Starbucks Just Dropped a New ChatGPT App, Here’s What People Are Really Saying About It

So. Apparently, we need ChatGPT to help us decide what coffee we want now. Let me just take a second to draw a deep breath, close my eyes, and count to ten before I continue. The relentless pace of AI infiltrating every system and product we use has now spread to the food world: A couple of months back, we discussed McDonald’s changes to its drive-thrus, which include plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its ordering process. Now, that’s spread to Starbucks too, with the beta release of the new Starbucks app in ChatGPT. 

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We have thoughts about this. And other people do too. Here’s the deal.

Starbucks In ChatGPT

Launching on April 15, the new Starbucks app in ChatGPT, according to Starbucks, “helps you discover drinks in a way that feels natural, personal, and fun.” Natural, with the use of artificial intelligence, of course. The idea is that you describe the kind of drink you want, and the app will suggest the best options for you. If you say you’re in the mood for something “cozy and nutty,” for example, it might suggest a pistachio latte. People put the app to the test, asking for “a sweet drink with coconut to brighten my morning,” and they were given six different options.

The idea is that it makes choosing easier, but it also wants to make ordering easier, too: Once you’ve picked your option, you can then customize it, choose where you want to order it from, and ChatGPT will then throw you over to the Starbucks app to finish your purchase. It also highlights trending drinks and secret menu items. 

And How Do We All Feel About It?

Well, folks over on Reddit aren’t exactly jumping for joy at the prospect of AI-picked drinks. In a Reddit thread that prompted much discussion, the original poster referred to this new app as “garbage,” and others questioned whether this was a performative move for Starbucks shareholders. Some people, meanwhile, saw the potential for this all to go drastically wrong, with ChatGPT recommending discontinued drinks or ingredients, referring to a continued propensity of the app to give misinformation. 

Then there’s the psychological effect a move like this might have, which Redditors also discussed. “Coming from a psych, I am worried about Gen Z’s increased over-engagement and over-reliance on AI and esp on Chat GPT. They’re losing their ability to think on their own and that’s extremely concerning,” said a commenter, after calling the app “silly.”

It should be said that this app is only in beta testing, and as such, it may not make it to wider release. Given Starbucks’ recent changes, which have generated very mixed feelings from customers and commentators alike (including its changes to tipping and alterations to beloved recipes), we’re not convinced that this ChatGPT partnership will turn the tide of feeling.