ChatGPT: What is this conversational AI that is taking over the internet

Artificial intelligence is the new rage in the tech domain. From the famous social humanoid robot Sophia to the Instagram influencer Miquela, AI models are becoming more common with each passing day. But taking things away from a human-like avatar with artificial programming, OpenAI has created text-based AI models which can help businesses and individuals alike in various tasks. And its latest iteration, ChatGPT had a prototype launch on November 30, 2022. Ever since its launch, it has taken the internet by storm because of how intuitive and thorough the conversational AI really is. If it has piqued your interest too, then read on to know what it is all about.

ChatGPT, a conversational AI

Even as it is known as a conversational AI, it exists purely as a chatbot. The model is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. GPT essentially has created a deep learning model which feeds the program with a large amount of text data to help the AI learn the nuances of human language.

You can ask ChatGPT any question (as long as it covers a topic before 2021) and it will find an answer which will be curated to the specifics of your query. And the subject matter it holds expertise in is simply massive. You can ask it to analyze the characters in the novel Pride and Prejudice, explain cryptocurrency, write an essay on iPhone 12 or to write a poem on a certain topic and it can do it all.

Due to this capability and being free to access, OpenAI estimated ChatGPT had amassed over one million users just by December 4.

ChatGPT has some distinct advantages as well. It can answer a wide-range of questions and can find precise answers instantly. It can also generate a large word count of text to answer a query thoroughly. Its GPT-based training means it is also capable of understanding the nuances of a question even when it is presented in simple human language. On top of that, it also remembers the previous prompts and adapts to the user when used for a long session.

However, it also has numerous limitations. According to OpenAI, “ChatGPT sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers” which raises a question over its reliability. It can also be quite verbose and overuse certain phrases.

Further, while ChatGPT is not allowed to express political opinions or engage in political activism, one report has claimed it holds “pro-environmental, left-libertarian orientation”.

Also, it should be noted that ChatGPT is not plagiarism free as it cannot create text, but merely compile information together from various sources. As such, users should not use its responses in published media or for academic purposes.