, there&#8217;s a lot of optimism in the market amongst agents,” said Kevin Patsel, Compass’ regional vice president for Northern California. “People are moving, buyers are coming out of the woodwork, and they&#8217;re ready to buy now that interest rates are down a little bit from their highs.”&nbsp;

Indeed, new data indicates that even as tech continues to let go of thousands of employees, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/are-people-really-flocking-back-to-san-francisco-heres-what-data-shows/">people are slowly creeping back into San Francisco</a>. LinkedIn reports that the Bay Area was the second most moved-to region in 2022, and U.S. Postal Service data shows that the pace of outmigration from the city has slowed considerably from its pandemic peak. And <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-franciscos-next-gold-rush-is-already-here-and-youve-been-using-it-for-years/">new tech excitement surrounding artificial intelligence</a> may lure folks back to the Bay, which now serves as the generative tech industry’s financial and intellectual capital.&nbsp;

Indeed, new data indicates that even as tech continues to let go of thousands of employees, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/are-people-really-flocking-back-to-san-francisco-heres-what-data-shows/">people are slowly creeping back into San Francisco</a>. LinkedIn reports that the Bay Area was the second most moved-to region in 2022, and U.S. Postal Service data shows that the pace of outmigration from the city has slowed considerably from its pandemic peak. And <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-franciscos-next-gold-rush-is-already-here-and-youve-been-using-it-for-years/">new tech excitement surrounding artificial intelligence</a> may lure folks back to the Bay, which now serves as the generative tech industry’s financial and intellectual capital.&nbsp;

Pedestrians walk the streets of Hayes Valley, a central San Francisco district, where techies and AI startups have begun dominating the local culture, dubbing it 'Cerebral Valley.'

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_CerebralValley011023-15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113354"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk the streets of Hayes Valley, a central San Francisco district, where techies and AI startups have begun dominating the local culture, dubbing it &#8220;Cerebral Valley.&#8221; | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_CerebralValley011023-15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113354"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk the streets of Hayes Valley, a central San Francisco district, where techies and AI startups have begun dominating the local culture, dubbing it "Cerebral Valley." | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_CerebralValley011023-15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113354"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk the streets of Hayes Valley, a central San Francisco district, where techies and AI startups have begun dominating the local culture, dubbing it &#8220;Cerebral Valley.&#8221; | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The result? Real estate agents and market experts are eager to turn the page on a rough end of 2022, ushering in a new era for the city. Already, buyers have closed on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/5-bay-area-homes-you-could-buy-after-winning-the-mega-millions-jackpot/">the city’s most expensive home at 3450 Washington St.</a>, a rare sale at an off-peak time of year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The result? Real estate agents and market experts are eager to turn the page on a rough end of 2022, ushering in a new era for the city. Already, buyers have closed on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/5-bay-area-homes-you-could-buy-after-winning-the-mega-millions-jackpot/">the city’s most expensive home at 3450 Washington St.</a>, a rare sale at an off-peak time of year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In some ways, I feel like this is a whole renaissance for San Francisco,” Patsel said. “People are coming back and reprioritizing, and it&#8217;s almost like we&#8217;re leaving the pandemic behind us now.”&nbsp;

“In some ways, I feel like this is a whole renaissance for San Francisco,” Patsel said. “People are coming back and reprioritizing, and it's almost like we're leaving the pandemic behind us now.”&nbsp;

“In some ways, I feel like this is a whole renaissance for San Francisco,” Patsel said. “People are coming back and reprioritizing, and it&#8217;s almost like we&#8217;re leaving the pandemic behind us now.”&nbsp;

However optimistic real estate agents may be, it may take more than a surge in buyer interest to dig San Francisco out of its real estate slump.

However optimistic real estate agents may be, it may take more than a surge in buyer interest to dig San Francisco out of its real estate slump.

Will the tech downturn be the death of SF real estate?

If you ever want to feel like James Bond, just pay an unannounced visit to the San Francisco headquarters of OpenAI.

If you ever want to feel like James Bond, just pay an unannounced visit to the San Francisco headquarters of OpenAI.

Since November, the company has rocketed to international fame for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/what-is-chatgpt-explaining-the-viral-ai-chatbot-coming-out-of-san-francisco/">ChatGPT</a>, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that can write a TV script for an imaginary episode of Seinfeld, craft fairly eloquent poetry, correct computer code or even <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">generate a typical San Francisco news story</a>.

Since November, the company has rocketed to international fame for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/what-is-chatgpt-explaining-the-viral-ai-chatbot-coming-out-of-san-francisco/">ChatGPT</a>, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that can write a TV script for an imaginary episode of Seinfeld, craft fairly eloquent poetry, correct computer code or even <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/we-asked-an-ai-to-write-a-typical-sf-story-heres-what-it-came-up-with/">generate a typical San Francisco news story</a>.

Like many journalists, we at The Standard wanted to interview them, partly out of fear we’d soon be replaced by chatbots, but mostly out of curiosity on who was behind it. The company doesn’t talk to the press often, and our emails and calls went unanswered.

Like many journalists, we at The Standard wanted to interview them, partly out of fear we’d soon be replaced by chatbots, but mostly out of curiosity on who was behind it. The company doesn’t talk to the press often, and our emails and calls went unanswered.

So when my editor asked me to drop by and see if I could make the request in person, I thought it was worth a shot.

