Introduction: ChatGPT and its Practical Applications
ChatGPT is a powerful language model trained on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). It was trained using Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). It has been a significant milestone in the development of smart Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that have the potential to revolutionize so many fields. Initially released in November 2022, with a stable version released in March 2023, it has since been making rounds on social media as more and more people discover its potential. With the ability to generate human-like responses in a well-structured format, it can dominate in so many fields, it has already started to replace many jobs in practical applications from customer service, language translation, etc. However, with any technology there are certain limitations on the practical applications, i.e., jobs that require human emotions, critical thinking, and critical reasoning are not likely to be replaced by such language models.
In this blog, we will explore certain limitations in practical applications of chatGPT and discuss a few aspects that can be improved to fully realize the potential of chatGPT.
We will discuss bias in training data, specialized language, emotions, creativity, ethical implications, and combining ChatGPT with other tools and approaches.
Readers can gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT, and learn how to use the tool effectively in practical applications.
Understanding the Limitations of ChatGPT
Despite facing challenges, ChatGPT remains the most powerful language model currently available and is constantly improving. Addressing these challenges will require extensive research and development. One of the biggest weaknesses is its inability to understand common sense in certain situations. It only responds to pre-trained data with biases.
We need to understand that it is a tool designed to help humans in their tasks and is not intended to replace them completely, at least not in the near future.
Contextual Understanding: Limitations and Solutions
One of the highly significant limitations of ChatGPT is its inability to understand the context. Using specialized prompts, prompt engineers can assist chatGPT in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the larger issue at hand but only to a certain degree. It starts to sequentially map the given prompt which sometimes results in ChatGPT providing responses that are technically correct but contextually inappropriate. Its responses are not personalized for users. This can lead to confusion among users trying to communicate complex ideas or concepts.
Addressing Bias in Training Data for ChatGPT
Another limitation of chatGPT is its reliance on the training data, Since it was trained on large text datasets that may contain bias, ChatGPT’s responses may also be biased, leading to unintended consequences. Leading it to perpetuate harmful myths and stereotypes.
From OpenAI:
“These issues arise from biases in the training data (trainers prefer longer answers that look more comprehensive) and well-known over-optimization issues.”
Although ChatGPT is carefully supervised and tested to avoid generating opinions on controversial topics, it might not be able to do it in certain contexts where deeper understanding is required. In such situations, ChatGPT may inadvertently express inappropriate opinions due to limitations in its training data and algorithmic design. Therefore, it is important to use ChatGPT with caution, apply critical thinking, and supplement its responses with human judgment and expertise.
Developers also suggest keeping humans in the loop:
“Wherever possible, we recommend having a human review outputs before they are used in practice. This is especially critical in high-stakes domains and for code generation. Humans should be aware of the limitations of the system, and have access to any information needed to verify the outputs (for example, if the application summarizes notes, a human should have easy access to the original notes to refer back).”
ChatGPT is biased to be formal, it is designed to maintain a formal tone and refrain from engaging in confrontational behavior. However, this approach can be a problem in fields such as law, medicine, and technology, where human decision-making is often required. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that while ChatGPT strives to be neutral, its responses may not always consider the complexities of some practical applications. Hence, it is crucial to consult with analysts of that domain and seek multiple opinions before making critical decisions in such areas.
Handling Specialized Language with ChatGPT
Handling language that has developed in specialized fields like medicine can be changing which may cause confusion when applying it for practical use in that field. For example when asked, “What is the best treatment for asthma?” ChatGPT may provide a general response, but it may not have the specialized knowledge or understanding to provide a more nuanced response or up-to-date response based on the user’s specific medical history.
ChatGPT can assist in checking for certain symptoms, but ultimately, it is up to the doctor to decide how to proceed based on the patient’s medical history.
For instance, suppose a user asks ChatGPT a medical question such as “What is the best treatment for asthma?” ChatGPT may provide a general response, but it may not have the specialized knowledge or understanding to provide a more nuanced response based on the user’s specific medical history or condition.
Understanding Emotions: Limitations and Solutions
ChatGPT lacks emotions because it lacks personal experiences and consciousness. Though it is capable of producing language that appears sympathetic or emotive, it lacks human-like emotional capabilities.
It does not experience emotions the same way that humans do, despite the fact that it can recognize some of them and react properly. Because ChatGPT is a language model, it cannot feel emotions, despite the fact that it may chat and produce responses that may sound emotional. Its capabilities are restricted to the data and preprogrammed algorithms trained on data from various sources.
Cautionary Considerations for the Growing Use of ChatGPT in Various Professions
Just as ChatGPT improves, it can be used in a broad range of professions. However, we must be cautious as it can be abused. It might be used by people with malicious intent to spread propaganda or fake news on platforms like Twitter where people don’t have to show references for their claims. There are many things to consider in such language models like ChatGPT, such as the intent of people who will invest in language models, whether it will be simple to use? and if it is preferable to create new models for domain-specific purposes or to merely use those that are already available. We also need to consider how people’s intents will change gradually and whether there will be laws prohibiting the use of ChatGPT to directly influence practical operations.
Ethical Implications of Using ChatGPT for Practical Applications
Just as ChatGPT improves, it can be used in a broad range of professions. However, we must be cautious as it can be abused. It might be used by people with malicious intent to spread propaganda or fake news on platforms like Twitter where people don’t have to show references for their claims. There are many things to consider in such language models like ChatGPT, such as the intent of people who will invest in language models, whether it will be simple to use? and if it is preferable to create new models for domain-specific purposes or to merely use those that are already available. We also need to consider how people’s intents will change gradually and whether there will be laws prohibiting the use of ChatGPT to directly influence practical operations.
Conclusion: Evaluating the Limitations of ChatGPT for Practical Applications
At present, it is indisputable that ChatGPT cannot fully replace fields that require human expertise, experience, and emotional intelligence. Although, it has never the less impacted these domains, particularly in terms of streamlining various processes. However, the implementation of ChatGPT as a tool to transform human work may potentially result in a decline in job opportunities. Despite its utility, it is vital to acknowledge that in various domains, the irreplaceable role of human judgment and decision-making cannot be overlooked, and thus, the practical applications of ChatGPT must be carefully assessed in terms of its limitations.
Evidently, ChatGPT possesses several limitations that restrict its use for unsupervised implementation. The algorithm’s inherent biases and propensity to produce unrealistic data highlight some of these limitations. Additionally, due to its inability to experience emotions or conceive original thoughts, the generated responses often lack a human touch in them. The algorithm’s content is designed to appear accurate, even when it is not, which signifies that human inspection is not always appropriate when reviewing machine-generated content.
As such, it becomes crucial that the human reviewers responsible for assessing the machine-generated content possess a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and are capable of discerning between accurate and inaccurate data.
Front end Developer and AI enthusiast
