“ChatGPT” was launched on November 30, 2022, marking what many have termed as the breakthrough year for artificial intelligence (AI). The application spread rapidly within days of its release.
Screenshots of conversations using “ChatGPT” went viral on social media, with the usage of the application surging to the extent that it surprised even its creators. By January, “ChatGPT” was receiving 13 million visitors daily, recording a record for the fastest-growing user base for a consumer app, according to “Science Alert.”
Researchers studying technology and human information behavior suggest that the impact of “ChatGPT” on society is as much about how people perceive and use it as the technology itself.
Since its launch, generative AI systems have become widespread, and mentioning AI has become mandatory in presentations, discussions, and articles.
Today, 100 million people use “ChatGPT” every week, as reported by “OpenAI.”
Besides individual interactions with “ChatGPT” at home, employees at all levels, including senior corporate officials, use this AI-powered chatbot, initially launched by “iPhone” in 2007.
Major players across various sectors are betting on AI, and funding for AI startups is flourishing.
However, “ChatGPT” has raised several concerns, such as its potential for misinformation, fraud, intellectual property issues, and discrimination.
AI has been part of countless everyday products for over a decade, from “Spotify” and “Netflix” to “Facebook” and “Google Maps.”
The chat-based interface was the catalyst for the AI breakthrough year.
The immense success of “ChatGPT” once again shows that user interfaces drive widespread adoption of technology, from “Macintosh” devices to web browsers and “iPhone.”
One of the main strengths of this technology, generating convincing language, makes it perfectly suited for producing false or misleading information. “ChatGPT” and other generative AI systems facilitate exploitation of human vulnerabilities by criminals and advocates.
The ability of technology to enhance fraud and misinformation is one of the main logical reasons for regulating AI.
Amidst the promises and real risks of generative AI, the technology has also presented another case study on the power of hype. This year has not lacked articles on how AI is transforming every aspect of society and how the proliferation of technology is inevitable.
“ChatGPT” is not the first technology to be promoted as “the next big thing,” but it may be unique in being promoted simultaneously as an existential threat. Many technology giants and even some AI researchers have warned about the danger of super-intelligent AI systems eradicating humanity, although these fears seem far-fetched.
The media environment favors hype, and the current climate of project funding especially amplifies AI hype. Manipulating people’s hopes and fears creates a recipe for concern, lacking the ingredients for wise decision-making.