So when my editor asked me to drop by and see if I could make the request in person, I thought it was worth a shot.

I’m a big fan of the chatbot, and I personally had a lot of questions I wanted to ask the creators—both serious (“What does this technology mean for the future?”) and urgently serious (“How many times can one ask ChatGPT to write <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/NSFW#:~:text=NSFW%20(not%20comparable),Antonyms%3A%20SFW%2C%20work%2Dsafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSFW</a> limericks before getting banned from the platform? Asking for a friend.”).

I’m a big fan of the chatbot, and I personally had a lot of questions I wanted to ask the creators—both serious (“What does this technology mean for the future?”) and urgently serious (“How many times can one ask ChatGPT to write <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/NSFW#:~:text=NSFW%20(not%20comparable),Antonyms%3A%20SFW%2C%20work%2Dsafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSFW</a> limericks before getting banned from the platform? Asking for a friend.”).

But when I arrived at OpenAI’s office, I quickly realized something: While its AI could probably write a decent script about a journalist dropping by its office, the company itself could not fathom that a journalist could find it, waltz right in and ask for an interview.

But when I arrived at OpenAI’s office, I quickly realized something: While its AI could probably write a decent script about a journalist dropping by its office, the company itself could not fathom that a journalist could find it, waltz right in and ask for an interview.

Let’s back up for a minute.&nbsp;

I’m an investigative reporter, but I wasn’t using any hardcore investigative skills or resources on this assignment. I just Googled the company’s address—the historic Pioneer Building on 18th Street in the Mission District—and hopped on a bus there. When I arrived, I rang the buzzer and told the security guard I was looking for OpenAI.

I’m an investigative reporter, but I wasn’t using any hardcore investigative skills or resources on this assignment. I just Googled the company’s address—the historic Pioneer Building on 18th Street in the Mission District—and hopped on a bus there. When I arrived, I rang the buzzer and told the security guard I was looking for OpenAI.

An Impenetrable Fortress, Not

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-impenetrable-fortress-not">An Impenetrable Fortress, Not</h2>

<h2 id="h-an-impenetrable-fortress-not">An Impenetrable Fortress, Not</h2>

“They moved,” he said and then told me its new—and, as far as I can tell, not yet publicized—address. It was just a few blocks away, so I walked over. The new location was a large, nondescript beige and white building with a lot of windows. It looked like a tech office, but not necessarily the headquarters of one of today’s most innovative companies.

“They moved,” he said and then told me its new—and, as far as I can tell, not yet publicized—address. It was just a few blocks away, so I walked over. The new location was a large, nondescript beige and white building with a lot of windows. It looked like a tech office, but not necessarily the headquarters of one of today’s most innovative companies.

The exterior of OpenAI, an AI research and deployment company, at 575 Florida St. in San Francisco, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2022. | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7239.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A nice enough headquarters, but not the sexiest building I&#8217;ve ever seen | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7239.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A nice enough headquarters, but not the sexiest building I've ever seen | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7239.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A nice enough headquarters, but not the sexiest building I&#8217;ve ever seen | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

When I arrived, someone was going through the front gate into the courtyard, so I just followed him in. I now realize that I would have needed to have an electronic key or to be buzzed in to open the gate, but that didn’t register at the time.

When I arrived, someone was going through the front gate into the courtyard, so I just followed him in. I now realize that I would have needed to have an electronic key or to be buzzed in to open the gate, but that didn’t register at the time.

Once inside, I walked up to OpenAI’s glass front door. This time it was clear I needed a keycard to get in. But then an employee walked up and buzzed me in, no questions asked—thanks!

Once inside, I walked up to OpenAI’s glass front door. This time it was clear I needed a keycard to get in. But then an employee walked up and buzzed me in, no questions asked—thanks!

The exterior of OpenAI at 575 Florida St. in San Francisco, on Dec. 5, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7238.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105243"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gate at OpenAI&#8217;s headquarters has only one security flaw: Employees sometimes let other people in after them. | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7238.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105243"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gate at OpenAI's headquarters has only one security flaw: Employees sometimes let other people in after them. | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_7238.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105243"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gate at OpenAI&#8217;s headquarters has only one security flaw: Employees sometimes let other people in after them. | Matthew Kupfer/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Now I was in the lobby of the most famous AI office on Earth. And it looked much like you would expect: a front desk with a security guard and a couple of guys in hoodies and sneakers, sitting in the waiting area with laptops—I guessed they were waiting for job interviews.

Now I was in the lobby of the most famous AI office on Earth. And it looked much like you would expect: a front desk with a security guard and a couple of guys in hoodies and sneakers, sitting in the waiting area with laptops—I guessed they were waiting for job interviews.

A ‘Seinfeld’ remake? AI is on it, and just might revolutionize TV in the process

Will the tech downturn be the death of SF real estate?

I tried to visit OpenAI’s office: Hilarity ensued

San Franciscans are having sex in robotaxis, and nobody is talking about it

Warriors vs. Lakers: We asked ChatGPT to make a celebrity lineup

Search Results for: artificial intelligence

A ‘Seinfeld’ remake? AI is on it, and just might revolutionize TV in the process

Will the tech downturn be the death of SF real estate?

I tried to visit OpenAI’s office: Hilarity ensued

San Franciscans are having sex in robotaxis, and nobody is talking about it

Warriors vs. Lakers: We asked ChatGPT to make a celebrity lineup