The Power of Personalization in AI

Jeremy Treadwell
Human Experience 2.0
5 min readJul 21, 2023

Chris Smith of BGR.com delves into the fascinating world of AI personalization regarding ChatGPT’s new custom instruction function In his article titled “ChatGPT will remember who you are, and what you did last summer.” As someone who strongly believes in the potential of AI and its application in shaping businesses and visions, I found Chris’s piece thought-provoking. I want to share my insights on the matter as a ChatGPT Plus subscriber and certified futurist who is passionate about the future of Human-computer interaction.

Exploring ChatGPT’s Personalization

Chris’s emphasis on AI’s future lying in personalization is undoubtedly crucial to AI development. The vision of AI evolving into an advanced version of popular virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Bing Chat, capable of knowing and remembering user preferences across devices, is indeed exciting. This level of personalization has the potential to transform human-machine interactions into seamless, intuitive experiences where AI becomes an indispensable part of our daily lives.

As a futurist, I share Chris’s enthusiasm for AI’s potential and believe it will evolve into something even more remarkable. Imagine an AI system that learns from its interactions with users, gaining a deep understanding of their preferences, interests, and knowledge gaps. This new ubiquitous platform would remember individual preferences and proactively suggest relevant information, ideas, and strategies based on user needs. It would act as a powerful assistant, supporting users in their decision-making processes, research, and creative endeavors.

This advanced AI platform could streamline individuals’ learning, information retrieval, and idea generation. It would efficiently organize and catalog vast amounts of information, making it easily accessible whenever needed. Additionally, it could connect related concepts and draw connections between seemingly disparate pieces of information, fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving.

I envision AI as the “Brain 2.0” — a knowledge management platform for individuals and organizations alike. Tools like Otter.ai, and NeuraLink, are practical applications of the impending Technological Singularity, a concept that posits a future where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, leading to unforeseeable changes to human civilization. Ray Kurzweil predicts that by 2045, we will reach this point of singularity, where human intelligence will merge with artificial intelligence, potentially leading to scenarios where communication between humans and machines happens seamlessly without traditional interfaces.

ChatGPT Plus and the Custom Instruction Function.

As an active ChatGPT Plus subscriber, I have had the opportunity to explore the potential of the new custom instruction function. The concept of ChatGPT remembering specific information about users for future interactions is undoubtedly an intriguing step towards AI personalization. Given the nature of data sharing, Chris’s privacy concerns are well-founded. However, the feature balances enhanced user experience and privacy concerns by offering users control over what the AI remembers.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Chris’s insights on privacy in the AI era are undeniably essential and warrant careful consideration. Having personally used the custom instruction feature, I find the approach clever and privacy-conscious. The “remembered data” is not shared through the typical prompt screen but through a separate text box in the settings. This means the data is not immediately visible to the user during the conversation, ensuring privacy. Furthermore, the AI can seamlessly append this “remembered” information to the first message of any new conversation, enhancing the personalization experience.

The added benefit of user control over the “remembered” data is another significant aspect of this feature. Users can modify or turn off the information anytime, allowing them to tailor their interactions with ChatGPT according to their preferences. This level of control addresses Chris’s valid concerns about user privacy and underscores the responsible implementation of AI personalization.

Leveraging Existing User Data

In contrast to Chris’s point regarding data privacy, I would like to highlight that several personal details are already known to OpenAI due to the login process, which is undoubtedly harvested even if not known to the AI. The custom instruction function builds on this user data to optimize the AI’s ability to cater to individual preferences and needs. This approach enhances the efficiency of personalized interactions.

Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity

I share Chris’s excitement about the potential of the custom instruction tool. Users engaged in frequent interactions with ChatGPT, such as teachers, developers, entrepreneurs, and individuals managing various tasks, can significantly benefit from this feature. It streamlines processes like crafting lesson plans, setting coding preferences, or organizing grocery lists, making them more efficient and seamless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chris’s article aptly captures the essence of AI personalization through ChatGPT’s custom instruction function. As AI enthusiasts and users of this technology, we witness a promising era of personalized interactions with machines. By addressing privacy concerns, giving users control over their data, and leveraging existing user information, the journey toward a future of highly personalized AI capabilities takes a positive stride.

As we move forward, it is crucial to foster discussions around AI personalization, user data protection governance, control, and the ethical implications of AI. By collectively shaping the development of AI technologies, we can unlock its true potential in defining and building visions for a better tomorrow. The road ahead is exciting, and I am eager to witness how AI personalization will enrich how we interact with technology in the future.

Jeremy Treadwell
Futurist | Founder | Educator | Speaker | Author

Jeremy Treadwell is a visionary entrepreneur and futurist from Chicago, IL, living in Maryland, minutes from our national capital, Washington, D.C. With a passion for guiding individuals and businesses toward their desired futures, Jeremy has earned the moniker “Vision Capitalist.”

As the founder and owner of Treadwell Agency, a highly respected consulting firm, Jeremy has been instrumental in helping countless individuals and businesses define their visions, gain clarity, and pave the way toward success. Jeremy has empowered clients to reach their full potential and navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving business landscape through innovative strategies and keen Foresight.

Beyond his consulting endeavors, Jeremy shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise as an esteemed adjunct professor at Bradley University, where he imparts his wisdom in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience Strategy. His dedication to education and commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionaries showcase his leadership inside and outside the classroom.

A true believer in the power of Foresight, Jeremy has earned recognition as a certified Futurist through the esteemed Institute of the Future. As a sought-after speaker, he captivates audiences with engaging talks on Cybersecurity, Strategic Futures, and User Behavior, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike.

Constantly embracing new challenges, Jeremy is working on his upcoming book, delving deep into the realm of Foresight. With his unique insights and innovative thinking, he aims to inspire others to harness the power of Foresight to achieve greatness.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jeremy is known for his strong sense of community and commitment to helping others. His philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on those fortunate to cross paths with him.

As a visionary thought leader, Jeremy’s relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to empowering others sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the business world. Jeremy continues to shape a brighter future for individuals, businesses, and society through his visionary approach and compassionate spirit.

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