What is Chat GPT and how is AI changing the world of work
AI-generated image of a “Sad robot working at a typewriter”.
What is Chat GPT?
Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a cutting-edge AI language model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to generate human-like responses to a wide range of text inputs, such as questions, commands, and prompts. Chat GPT is trained on a massive dataset of text, allowing it to learn the patterns and structures of human language, as well as the nuances of tone and context.
As a result, Chat GPT can perform a wide range of language-based tasks, including language translation, summarisation, and conversation. It has become a powerful tool for businesses and organiaations, offering an efficient and effective way to handle language-based tasks without the need for human intervention.
How are Chat GPT and other AI technologies changing the workplace?
Chat GPT and other AI technologies are rapidly changing the way we work. From customer service to data analysis, these technologies are transforming the modern workplace in ways that were once thought impossible.
In this article, we’re going to look at some companies that are already using AI in their business, as well as diving into the potential pros and cons of this emerging technology.
1. Customer Service
One area where Chat GPT is being widely used is customer service. Chatbots powered by Chat GPT are becoming increasingly popular among businesses looking to improve customer service and support. These chatbots are programmed to understand and respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback, providing fast and accurate support without the need for human intervention.
At the start of 2023, Intercom announced that it would be rolling out AI-powered features for its chatbot users. One particularly handy feature is the option to “summarise” an entire conversation so that a human agent can quickly catch up on what’s been said.
2. Recruiting and Hiring
Chat GPT is also being used to improve the recruiting and hiring process. AI-powered chatbots can help businesses streamline the hiring process by pre-screening candidates, scheduling interviews, and providing feedback on candidate performance.
For example, HireVue, an AI-powered video interviewing platform, uses AI to analyse candidate responses and provide feedback to hiring managers. The system can evaluate factors such as language use, tone, and body language, allowing hiring managers to identify the best candidates for the job.
If that sounds a little creepy to you, you are not alone. HireVue’s AI-driven, digital interviews have come under fire. In 2019, AI experts quoted in the Washington Post called it “profoundly disturbing”, “pseudoscience” and “a license to discriminate”.
3. Marketing and Sales
Chat GPT is also being used to improve marketing and sales efforts. AI-powered chatbots can engage with potential customers, answer their questions, and provide personalised recommendations based on their needs and preferences.
For example, Sephora, a cosmetics retailer, uses an AI-powered chatbot to provide personalised recommendations to customers based on their skin type, hair type, and makeup preferences. The chatbot can also provide product information and help customers make purchases.
4. Data Analysis
Chat GPT and other AI technologies are also being used to analyse data and provide insights to businesses. By analysing large datasets, AI-powered systems can identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing businesses to make more informed decisions.
For example, Suki.AI, an AI-powered digital assistant for doctors, uses AI to analyse medical notes and provide insights to doctors. The system can identify key information such as diagnosis codes, treatment plans, and patient histories, allowing doctors to make more informed decisions about patient care.
What Can We Expect Next from Chat GPT and Other AI Technologies?
As AI technologies continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of Chat GPT and other AI tools in the workplace. For example, AI-powered systems could be used to:
Create more personalised learning experiences for employees
Automate administrative tasks such as scheduling and email management
Improve supply chain management by analysing data and identifying bottlenecks
Enhance cybersecurity by detecting and preventing threats in real-time
However, as with any new technology, there are concerns about AI's impact on the workplace. Some worry that AI could lead to job losses as machines replace human workers. Others are concerned about the potential biases and ethical considerations of AI-powered decision-making.
AI-generated art of a “robot in a boxing ring”, apparently.
Creatives’ concerns around Chat GPT and AI art
While some are celebrating AI technologies like Chat GPT, others are raising concerns about the future of work for creatives, particularly in the field of art and design. With the ability to generate human-like responses and even create entire works of art, AI poses a potential threat to the livelihoods of many artists and designers.
