If you scrolled through Twitter anytime in the past few weeks — and let’s face it, recent events mean that’s no longer a given — you likely came across OpenAI’s newest chatbot, ChatGPT. (Opens in a new tab).
The new language-based computer program — known fully as Chat Generative Chat Generative Pre-trainer Transformer — raises the bar for artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, the system became so popular, so quickly, that its parent company told users to “wait desperately” while the system “expanded” to accommodate the many newcomers.
So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, according to ChatGPT’s AI-generated description, the program can be used for a variety of tasks, including language translation, abstraction, and chatbot responses. But this is humbling, to say the least.
ChatGPT differs from other chatbots because it uses natural language techniques to answer user-generated questions in a truly conversational manner. Its way of presenting information is so coherent – even human-like – that other chatbots read as distinctly automated. Despite a few kinks, the system could really prove to be a game-changer for the way we consume information in 2023 — and below, we’ve highlighted six reasons why.
ChatGPT can reinvent the search engine
Let’s start with the gun. ChatGPT’s ability to answer questions quickly and concisely has led many — including us, in this very article — to suggest that it could eventually replace traditional search engines like Google and Bing.
Where Google responds to queries with pages (and pages) of SEO rated blue links, ChatGPT’s artificial intelligence aggregates information from thousands of sources to provide direct answers in a conversational manner. Take a look at the examples in the tweet thread below to see the program in action:
Google finished Compare the quality of these responses (ChatGPT) pic.twitter.com/VGO7usvlIBNovember 30, 2022
ChatGPT has proven to be able to answer more than just fact-based inquiries, too. Need some advice on how to deal with a breakup? Or last-minute Christmas gift ideas for those hard-to-buy in-laws? Say no more: ChatGPT can help you.
However, the software has flaws in its current beta form which mean that it will not replace Google et al. just yet. For example, its source library is not updated in real time – for now, ChatGPT answers are based on correct information as of 2021.
Another red flag is the program’s lack of source disclosure. ChatGPT doesn’t tell users where it gets its answers from (because it’s basically generated from thousands of sources), which makes it hard to verify the information it conveys.
However, both limits can be corrected in a publicly tested, full-scale version of the software – which It might make Google shiver in place.
ChatGPT can write computer code
Another benefit of ChatGPT is its ability to write complex computer code (depending on user specifications) and find errors in existing code.
ChatGPT understands *and* synthesizes natural language. and computer code. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/h3odnYIqfJDecember 7, 2022
Business Analyst Sun Kim Medium educational article (Opens in a new tab) It’s a good place to start if you’re looking to try out your ChatGPT code generation skills on your own.
ChatGPT can draft business letters and contracts
Legal departments, look away now. If you enter the terms of an agreement between two parties, ChatGPT is able to conclude an arbitrator’s contract, regardless of the subject matter.
🤯 I just signed a legal contract written by AI (OpenAI’s ChatGPT) After I signed, the other party informed me that AI wrote the entire contract of several terms they asked to include.December 14, 2022
Disclaimer: We’re not suggesting you turn to AI for all of your contract-writing needs just yet – but there’s no reason to doubt that the software could facilitate lengthy administrative processes in the near future.
ChatGPT can create and adapt fairy tales
This one is so amazing. Using those language skills mentioned above, ChatGPT can create, adapt and analyze all kinds of fiction. For example, TechRadar’s US editor-in-chief, Lance UlanoffRecently, he asked a chatbot to write a Christmas story based on some narrative specifications, and the result was very impressive.
A lot of people complain that the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” is too long. ChatGPT has done a quick and easy rewrite. The title isn’t bad either. pic.twitter.com/yvnDMxcRQmDecember 6, 2022
Even more impressive, however, is the example below, which shows ChatGPT’s response to the question: “Write a biblical verse in the style of the King James Bible to explain how to remove a peanut butter sandwich from a VCR.”
I’m sorry, I simply can’t be cynical about the technology that can make this happen. pic.twitter.com/yjlY72eZ0mDecember 2, 2022
Simply incredible stuff.
ChatGPT can write college level essays
This one is for the kids. ChatGPT has proven ability to produce academic articles to an acceptable standard. Admittedly, the program’s multisourced method of gathering information leaves little room for nuance or opinion, and risks inaccuracies on occasional facts (in its current state, at least) – but if you’re looking to take it easy on the next semester…
Any jobs that require mediocre articles can now, *in real life*, be done with the help of ChatGPT! Students who use ChatGPT to create essays show *realistically* that they can handle the average essay writing jobs for which modern universities train them aggressively.December 21, 2022
ChatGPT can get you out of trouble
Have you ever found yourself needing to craft a polite illness contact email, decline up front or answer a super awkward question? ChatGPT can help you deal with these situations efficiently. Check out the tweet below — again from Lance — to see these guys’ skills in action:
I will now be emailing this response to all Guest Sharing offers. Thanks #ChatGPT pic.twitter.com/mf0mKCvtWaDecember 8, 2022