A Counterpoint from the Source: “What are the downfalls of using ChatGPT?”

HAA’s Director of Rental Credit Reporting Tina DeFiore wanted to know how ChatGPT would answer for itself about it’s own shortcomings. Here’s what it had to say: While ChatGPT and similar language models offer significant advantages, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Here are a few of the limitations and challenges associated with using ChatGPT:

1. Lack of Contextual Understanding: ChatGPT does not possess true understanding or contextual knowledge. It generates responses based on patterns it has learned from vast amounts of text, rather than having genuine comprehension. As a result, it may occasionally produce incorrect or nonsensical answers that sound plausible but are factually inaccurate.

2. Sensitivity to Input Phrasing: The responses generated by ChatGPT can be sensitive to slight changes in input phrasing. Altering the wording of a question or prompt can sometimes lead to different or inconsistent answers. Users need to carefully phrase their queries to obtain the desired response.

3. Propensity for Biased or Inappropriate Responses: Language models like ChatGPT learn from the text available on the internet, which may contain biased or offensive content. Consequently, ChatGPT may inadvertently generate biased or inappropriate responses. While efforts are made to mitigate this issue, it is still a concern that needs constant monitoring and improvement.

4. Lack of Ethical Decision-Making: ChatGPT does not possess the ability to make ethical or moral judgments. It generates responses based solely on patterns it has learned and does not possess personal values or the ability to weigh ethical considerations. Users should be cautious when seeking guidance on sensitive or morally complex topics.

5. Limited Understanding of Nuance and Context: ChatGPT may struggle with understanding nuanced or ambiguous language. It can misinterpret jokes, sarcasm, or subtle cues, leading to responses that miss the intended meaning. Additionally, it may not adequately consider the broader context of a conversation, resulting in responses that appear out of place or irrelevant.

6. Inability to Provide Real-Time Information: ChatGPT's responses are based on pre-existing knowledge and do not reflect real-time information or updates. As a result, it may not have the latest data on current events, rapidly evolving topics, or specific industry developments. Users should verify and cross-reference information obtained from ChatGPT with up-todate and reliable sources.

7. Overreliance and Dependency: There is a risk of users over-relying on ChatGPT as a primary source of information. It is essential to remember that ChatGPT is a language model and not a substitute for human expertise or critical thinking. Users should use ChatGPT as a tool to supplement their own knowledge and judgment rather than relying solely on its responses.

8. Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Sharing sensitive or personal information with ChatGPT can raise privacy and security concerns. While OpenAI takes measures to protect user data, it is advisable to exercise caution when discussing confidential or personally identifiable information through the platform.

It's important to understand these limitations and use ChatGPT judiciously, acknowledging its strengths while being mindful of its constraints. Continued research and development aim to address these downsides and improve the capabilities of language models like ChatGPT in the future.