WhatsApp’s new ChatGPT feature branded useless and outdated as users ask ‘what’s the point?’
WHATSAPP users have slammed the new ChatGPT bot feature as “outdated” after spotting a problem when asking some questions.
Anyone can now message the hugely popular AI tool directly within WhatsApp via a special number for free.
Just add 1-800-242-8478 to your contacts to start talking to ChatGPT.
ChatGPT owner OpenAI says one of the reasons it’s decided to integrate within WhatsApp is because consistent access to high-speed data can be difficult and costly for some.
The firm claims you can ask ChatGPT anything, such as help with creative writing or project planning, as well as recommendations and chats about general topics such as news, hobbies or trivia.
But some users have already slammed the idea because it turns out that the data source used by ChatGPT on WhatsApp is cut off at January 2022.
This means the tool is clueless about anything that’s happened after that date.
“ChatGPT on WhatsApp runs on a model nearly three years outdated, missing almost three years of knowledge,” one user wrote on X.
“What’s the point?”
A second person added: “ChatGPT on WhatsApp has January 2022 as cutoff date.
“Super outdated. Can’t support images/media. Better use Meta AI instead.”
OpenAI has described the feature as an experimental way to talk to the chatbot, and so availability and limits may change.
As such, it’s encouraging anyone seeking a fuller experience to use the main ChatGPT service instead.
Integration with WhatsApp isn’t the only work OpenAI has been working on recently.
Users in the US can also call up ChatGPT on 1-800-CHATGPT and ask questions that way too.
However, that too has a limit of 15 minutes use per month.
AI IS SCARY – BUT DON'T GIVE UP JUST YET
Here’s what Sean Keach, The Sun’s Head of Technology and Science, has to say about AI scams…
Artificial intelligence is here to stay. There’s no doubt about it.
And no matter how many safeguards are put in place when designing AI, there’s no fool-proof way to stop it from being abused.
Tech companies are pouring money into making their AI systems safer – but nothing is perfect.
So as always, the responsibility will be on you and me to stay safe in this scary new world.
The main thing to remember is that AI-powered scams are often just more convincing and easier-to-carry-out versions of regular age-old cons.
So keep these quick tips in mind:
- If a claim sounds unrealistic, there’s a good chance it is
- Offers that look too good to be true probably are
- Don’t give in to someone pressuring you to make a quick decision – especially if money is involved
- Have a safe word or phrase for close friends and family members to verify you’re talking to the right person – and not a fake
- Never click unsolicited links you’ve been sent. If you need to find a website, navigate to it manually and make sure it’s official
- Don’t hand over any sensitive info online unless you’re 100% sure you’re talking to the right person – and there’s a good reason for it
- If you’re being asked to pay for something with gift cards, it’s very likely a scam
Following these rules can stop the overwhelming majority of scams – whether they’re powered by AI or not.