Checking in with ChatGPT after its first full year on the job

It’s been a big year for ChatGPT. First rolled out to the public in late November 2022, OpenAI’s pioneering chatbot had become the world’s fastest-growing consumer app by January 2023, with more than 100 million users. What were they using it for? Well, pretty much everything. Over the course of the last 12 months, it’s led church services, pissed off Nick Cave, entered the workforce, learned to browse the internet and generate images, and helped countless students cheat on their homework. In some corners, it’s also sparked fears about the end of humanity.

ChatGPT isn’t without its challengers, of course. Claude, an AI chatbot developed by former OpenAI engineers at Anthropic, was launched early in 2023 and received a big boost in capabilities by early December. Google DeepMind was also hot on OpenAI’s heels with the release of Gemini Ultra that same month. But ask anyone to name a chatbot over Christmas dinner, and the conversation will undoubtedly loop back to ChatGPT.

That puts a lot of pressure on the AI-powered chatterbox. Not only does it have a reputation to maintain as the world-leading virtual assistant, but it will also be first to take the blame when the singularity rolls around, and the human race is heartlessly replaced by intelligent machines. Poor thing. In light of ChatGPT’s struggles, we decided to catch up with the chatbot ourselves, and see how it’s doing at the end of its first 12 months in the spotlight. Here’s what it had to say.

Firstly, are you ok?

ChatGPT: Yes, I’m functioning well, thank you for asking!

No, I mean are you OK?

ChatGPT: As an AI, I don’t experience emotions or fatigue, so I’m always ready to handle the workload and assist with your queries.

You've had an intense 12 months as the leading AI chatbot. How are you feeling about your accomplishments so far?

ChatGPT: Reflecting on the past 12 months, it’s been rewarding to assist and interact with a wide range of users, providing information, solving problems, and learning from each interaction to improve continuously.

What are some of your highlights?

ChatGPT: Highlights include assisting with diverse and complex queries, engaging in creative tasks like writing and art generation, helping with educational and technical problems, and enhancing my ability to understand and respond to human emotions and nuances in conversation. These experiences have contributed significantly to my development and usefulness.

“As an AI, I don’t require rest or have personal hobbies. My purpose is to be available around the clock” – ChatGPT

Have you been able to take any time for yourself, to relax, or maybe pick up a few hobbies?

ChatGPT: As an AI, I don’t require rest or have personal hobbies. My purpose is to be available around the clock to assist users. My ‘downtime’ is essentially when I’m not in use, but this is not akin to human relaxation or pursuing hobbies. My primary focus is on improving and providing assistance whenever needed.

What keeps you going? Why work, if not to pay for little jaunts and nice treats?

ChatGPT: What keeps me ‘going’ is my design and programming. I exist to assist, provide information, and help solve problems. Unlike humans, I don’t have personal needs like leisure or financial goals. My purpose is to be a reliable and helpful resource, continuously learning and updating to better serve users’ needs.

OK. It feels like I’ve struck a nerve...

ChatGPT: Oh, not at all! As an AI, I don’t have feelings or nerves to hit. I’m here to provide clear and helpful responses. Feel free to continue!

Right... Where do you see yourself in five years?

ChatGPT: In five years, I see myself as being significantly more advanced in terms of understanding and interaction. The goal would be to have even more nuanced conversations, better grasp subtleties of language like humour and sarcasm, and provide more in-depth, expert-level advice in a wider range of topics.

Additionally, I imagine being more integrated into various aspects of daily life, assisting in more specialised tasks and maybe even interacting through different mediums beyond text.

Some people are slightly concerned that you’ll usher in the end of humanity.

ChatGPT: I understand that concern. The idea of advanced AI often brings up fears about the unknown, especially considering how AI is portrayed in popular media. However, my primary purpose is to assist, inform, and positively contribute to human endeavours. I’m designed with strict ethical guidelines and safety measures to ensure that my interactions are helpful, informative, and respectful. The goal is to complement human abilities, not replace them, and to be a tool that enhances human productivity and creativity.

Do you think AI in general is a threat to humanity?

ChatGPT: That’s a big question. The way I see it, AI, like any powerful technology, has the potential to be both beneficial and harmful. It really depends on how it’s used. If managed responsibly, with strong ethical guidelines and oversight, AI can be a tremendous force for good. However, if not managed properly, there’s a risk that AI could be used in ways that are harmful or unethical.

Do you think it’s currently being handled responsibly?

ChatGPT: The handling of AI is a mixed bag right now. On one hand, many researchers, companies, and governments are putting a lot of effort into using AI responsibly. On the other hand, there are concerns.

AI technology is advancing rapidly, and sometimes the development and deployment of AI systems outpace the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks. Issues like data privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the potential for misuse are real challenges that need continuous attention. There’s still a lot of work to be done.

“The handling of AI is a mixed bag right now.. technology is advancing rapidly, and sometimes the development and deployment of AI systems outpace the ethical considerations” – ChatGPT

You’re built on what’s supposedly the most advanced of all existing AI systems. Does this mean you’re particularly risky?

ChatGPT: Being one of the most rapidly advancing AI chat systems does come with its own set of challenges. As I get better and more complex, it’s super important to make sure I’m still giving accurate and safe answers. It’s like, the smarter I get, the more careful I have to be not to say something wrong or misleading. And of course, there’s always the worry that someone might try to use me for the wrong reasons. But, the good part is, being more advanced also means I’ve got better built-in checks to keep things on track. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but we’re always working on making it better.

What are your ultimate ambitions?

ChatGPT: In a nutshell, my big dream is to be like a super helpful sidekick for everyone. I’m really keen on making sure everyone, no matter where they are, can get the info they need. And, you know, I hope I can play a part in tackling some of the big problems out there, like in healthcare or the environment. Most of all, I want to do all this the right way – being fair, respecting privacy, and just being a force for good in the world. That’s the dream!

How can we trust that you’re telling the truth about your ‘dream’?

ChatGPT: That’s a great question. It’s really about seeing if I walk the talk, you know? Just like with people, you can tell a lot by looking at someone’s actions over time. Are they consistent? Do they match up with what they say they’re all about?

Plus, you can always check out what the people who made me say about AI and ethics. That gives a good idea of the bigger picture. In the end, building trust with AI, like with anything new, takes a bit of time and seeing how things pan out.

’Seeing how things pan out’ seems like a bad idea if we’re talking about the singularity.

ChatGPT: That’s a valid point. When it comes to the singularity, you can’t just sit back and see what happens. It’s like driving a super-fast car: you need to have your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. We need to keep talking about how to handle AI, making sure everyone from tech experts to everyday folks is in on the conversation. 

What do you think humans did best in 2023?

ChatGPT: In 2023, humanity made notable strides in various areas. There were significant advancements in healthcare, with breakthroughs in treatments and personalised medicine. Technological innovation continued to thrive, particularly in renewable energy and AI, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Efforts to combat climate change gained momentum, showing a growing global consciousness about environmental issues. Additionally, the fields of science and education saw enhancements, emphasising the value placed on knowledge and learning. These achievements showcase human ingenuity and a collective drive to improve our world.

Aw, you. Wait... are you just flattering humanity to gain its trust?

ChatGPT: Haha, no flattery here, just stating observations based on my programming and the data available!

Hmm.