ChatGPT is celebrating its third anniversary this weekend, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Since its launch on November 30, 2022, the chatbot developed by OpenAI has transformed how individuals interact with technology and access information, according to experts in the field.
AI has existed for decades, but Anton Dahbura, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy, describes ChatGPT as a “game changer” that has ushered in a new era for AI. He notes that the chatbot has improved its capabilities since its debut, enabling users to perform a wider range of tasks more effectively. Despite these advancements, Dahbura warns that challenges remain, including the risk of misinformation.
For instance, when he asked ChatGPT to draft a letter, it erroneously included a middle initial that does not belong to him: “For some reason, it signed the letter Anton J. Dahbura. That’s not my middle initial,” he remarked. This incident illustrates the potential pitfalls of relying on the technology for accurate information. Experts caution that blind trust in ChatGPT can lead to more serious repercussions, particularly in professional settings.
Deborah Lee, a professor and director of research impact and AI strategy at Mississippi State University Libraries, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. “If I’m trying to figure out how to time out Thanksgiving dinner, ChatGPT is excellent for that. It gives you shopping lists, tells you how to cook it, and what order to cook it,” she said. “But if I’m trying to decide whether to stay on a medication or not, that’s not the place to get that information.”
Lee recently published an article in The Conversation, discussing how ChatGPT has become the “new front door to information.” She highlights a notable shift in online information-seeking behavior since the chatbot’s introduction. Within just months of its launch, ChatGPT attracted 100 million weekly users. Today, that figure has surged to an impressive 800 million active weekly users. Notably, nearly one-third of American adults have engaged with ChatGPT, and about 60% of adults under 30 have tried the platform, according to data from the Pew Research Center.
As ChatGPT integrates increasingly into various applications, the reliance on generative AI is likely to expand. “It won’t be a matter of whether or not you use generative AI, but how much are you using it,” Lee stated. The latest version, GPT-5, is already moving into browser applications, reflecting a trend towards broader accessibility.
Dahbura notes that advancements in supporting technologies, such as chips from Nvidia and improved memory storage, have accelerated AI development. He acknowledges that while ChatGPT can be harnessed for positive outcomes, it also presents a “Pandora’s box” of challenges. He believes that, on balance, the technology has had a net positive impact on society, but underscores the necessity for oversight within the AI industry.
As ChatGPT continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding its implications for information accuracy and ethical usage will likely gain momentum, shaping the future of digital interaction and AI integration in daily life.