One of the primary concerns is the issue of copyright. When AI systems generate original works of art, who owns the copyright? Is it the original creator of the AI system, the user who inputs the data, or the AI system itself? These questions have yet to be fully answered, and the legal landscape around AI-generated content is still developing.
In addition to copyright concerns, there is also the worry that AI-powered art tools will lead to a loss of work for creatives. With the ability to quickly and easily generate high-quality designs, AI systems could potentially replace human designers and artists, leading to a loss of jobs and income for those in the industry.
AI is even threatening development roles (which had previously been seen as safe from automation). Through GitHub’s Copilot service, developers can use AI to generate code in real time. While Copilot still requires a certain amount of development and coding knowledge from its users (for now), some have argued that this could shrink the number of roles available in this formerly safe and highly-valued profession.
Proponents of AI argue that these tools and systems are not meant to replace human creativity, but rather to enhance it. AI can be a valuable tool for artists and designers, they suggest, helping them to explore new ideas and techniques.
Artificial unintelligence –the dangers of AI-generated untruths
One of the risks associated with using Chat GPT (and other AI tools) to generate content is its habit of generating copy that looks convincing but is totally false.
In the words of Intercom, who are no strangers to AI:
”The trickiest thing about large language models (LLMs) is that they’re great at appearing plausible, even when they’re wrong. ChatGPT suffers from “hallucinations” – confidently providing incorrect information.”
These “hallucinations” run the risk of being more dangerous than obviously false or poorly-written copy as they are harder to spot. Those using AI to write articles should be sceptical of any “factual” statements and should check that they are not spreading falsehoods.
So, I guess, all of this begs the question…
Was this article written by Chat GPT?
To quote The Simpsons, “short answer, yes with an if. Long answer, no with a but.“
Yes, this article was written by Chat GPT (if you ignore some serious editing and the addition of whole paragraphs of important context).
Readability
So what did we think of Chat GPT? Frankly, we’re not worried about our jobs (yet). Chat GPT is genuinely incredible at writing lots of believable content at lightning speed. We can certainly understand how many businesses will be rubbing their hands together gleefully; glad that they can generate large quantities of keyword-rich content in minutes without hiring a writer.
So the bosses are happy… But what about the humans reading the stories? Do audiences not want more than convincing, SEO-compliant pap? We’d like to think so but perhaps that ship sailed long before Chat GPT came on the scene – certainly, if you are to believe SEO experts, writing interesting content is no longer as important as stuffing your content with keywords.
AI generated image of a “robot hallucinating in a 60’s psychedelic style”
Inaccuracy
Beyond the slightly bland results that we got from Chat GPT, we have serious concerns about the factual accuracy of some of the information presented by our new robot team member.
Indeed, we wrote the section “Artificial Unintelligence” because of our experiences with the type of hallucinations that Intercom described. We found that the AI would often make entirely believable claims that, upon research, proved completely false.
Not only was chat GPT easily swayed by a company’s marketing material (it was happy, for instance, to opine glowingly about HireVue’s virtues, without mentioning any criticism), but it would often just make unjustified claims to fit the theme of the story.
On a couple of occasions, we found that Chat GPT would claim it was the technology behind a company’s services when actually it was another AI entirely. We don’t believe that this is an example of artificial hubris –the equivalent of The Terminator lying on his CV– but rather the system trying to mould every paragraph into the article's central theme.
Conclusion
Overall, we’re impressed with Chat GPT’s intelligence but worried about its personality and grip on reality. In that way, it’s a lot like a digital version of [insert your least favourite politician here].
At the same time, we’re not foolish enough to believe that these problems are eternal. Bing has already introduced a setting to their competitor AI which allows you to fine-tune how creative or accurate you want it to be.
Like how AI art has solved the infamous hand problem, AI writing will get smarter.
Still, the same can be said for AI video, music and even software design, with each making significant leaps in the last few months alone. So, if AI really is to take our jobs, at least we won’t be alone.