ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can generate text and answer questions based on any prompt given by the user. It uses a deep learning model called GPT-3, developed by OpenAI, a research organization co-founded by Elon Musk. ChatGPT can produce realistic and coherent texts on various topics, such as business, science, history, entertainment, and more. It can also converse with the user in a natural and engaging way, using humor, emotion, and personality.
ChatGPT has become a popular tool for many workers across the US, who use it to help with basic tasks at work, such as drafting emails, summarizing documents, doing preliminary research, and more. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in July 2023, 28% of respondents said they regularly use ChatGPT at work. ChatGPT is available as a free app on various platforms, such as web browsers, smartphones, and smart speakers.
ChatGPT can help workers save time and improve efficiency
Many workers who use ChatGPT at work say that it can help them save time and improve efficiency. They say that ChatGPT can handle repetitive or mundane tasks that would otherwise take them longer to do manually. They also say that ChatGPT can provide them with useful information or suggestions that they may not have thought of themselves. They say that ChatGPT can enhance their creativity and productivity at work.
For example, a marketing manager who uses ChatGPT to write catchy slogans for a new product said that ChatGPT can generate dozens of options in seconds, and that some of them are very clever and original. A journalist who uses ChatGPT to research background information for a story said that ChatGPT can find relevant facts and sources from the web, and that some of them are surprising and insightful. A teacher who uses ChatGPT to create quizzes for students said that ChatGPT can make the quizzes more fun and challenging, and that some of them are humorous and witty.
ChatGPT can also pose security and ethical risks for workers and employers
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about ChatGPT’s use at work. Some workers and employers say that ChatGPT can also pose security and ethical risks for them and their organizations. They say that ChatGPT can expose sensitive or confidential data to external parties, or generate inaccurate or misleading texts that could harm their reputation or credibility. They also say that ChatGPT can raise moral or legal questions about the ownership and responsibility of the texts generated by the chatbot.
For example, a lawyer who uses ChatGPT to draft contracts for clients said that ChatGPT could leak personal or financial information to other users or companies who may access the chatbot’s data. A scientist who uses ChatGPT to write papers for journals said that ChatGPT could produce false or plagiarized texts that could damage their academic integrity or reputation. A human resources manager who uses ChatGPT to screen candidates for jobs said that ChatGPT could discriminate or offend applicants based on their gender, race, or other characteristics.
Workers need to be careful and responsible when using ChatGPT at work
Therefore, workers who use ChatGPT at work need to be careful and responsible when using the chatbot. They need to be aware of the benefits and risks of using ChatGPT at work, and follow some tips and advice to use it ethically and legally. They need to:
- Do their research: Before they use ChatGPT at work, they need to do their research on the chatbot’s capabilities, limitations, terms of service, privacy policy, and ethical guidelines. They need to understand how ChatGPT works, what data it collects and uses, how it protects or shares the data, what rights or obligations they have when using it, and what consequences they may face if they misuse it.
- Negotiate fair terms: When they use ChatGPT at work, they need to negotiate fair terms with their employers or clients. They need to inform them that they are using ChatGPT at work, and get their consent or approval. They need to clarify the scope and purpose of using ChatGPT at work, and agree on the quality standards and expectations for the texts generated by the chatbot. They also need to disclose any fees or commissions they may receive from using ChatGPT at work.
- Monitor their performance: After they use ChatGPT at work, they need to monitor their performance regularly. They need to check the quality and accuracy of the texts generated by the chatbot, and verify or correct any errors or inconsistencies. They also need to check the feedback and satisfaction of their employers or clients, and address any issues or complaints they may have. They also need to check the impact of using ChatGPT at work on their reputation or career.
