ChatGPT or Generative Pre-trained Transformer is a web-based chatbot and a generative artificial intelligence application developed and launched by the American artificial intelligence research laboratory OpenAI in November 2022.
It is based on the GPT model that was built on artificial intelligence systems such as machine learning and deep learning, and natural language processing and large language models to produce human-like text and human-like conversation with its users.
The technology has gained popularity across varied groups of individuals since its launch. The reception includes a mixture of praises for its advantages and potential applications, as well as criticisms due to its limitations and possible drawbacks.
Examining Chatbots: A Look Into the Advantages and Disadvantages of ChatGPT
Pros of ChatGPT: Notable Advantages and Applications
1. Imitates Human Conversation
The core feature of ChatGPT centers on providing human-like conversation based on user-placed queries or prompts. It is generally similar to virtual assistant technologies and software applications such as Siri from Apple and Alexa from Amazon. However, considering its capabilities, it mimics real-life conversation because it is based on more advanced supervised learning and reinforcement learning using large language models.
2. Built Based on Advanced GPT Model
GPT-3 is a transformer-based autoregressive language and language prediction model from OpenAI. It is one largest non-sparse language models and has been considered one of the most important AI systems ever produced. The subscription-based ChatGPT Plus is based on GPT-4 which is larger and more advanced than GPT-3. The quality of texts it generates makes it difficult to ascertain whether or not it is written by a human.
3. Expansive Applications and Benefits
The chatbot is versatile. It can write outputs similar to commercial AI copywriters. Experiments have shown that it can even compose music and produce works of fiction such as short stories. It can help content creators or technical writers produce an outline. The chatbot can also summarize, digest, and explain large bodies of text. Another interesting application of ChatGPT is that it can also write and debug computer programs.
4. Availability of Plugins for Extension
ChatGPT also supports plugins to extend its features and functions. The chatbot can be integrated with third-party applications and services. Some plugins allow access to up-to-date information. These equip ChatGPT with the same function as Bing Chat from Microsoft and Bard from Google. Other plugins enable the chatbot to access and control certain third-party services.
5. Open For Further Fine-Tuning
Another advantage of ChatGPT is that its responses and overall performance can be fine-tuned. It banks on existing large language models while also having room for further improvements through active training using supervised learning and reinforcement learning. A user can upvote or downvote a particular response while also providing additional feedback. Its capabilities will improve further with the release of newer versions of the GPT model.
Cons of ChatGPT: Notable Disadvantages and Criticisms
1. Inaccuracies and Ambiguities
One of the biggest criticisms and limitations of ChatGPT is that it sometimes tends to produce texts that sound plausible or convincing but are incorrect or nonsensical under the surface. This phenomenon is called “hallucination” and it is common in language models. Furthermore, when it comes to obtaining information, it does not provide references or citations. Using this chatbot alone for research purposes and electronic trailing is not ideal.
2. Limited Knowledge of Recent Events
The version launched in November 2022 can only provide information about events occurring in 2021 and earlier. It will soon provide more recent events as it continues to feed on data based on human-generated texts. Nevertheless, considering this drawback, users should keep in mind that it has limited knowledge of facts because it uses datasets that are not updated.
3. Ethical Issues and Concerns
Another disadvantage of ChatGPT is that it has been subjected to scrutiny. Several educational institutions have banned its use. Researchers and creatives have worried about copyright infringement because its outputs are based on human-generated texts. It also raises the question of whether it is ethical to use it as a substitute for services that require human interactions such as customer service representation and even therapeutic counseling.
4. Other Possible Legal Implications
GPT was built with data from the Common Crawl dataset which contains copyrighted materials from publishing companies and individual authors and researchers. Experts have also warned that AI-based applications can be used for cybercriminal activities. ChatGPT and other derivatives face legal uncertainties and possible compliance costs.
