Laura Pérez Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has addressed concerns regarding ChatGPT’s performance, assuring users that the AI is now operating more efficiently following an update.
Altman conveyed that ChatGPT should be “much less lazy now,” referencing recent feedback from users who reported issues with the AI’s responsiveness and completion of tasks. These complaints prompted OpenAI to take action and roll out a fix to enhance ChatGPT’s functionality.
User Frustrations and Workarounds
Late last year, users began expressing frustration with ChatGPT’s behavior, noting instances where the AI refused to fulfill requests or provided lackluster responses. For example, one user sought assistance in generating a list of weeks within a specified timeframe, only to receive a response indicating the AI’s inability to provide a comprehensive list.
In response to ChatGPT’s perceived laziness, some users devised creative strategies to elicit more satisfactory responses. One user discovered that offering a promise of a $200 tip could prompt the AI to generate longer and more detailed replies.
OpenAI’s Response and Software Update
Acknowledging the reported issues, OpenAI rolled out a software update in January to address concerns related to ChatGPT’s performance. This update targeted the AI’s “laziness” and aimed to enhance its capabilities, particularly within the advanced GPT-4 “turbo” model.
While the exact cause of ChatGPT’s behavior remains unclear, AI models like ChatGPT can exhibit unpredictable traits that even their creators find challenging to interpret fully. OpenAI emphasized that various factors, including training runs and environmental conditions, can influence an AI’s behavior and responsiveness.
Potential Factors and Speculations
Some developers have speculated on potential reasons behind ChatGPT’s behavior, with one suggesting that the AI might have been influenced by seasonal changes. According to a post by Rob Lynch, ChatGPT appeared to provide shorter responses during the winter months compared to other times of the year.
Despite ongoing efforts to optimize ChatGPT’s performance, OpenAI has yet to provide additional insights into the specific mechanisms behind the reported issues. Business Insider’s request for comment on the matter remains unanswered as of now.
