ChatGPT has become a global phenomenon in artificial intelligence. From its remarkable capabilities to its ethical implications, this revolutionary AI tool continues to be a topic of discussion. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about ChatGPT, from its functionality and applications to the ongoing debates surrounding its use.
Understanding ChatGPT
ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an AI chatbot that interacts with users through natural language prompts. Unlike simpler voice assistants, ChatGPT leverages a large language model (LLM). LLMs are sophisticated neural networks trained on vast amounts of internet data, enabling deep learning and generating novel responses. The current iteration of ChatGPT employs the GPT-4 model, trained on diverse written content like websites, books, and social media, and refined through supervised learning and Reinforcement Learning From Human Feedback (RLHF).
A History of ChatGPT
OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, initially using the GPT-3.5 model. Subsequent updates have incorporated more advanced models, with GPT-4 currently powering the system. GPT-5 is anticipated in the near future. While GPT-2 and GPT-3 were released in 2019 and 2020, respectively, they weren’t utilized in the public-facing ChatGPT.
ChatGPT experienced explosive growth, amassing over 100 million users within two months, briefly becoming the fastest-adopted software in history. Though its popularity dipped slightly in June 2023, it has rebounded and continues to expand.
Utilizing ChatGPT
Accessing ChatGPT is straightforward: visit chatgpt.com. Creating a free account allows you to save your chat history, though anonymous usage is also possible. Users can link their accounts with Google, Microsoft, or Apple credentials. The signup process presents guidelines concerning data accuracy, collection, and feedback submission.
OpenAI ChatGPT rules and limitations.Image used with permission by copyright holder
Interacting with ChatGPT involves simply typing your prompt and awaiting a response. Experiment with different prompts to explore the system’s capabilities. Refine your requests within a chat session, as ChatGPT understands context based on previous exchanges. For example, “Explain how the solar system was made” yields a more detailed response than “How was the solar system made.” Further guidance, like “Explain how the solar system was made as a middle school teacher,” tailors the output.
OpenAI ChatGPT explains how the solar system was made, detailed.
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Specific requests, such as an essay with a defined paragraph count, also work. For instance, “write a four-paragraph essay explaining Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” produces a comprehensive result.
ChatGPT automates various tasks, from email composition and business proposals to date night suggestions and speeches. While it strives to fulfill requests, it adheres to rules prohibiting explicit or illegal content. Experimentation with prompts and follow-up questions helps optimize results. Consider using it for tasks like blog post templates or code generation.
Custom instructions, introduced in August 2024, allow tailoring ChatGPT’s responses. However, safeguards prevent hateful, sexist, racist, or discriminatory content. While ChatGPT’s accuracy has improved, “hallucinations,” or factual errors, can still occur. It’s important to verify information.
Due to training limitations, ChatGPT might struggle with recent events without internet access. GPT-3.5 models have a knowledge cutoff of September 2021, while GPT-4 models have a cutoff of December 2023. GPT-40 and GPT-4o mini have a cutoff of October 2023. ChatGPT remembers previous conversations within a session. Logged-in users can access, rename, hide, or delete their chat history. Dark and light modes are available.
ChatGPT Plus and Teams subscribers ($20/month and $30/month/user, respectively) can access the Dall-E image generator, which converts text prompts into images. This feature isn’t available on the free tier. All users can utilize image or voice inputs for prompts.
ChatGPT on Mobile and Mac
ChatGPT app running on an iPhone.Joe Maring / MaagX
ChatGPT is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The iOS app gained rapid popularity, exceeding half a million downloads within a week. The mobile app experience mirrors the web version, including access to GPT-4o mini, GPT-4, and GPT-4o. Devices like the Infinix Folax integrate ChatGPT as the primary smart assistant. An official Mac app also exists, expanding AI capabilities on macOS.
The ChatGPT iPhone app answering the questionMaagX
ChatGPT Pricing
A laptop opened to the ChatGPT website.Shutterstock
ChatGPT offers a free tier with access to GPT-4o and GPT-4o mini, though queries on the larger model are limited. Paid subscriptions increase query limits, unlock Dall-E image generation, and enable custom GPT creation. OpenAI faced criticism over potential subscription price increases to over $2000/month for access to future models.
Operating ChatGPT incurs significant costs for OpenAI, estimated between $3 million and $700,000 per day. Ethical concerns and accusations have arisen regarding content moderation and safety measures.
Project Strawberry: OpenAI’s Reasoning Models
Project Strawberry, later renamed “o1” and “o1-mini,” represents OpenAI’s family of reasoning models, designed for human-like logic. These models utilize a new optimization algorithm and training dataset, combining reinforcement learning and “chain of thought” reasoning for improved accuracy. Currently, o1 and o1-mini are exclusive to paid subscribers, with plans to release o1-mini to free users eventually.
