ChatGPT: The Good, the Bad, and the Controversial

ChatGPT has taken the whole world by storm and has opened up so many opportunities it’s truly revolutionary. One can’t help but wonder – when something seems too good to be true, is it really too good to be true? Or is ChatGPT, like, the exception to all that??

Just recently, Mercedes Benz announced that it will be integrating ChatGPT into its cars. This integration aims to enhance the voice-command capabilities already present in Mercedes vehicles, allowing for more natural and fluid conversations with the system. This is a great statement that ChatGPT has a wide range of useful applications and can amazingly improve the way we interact with technology.

However, there have to be some guides and limits, right?

Just recently, the EU took a huge step towards regulating AI and significantly expanded citizens’ data privacy rights. The draft that was passed bans certain technologies such as real-time face scanning and AI discrimination based on race or religion. Additionally, it would also require labeling of AI-generated content and companies to share their training data.

 

ChatGPT and misinformation

Just like any other AI language model, ChatGPT has the potential to spread misinformation.

The AI language model is just as good as the data it’s fed on. And due to the AI model’s ability to generate text based on the provided input that contains false information, it will produce false information. If the model is trained on biased or false information, it will only respond with biased or false information.

Moreover, the fact that ChatGPT lacks contextual understanding leads to it spreading misinformation. ChatGPT can sometimes give wrong information unintentionally solely because it doesn’t understand the data it was trained upon. It can’t possibly check whether the data is true or not, so it can very easily be manipulated or tricked.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand that, while a revolutionary tool, it does have limitations. It’s important for users to double and triple-check the answers online and from trustworthy sources first.

Additionally, the lack of bias detection leads ChatGPT to spread misinformation easily. As of my writing, ChatGPT doesn’t have the ability to detect or address biased information. If the data it’s trained on contains biased information, the model will simply reinforce these biases and generate misleading responses that only align with those points of view. This will simply perpetuate false narratives and misleading viewpoints.

The main concern of spreading misinformation from ChatGPT lies in ethical concerns. Organizations that are actively using AI models such as ChatGPT should absolutely prioritize the implementation of safeguards in order to minimize the risk of spreading misinformation. These measures can contain something like fact-checking abilities, incorporating bias detection algorithms, and encouraging user awareness and critical thinking over copy-pasting.

Should you ride the AI wave?

Let’s first define what I mean about the AI wave.

By AI wave I mean the rapid growth and popularity along with the amazing adoption of ChatGPT and other similar AI-powered language models.

You should absolutely not miss this AI wave, but rather learn how to get the most out of it while protecting your critical thinking. It’s not smart to completely ignore the fact that ChatGPT can make your life way easier and can co-exist with your critical thinking in your daily work.

Here are some ‘healthy’ ways you can use ChatGPT:

• Brainstorming and idea generation
• Enhancing language and writing skills
• Learning and education
• Personal Productivity
• Language Practice and cultural exchange
• Personal reflection and journaling

In the ‘healthy’ perspective I’m referring to the fact that it can help you in the process but never do the job for you. By simply copy-pasting content from it you’re simply missing the amazing opportunity to grow at a higher rate than people 50 years ago. You don’t have to dig deeper anymore to get an answer – everything is one prompt away.

Riding the ‘AI wave’ simply means taking advantage of the rapid growth of tools like ChatGPT. And while we grow along with it, it’s a no-brainer to follow and use it on a daily basis. However, it can’t do the growing for us so it’s important to set yourself limits on how much you rely on ChatGPT. Overreliance on AI models is a real thing, for your information.

Good ways to use ChatGPT

AI models are amazing when it comes to generating large amounts of content in a very short period of time. And this is just me reducing how good AI models are. There are good sides and bad sides to AI models, no doubt – but when is it ‘okay’ to use ChatGPT or other AI models, and when not?

Here is my take on when it is okay to use ChatGPT

• When you seek inspiration
• When you want to enhance your language skills
• While you are conducting research
• When you are trying on new concepts
• While exploring new perspectives

ChatGPT can be amazing when it comes to awakening your inspiration. If you’re feeling stuck and in need of fresh ideas, ChatGPT is an amazing tool that helps spark your imagination and give you new inspiration. With the right prompt, a lot of new ideas will start flowing.

When it comes to language skills, ChatGPT is probably the best free-on-the-market tool to help you with language issues. By practicing conversations and getting feedback on grammar and vocabulary, it’ll feel as if you have a personal language coach. If you want to become better at speaking or writing, ChatGPT can help you learn new words and sentence structures through interactive practice.

ChatGPT is great for research. It can assist you by providing information, suggesting sources, and giving you starting points for further investigations that you might miss. Also, it’s a great tool to help during the research process by offering insights and helping you find relevant details that might be missing.

If you’re learning something new, ChatGPT has a great way to lean you in on new concepts. It has a great ability to explain concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way. It helps you grasp unfamiliar concepts and if you know how to prompt right, you’ll understand them in one response. Personally, my favorite ‘trick’ is to tell it to explain it to me like I’m 5 (usually takes a cake as an example).

Also, engaging with ChatGPT will help you gain different viewpoints on various topics which helps you broaden your understanding of the topics. By using it, you can explore diverse and sometimes controversial perspectives with a deeper appreciation for different ways of seeing the world as it is.

 

When should you not use ChatGPT?

Now, to the tough stuff. I honestly believe that with the right amount of criticism, AI models can be used for just about anything. – but, there are some barriers I’d like to point out.

Here is my take on when it is not okay to use ChatGPT

• When making a critical decision
• When you are seeking medical advice
• While dealing with sensitive or personal information
• When seeking emotional support
• When you’re seeking real-time or urgent assistance

It’s one thing to use ChatGPT in a casual mode, but when it comes to making a critical decision, stay away from AI models. You should absolutely avoid relying solely on ChatGPT for important choices that require careful consideration and expert advice.

You should also keep in mind that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional expertise – least of all for medical advice. It’s important to know that when the time comes, don’t ask ChatGPT to diagnose you but rather consult qualified professionals for specific medical concerns. While you’re at it, stay away from Google too – Googling your symptoms just tells you what disease has the best SEO.

You should – at all costs – avoid sharing personal or sensitive information with AI models such as ChatGPT. No AI model or platform guarantees you full and complete confidentiality or data security. Keep sensitive information away from the internet and you’re golden.

What ChatGPT is also not is a substitute for human empathy or professional mental health services. When you’re down or in need to talk to someone, there is always someone there that is full of empathy and understands just what human beings can go through. Don’t rely on ChatGPT for this.

ChatGPT is also not good when it comes to real-time or urgent assistance. You should not rely on ChatGPT for help because a) it could be down and not responsive and b) it doesn’t always have the best advice. Though I can’t imagine anyone going to ChatGPT in times of emergency, it’s not advised.

Another thing that pops into my mind to not use ChatGPT is to write a joke. According to Search Engine Journal and my own personal experience, ChatGPT is just as funny as my Uncle Dave when he’s drunk. Spoiler alert: he isn’t.

 

Note: This article is purely my opinion and does not state the viewpoint of Crossplag.