Navigating the ChatGPT Craze

People use your ignorance to sell you something!

“Neem hakeem khatra-e-jaan, neem mullah khatra-e-eeman.”

I vividly remember this proverb from my childhood and it translates literally — half-doctor is a danger to your life and half-priest poses a danger to your faith.

These days, everyone on the internet has gone berserk about ChatGPT. Anyone with less than half a clue about technology is overconfidently talking about ChatGPT and how it is going to change our future. And that is a big issue.

Half knowledge is more dangerous than ignorance!

So, as a qualified professional, let me uncover some of the myths around ChatGPT here.

Myth # 1

One of the myths is that ChatGPT is a new revolutionary AI. But really, it’s just another conversational chatbot, technically better than other options because of all the data it has been trained on. It’s like when your mom says she makes the best lasagna because she’s been making it for years. But really, it’s just because she has a lot of practice.

Myth # 2

Another myth is that ChatGPT will replace Google. I mean, you wish, right? But Google is like that ex who you know you should let go of, but you just can’t. When you ask Google a question, it lists websites containing answers to searches and as a user, you make the final decision based on those options. ChatGPT just gives a direct answer based on its research (?) and then presents it in a conversational style to you.

That answer could be flawed, incomplete or otherwise inaccurate and you have no way of figuring that out in most cases. It’s like asking your friend who always gives bad advice for relationship help. You might get an answer, but it’s probably not going to be helpful.

Myth # 3

And don’t even get me started on the myth that ChatGPT can do many wonderful things. Sure, it can give you a recipe, write a story, or even help you code, but at the end of the day, it’s just an app. It’s like ordering takeout from your favourite restaurant. They can give you the ingredients and instructions, but you still have to cook and eat it yourself. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably burn it.

Oh, by the way, we recently used ChatGPT to write a story and screenplay for us. It did sort of an “okay” job, and I had to do some extra work to fix it. Even then, we had to act, shoot, edit, and do all the work to make it a reality.

Myth # 4

But hey, at least ChatGPT won’t replace people, right? I mean, it might replace some white-collar jobs like coding or analysis, but it’s not like it’s going to replace your plumber or security guard. Although, if ChatGPT can figure out how to fix my leaky faucet, I might have to rethink my stance.

Myth # 5

And let’s not forget the myth that every business must be using ChatGPT now. I mean, some people are dabbling in it, but there’s still a long way to go. It’s like those MLM companies that promise you’ll make a fortune selling their products. Sure, some people might make a little money, but most people end up with a garage full of unsold products and a lot of regrets.

Moreover, you must be mindful of what questions you ask and how much context you provide. Every interaction with ChatGPT is recorded in the backend, and that data gets used. So your input about your business and problems is being used by them. Think if you want that information to go out. This is how CAPTCHA has been used for quite a long time.

My point is

The point is, don’t believe the hype. Technology is often over-hyped in the short term but underestimated in the long run. And people use your ignorance to sell you something. So keep paying attention, have an open mind, and prepare for change. But don’t pay any money to such software or people boasting its benefits, including half-wits. Yet.

People use your ignorance to sell you something!

Well, that’s my take on it. I hope I’ve been able to shed some light on this whole ChatGPT thing for you. But if you’ll excuse me, I have to go fix my leaky faucet. Maybe I’ll ask ChatGPT for some advice.