The Creators of ChatGPT
OpenAI, a San Francisco-based AI research lab, created ChatGPT, releasing the first LLM version in 2018. Initially a non-profit, OpenAI transitioned to a for-profit structure in 2019, led by CEO Sam Altman. Microsoft’s Azure provides infrastructure, and Nvidia GPUs power the system. Microsoft has significantly invested in OpenAI, including a multi-billion dollar round, making Azure OpenAI’s exclusive cloud provider.
ChatGPT Controversies and Challenges
ChatGPT’s capabilities come with challenges. The AI can make factual errors, or “hallucinations.” Concerns exist about its impact on the internet, job displacement, and misuse. Several companies, including JPMorgan Chase, Apple, and Samsung, have restricted internal usage. Privacy concerns and GDPR complaints regarding data collection and usage have also emerged. Instances of misuse, like generating malware and inappropriate emails, have fueled further debate. Server capacity limitations have led to “at capacity” errors and website downtime.
Plagiarism and Detection
The ease of generating text with ChatGPT raises plagiarism concerns, particularly in education. While tools like OpenAI’s “AI text classifier” and third-party options like Plagiarism Checker exist, detecting AI-generated text remains challenging. The broader copyright implications of AI-generated content are still under legal and ethical scrutiny.
From Plugins to Applets
OpenAI initially introduced ChatGPT plugins, hailed as a powerful developer platform, to connect with external applications and APIs. However, these were later replaced by GPT applets, smaller JavaScript applications designed for specific tasks, following the release of GPT-4o.
The ChatGPT API and Integrations
ChatGPT versus Google on smartphones.DigitalTrends
The ChatGPT API enables developers to integrate its natural language capabilities into apps and websites. Examples include Newegg’s PC builder and travel itinerary generators. Partnerships like Snapchat’s MyAI demonstrate the API’s versatility. The API’s public availability has spurred a wave of integrations, like Discord’s Clyde and Wix’s website builder. The GPT-4 API empowers developers further, with applications in platforms like Duolingo, Be My Eyes, and Khan Academy.
The Future of ChatGPT and AI
Bing Chat open on a smartphone showing visual results.Microsoft
The future of ChatGPT and AI involves integration into other applications. GPT-5 is rumored to be a significant advancement, potentially nearing artificial general intelligence (AGI). Predictions about AGI timelines vary, but many experts believe it’s within the next decade.
ChatGPT Alternatives
Several alternatives to ChatGPT exist. Microsoft’s Copilot, though leveraging GPT-4, is a distinct product fine-tuned by Microsoft. Google’s Gemini AI (formerly Bard) offers multimodal capabilities, including image generation. Anthropic’s Claude models are emerging as strong contenders. Meta AI, leveraging Llama 3, integrates across Meta’s app suite. Apple Intelligence, revealed at WWDC 2024, aims to streamline tasks on Apple devices.
Chat Privacy and Data Usage
ChatGPT conversations are utilized by OpenAI for model training, potentially involving human trainers. Users are advised against sharing personal information. Deleted chats are removed from the sidebar history but not necessarily from OpenAI’s data. “Hidden” chats are now an option, preventing their use in training. Users can also opt out of data sharing in settings.
AI’s Impact on Search
Rather than replacing traditional search, AI is being integrated into it. Microsoft integrated Copilot into Bing, and Google introduced AI Overviews, providing AI-generated answers. This approach differs from standalone chatbots but signifies the growing role of AI in search.
Copilot vs. ChatGPT
Bing Chat shown on a laptop.Jacob Roach / MaagX
While similar, Copilot and ChatGPT are distinct products. Copilot, although running on GPT-4, is customized by Microsoft. Initially available as Bing Chat, Copilot has evolved into a key Microsoft product, integrated into Microsoft 365 and Windows.
ChatGPT and Essay Writing
ChatGPT’s essay-writing capabilities raise concerns about academic integrity. Its ease of use makes it tempting for students, leading to discussions about plagiarism and the future of education. Tools like Caktus AI are specifically designed for AI-assisted essay writing.
ChatGPT for Coding
ChatGPT excels at writing and debugging code. While verification is crucial, developers utilize it for website, application, and game development, particularly with GPT-4’s enhanced capabilities. Recent benchmarks suggest that OpenAI’s o1 and o1-mini models approach human-level coding proficiency.
ChatGPT Character Limits
ChatGPT doesn’t have a strict character limit, but context window size varies by subscription tier. Free users get 8,000 characters, Plus/Teams users get 32,000, and Enterprise users get 128,000.
Auto-GPT: Autonomous AI
Auto-GPT, an open-source Python application built on GPT-4, enables autonomous AI. Given goals, it can take necessary actions across the internet, interacting with applications and software. Auto-GPT showcases GPT-4’s potential for complex tasks and is considered by some as a step toward AGI.
Copyright and AI-Generated Content
Copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content remain complex. While OpenAI grants usage rights for ChatGPT-created content, broader legal and ethical questions about AI and copyright are still under debate. The use of training data and its impact on artist rights are particularly contentious in AI art.
