ChatGPT came to life in 2022, causing quite a stir. Not only was it revolutionizing the way people accessed information, but it was also posing serious questions about the possible negative impact on various domains. The truth is that since its arrival, it has evolved significantly, showing it is here to stay. Discover here how to use it to your advantage and understand the upcoming developments.
What is ChatGPT?
Built by OpenAI and released in November 2022, ChatGPT is an application that uses large language models (LLMs) to provide answers to a diverse range of questions. Whether it involves crafting emails, generating copy, explaining or creating code, ChatGPT handles it. This is possible thanks to the use of two algorithms: GPT-3.5 Turbo and GPT-4 (this one is only available for ChatGPT Plus, which we will delve into shortly).
The idea is to replicate human interactions, responding to queries and memorizing what was said before. Thanks to this feature, users can ask for corrections without having to rephrase their entire input.
The ability to provide fast responses is what amazes utilizers, together with the fact that it is easily reachable. However, there is more to discover and delve into.
How it works
The innovation introduced by GPT lies in the fact that this model is pre-trained. Previous AI models relied on supervised learning. In these cases, data was entered manually by humans. Despite being effective in specific situations, generating such training data was highly costly. Unlike those AI models, GPT employs generative pre-training, allowing the model to evolve organically. Thus, resulting in vast amounts of unlabeled data.
Additionally, GPT uses transformer architecture, highly important in natural language processing (NLP) and various other machine learning tasks. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that it can understand and generate sequences of data, such as sentences. It uses an encoder and decoder, with attention mechanisms, and has excellent abilities to parallelize training, resulting in better efficiency.
Being so, we can now break down the acronym:
- G-generative: capable of creating text based on received input.
- P-pre-trained: the model has been trained on diverse data, making it possible to learn general language patterns.
- T-transformer architecture: effective in handling sequential data to excel in natural language processing.
Now that you understand how it works, it’s time to test it. In order to start using ChatGPT, you must create a user account. Once done, you can start entering your prompts and the app will predict the most suitable responses.
Limitations of ChatGPT
It goes without saying that ChatGPT presents a disruptive innovation that has a tremendous impact in our daily lives. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and address certain limitations:
- Obtaining current and accurate information can be challenging, as in GPT-3’s the information is limited to before September 2021. This situation prevents us from obtaining real-time information and could lead us to believe something untrue. GPT-4, available in Plus version, is able to perform web searches and mention sources, marks a significant improvement, though absolute accuracy remains a consideration.
- Limitations become apparent when writing longer articles or copy. Once again, GPT-4 has made some improvements, but there is still room for further refinement.
- There are questions that it cannot answer. However, if you change the way you pose your question, it might give you an answer that is actually not right, bringing a lot of controversy.
Questions that imply sensitive matters, such as politics, discrimination, illegal activities or personal information won’t be answered by the chatbot. These cannot be considered as limitations, as they were created to build a safer platform.
Despite its constraints, ChatGPT also improves from user’s feedback. It uses a technique called reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF). The use of human AI trainers is a standout feature, reinforcing its adaptability.
More than generating content by itself, it should be utilized as a tool to assist writers, advertisers, or anyone looking to enhance specific aspects of their work, rather than solely generating content on its own.
How to customize your own ChatGPT?
Since the launch of ChatGPT, many people supported the idea of having customized chatbots ready to perform specific tasks. In their journey to create an AI superintelligence (AGI), OpenAI presented the Plus subscription and the GPTs.
ChatGPT Plus
The success of ChatGPT made its creators introduce a new subscription plan that offers exclusive features to users. For $20/month, subscribers can get faster responses and early access to updates, not to mention the access to GPT-4 functionality.
One of the main objectives of Artificial Intelligence is to make users’ lives easier. ChatGPT is doing so in various ways. From the retention of past interactions to the ability to tailor instructions, the platform not only saves time but also facilitates interaction by eliminating the need for constant rephrasing.
Subscription to ChatGPT Plus also offers the possibility of using voice and images to interact with the chatbot.
GPTs
ChatGPT is taking a step further by offering the possibility of companies and users with ChatGPT Plus to create their own interface, known as GPTs. Thanks to it, it is possible to set instructions to answer questions in a specific way, generate images or incorporate files to enhance information retrieval.
Besides being able to create images using DALLE-3, GPT is unique in a way that is allows users to build several customized GPTs according to their objectives. The GPT builder offers a disruptive feature allowing users to directly upload files for analysis and assessment by ChatGPT. GPTs are also able to integrate with external services, retrieving data from sources like emails and databases.
If you are questioning if these uploads are safe, the truth is that there is the option to stay out of model training. This means that OpenAI won’t have access to sensitive data. However, it’s advisable to be careful with the data uploaded there, as there is always a potential risk of data loss or breaches.
To summarize, the idea is that anyone can create their own GPT and share them in the GPT Store. In the near future, users will have the opportunity to generate income based on the usage of their GPT by others.
Gaze into the horizon
As generative AI continues to advance, businesses are getting better in problem-solving, optimizing marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer engagement. A great example of this progress is ChatGPT, which combines different features to facilitate our work processes.
Furthermore, ChatGPT creators are constantly demanding improvements. Recently, OpenAI launched the iOS app, a triumph in many countries. The android version is also available, but limited to a number of countries.
Building partnerships with other apps, known as ChatGPT API, is also one of the strategies of OpenAI. One of the best examples is Snapchat’s MyAI. My AI appears in the chatbot just like any real friend, encouraging casual interactions, such as consulting it to receive suggestions of birthday presents.
Another important feature is the possibility of developing plugins for ChatGPT. After installing them, it will be possible to execute actions on behalf of users and access data.
Controversies
ChatGPT gained recognition as the fastest-growing consumer application in history. However, there has been a growing concern over personal consumer data and how it is used. A few renown companies like Amazon and Samsung banned the use of ChatGPT internally. Some even claim that they use data to train the AI model without people’s consent.
Another fear is that fact that it has been used to generate malware, posing serious problems not only in terms of cybersecurity but also in daily life.
The capabilities of ChatGPT have amazed students, who started using it to finish school essays and other tasks. Despite the efforts to detect its use, it is remains very hard to do it. This poses a serious question so as to understand to which extent will students be able to perform their tasks without access to this advanced tool.
Competitors
The success of ChatGPT has contributed to the rise of competitors. Microsoft with Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is considered one of the biggest rivals. Despite the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, Microsoft is trying hard to win the race. Noteworthy distinctions include its provision of search links, different writing modes and the capacity to provide up-to-date information.
Google, in turn, went for the run introducing Bard, with its own language engine (LaMDA). However, it remains far from what ChatGPT can do.
Time will tell how ChatGPT unfolds
It is unquestionable that ChatGPT has revolutionized internet and the way we interact with chatbots. Its triumph is making way to the integration of chatbots into search functionalities.
Amidst concerns regarding its limits and how it is affecting us in a less positive way, there is still room for more advancements. The integration with other applications is one of the biggest challenges. Microsoft has invested considerably on it with Teams Premium, suggesting a potential trend for others to follow suit.
In essence, ChatGPT offers an array of possibilities to all of us. We just have to be conscious and learn how to use it in the best possible way.
