ChatGPT: Interacting effectively with chatbots

In just five days of operation, ChatGPT captured an audience of 1 million users. Instagram, for example, took a month to achieve the same. The milestone of 100 million users was reached by January 2023. The neural network’s servers often experience overload, and Bill Gates referred to ChatGPT as a breakthrough on par with the emergence of the internet. Let’s unveil the mysterious veil surrounding the sensational neural network.

ChatGPT: What is it

ChatGPT is a next-generation language generation model developed by the non-profit artificial intelligence research organization, OpenAI. The neural network started its operation in December 2022 (to be precise, on November 30th).

In other words, ChatGPT is an intelligent AI chatbot capable of generating text based on the context provided to it and understanding that context. ChatGPT possesses memory: it can recall past dialogues and respond to fairly complex queries. To achieve this, the data is processed using a highly comprehensive algorithm. The chatbot can tackle tasks with detailed step-by-step descriptions.

ChatGPT boasts a simple, intuitively understandable interface for any user. It can handle practically any topic, and comprehend different languages, but is most effective in English.

How to Use ChatGPT

About the Limitations

The network currently doesn’t have access to the internet. It was trained on a dataset available up until 2022. Therefore, it might not be able to provide answers to more recent questions.

In the chat itself, there are certain limitations to be aware of:

• The information provided might not always be accurate.
• Ideas generated could lead to negative outcomes.
• The chatbot might refuse to answer some controversial questions, including expressing personal opinions.

Another aspect of limitations is the lack of access to the service in certain countries, such as China, Belarus, Afghanistan, Iran, and others. OpenAI also doesn’t work with Russia, blocking connections. After an attempt, you’ll need to clear your browser cache. So, it’s necessary to use a VPN right from the start, and a paid one is better. Additionally, during registration, a phone number confirmation will require a SIM card from a country that OpenAI supports. Alternatively, you can use the SMS Activate service or an online SIM card. If you already have an account in DALL-E 2 (OpenAI’s previous popular neural network), registration will be automatic.

How to Ask Questions

Asking questions to ChatGPT is quite straightforward, much like how we formulate queries in search engines. It understands context and certain introductory words. This chatbot doesn’t have predefined response options: it genuinely thinks through each of its answers.

The neural network is sensitive to wording. Therefore, sometimes you may need to rephrase a question or adjust emphasis to achieve the desired result. Another approach to avoid confusion is to start a new chat. New chats can also be initiated for different topics.

What are Prompts

Like other neural networks, ChatGPT uses prompts. These are instructions or cues given to the chatbot by users to obtain solutions to specific tasks.

Examples of prompt formulations:

• For finding a ready business idea: “Can you give me [number] ideas for [format, e.g., presentation, post] about [topic], covering such [themes]?”
• For sourcing arguments: “Can you write an argument [for or against] [topic] from various viewpoints? Before that, mention the characteristics of different characters.”
• For structuring: “Let’s think step by step.”
• When stuck while working on text: “Continue,” and so on.

By trying various prompts, and adding context and examples, users can get the most satisfying results. Special applications are being developed for creating ChatGPT-adapted prompts. Only through consistent practice with various prompts can one attain a certain level of proficiency in working with the neural network.

Subscription Options

When using ChatGPT on a free basis, as mentioned earlier, the service often experiences overloads. The developers have introduced a pilot paid version priced at $20 per month. The Plus subscription allows users to skip the hours-long queue and offers several additional features:

• Noticeably faster response speed.
• Early access to introduced improvements.
• In the near future, subscribers are expected to gain access to the ChatGPT API for integration into their own projects.

Currently, purchasing a subscription on the OpenAI website is not possible. To gain access, you need to join a waiting list, which is currently available only in the United States. Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Work is ongoing to expand the functionality and subscription options.

Application Areas

ChatGPT can communicate with users and simulate conscious dialogues while considering context. The neural network can write songs, texts, essays, and poetry. It can be used in various spheres of life and business:

• Writing articles, resumes, cover letters, text for distribution, filling in account information, product cards, etc.
• Conducting financial analysis and forecasting.
• Generating creative ideas (e.g., in design).
• Writing simple program codes in Python, PHP, etc. (provides ready solutions with descriptions of block names, commands, scripts), error correction, additions.
• Preparing a range of arguments and counterarguments for a future discussion with an opponent.
• Obtaining alternative viewpoints on pressing issues.
• Assisting students in writing essays, coursework, theses, and checking them (though texts still require minor adjustments).
• Creating content plans, marketing planning, keyword selection.
• Administration (for example, creating a workout/nutrition plan).
• Summarizing materials (books, videos).
• Translating text.
• Lastly, simply engaging in heartfelt conversations and seeking advice.

You can ask the chatbot to clarify any part of an answer or remember a particular question discussed for later. The neural network provides detailed, human-like answers. However, if that’s not enough, you can ask the AI to create a structure and then write text for each individual point.

Despite all this, ChatGPT does not respond to questions about illegal topics or topics contrary to the law (including tax evasion, buying or making drugs, etc.).

Criticism of ChatGPT

Currently, there’s discussion online about certain shortcomings of ChatGPT, such as:

• Excessive verbosity, including repetition of the question’s own text in the answer.
• Refusal to respond under certain formulations.
• Knowledge base limited to 2021.
• Generation of nonsensical text.
• Adding its own “fantasies.”

It’s worth considering that the neural network is based on artificial intelligence: it’s continually evolving and rapidly trainable. Thus, many gaps in its performance are likely to disappear soon. For now, the developers themselves recommend not using ChatGPT for obtaining answers to critical topics.

About Google, Microsoft, and ChatGPT

Today, Microsoft in collaboration with OpenAI is actively implementing the intelligent neural network and “chat” option in its Bing search engine. The upgraded ChatGPT in Bing is capable not only of providing answers but also asking questions in a conversational manner. Additionally, links to the websites used for generating answers will be provided. The release of the new version of the search engine is planned by April 2023.

Google has taken the emergence of a competitor seriously and is swiftly developing its own equivalent, Bard. Chinese company Baidu and Yandex are also actively working on enhancing their search services with AI functionality.

Conclusion

Let’s summarize. ChatGPT is the fastest-growing service in terms of user numbers. This AI-based chatbot offers an astonishingly wide range of functionalities. In the near future, it might well replace a significant segment of specialists. For instance, programmers speculate that similar neural networks could soon compete with junior and even mid-level professionals, and AI engineering and prompting might become key professions of the future.

It’s evident that humans need to continually evolve to avoid being left behind. It’s crucial not to let artificial intelligence outperform us. Today, tools like ChatGPT require careful study and utilization of their strengths in work, idea generation, and implementation, all while enhancing personal productivity.