A language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT 3.5 architecture, ChatGPT is an application designed for natural language understanding and generation, which makes it capable of engaging in text-based conversations with users. ChatGPT is part of a clan of AI models known for their ability to understand and generate human-like text, putting them into use for a wide range of applications like content generation, virtual assistants, chatbots, and more.
Trained on a diverse dataset that includes internet text which enables it to provide information, engage in discussions on various topics, and answer questions, ChatGPT can understand context and generate coherent responses, making it a powerful tool for natural language processing tasks. Remember that ChatGPT responses are generated based on the text data that it has been fed, and that may not always be perfectly accurate or contextually appropriate. It is vital to use ChatGPT as a tool and verify its responses when accuracy is key.
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Why ChatGPT and Similar Language Models Are Vital
1. Natural Language Understanding and Generation:
ChatGPT is able to comprehend and generate human-like text, allowing it to engage in text-based conversations. This capability can be applied in a range of uses, from chatbots and virtual assistants to content generation, customer support, and more.
2. Accessibility:
Individuals who have communication or language-related challenges can find assistance through ChatGPT. It can help in text-to-speech applications, translation, and text-based interfaces for people who are unable to use traditional input methods.
3. Efficiency:
Automate tasks and answer common questions using ChatGPT. Free up human resources for more complex and value-added activities and much more. Get quick responses and information on a veritable range of topics.
4. Scalability:
You can deploy language models like ChatGPT at scale, so organizations can provide consistent and efficient support or information dissemination at the same time to a large number of users.
5. Multilingual Support:
ChatGPT is available in multiple languages, breaking down language barriers and bringing it to a global audience.
6. Research and Development:
ChatGPT is a valuable research tool for studying and advancing natural language processing, understanding, and generation. It contributes to the development of better AI models and algorithms.
7. Innovation and Creativity:
ChatGPT can assist in content creation, ideas, and creative solutions. It can help with brainstorming in fields such as writing, design, and more.
8. Personalization:
ChatGPT can provide personalized recommendations and responses, by understanding user preferences and context, enhancing user experiences.
However, it’s important to note that while ChatGPT and similar models offer numerous benefits, there are important ethical concerns at play, such as concerns about bias, privacy, and the potential for misuse. As such, the responsible development and deployment of these models is vital to ensure that their impact is positive.
Connecting ChatGPT to the Internet
Those who have used ChatGPT to ask about news and current affairs may discover that the chatbot does not know much about current events. In fact, thanks to a hard information cut-off going all the way back to September 2021, means it doesn’t know about anything that happened after that point in time. Try to find out about something new and ChatGPT will either hallucinate an answer or decline to give one. However, this restriction can be bypassed by connecting ChatGPT to the internet.
Connecting ChatGPT to the Internet for Free
Signing up for an OpenAI account to use ChatGPT will give you unlimited access to the chatbot without paying a penny. However, this also means that you don’t have access to some advanced features like ChatGPT Plugins that link the chatbot to external sources like the net. Thankfully, some enterprising developers have found a way to connect ChatGPT to the internet without upgrading your account. Basically, all you have to do is install a Chrome browser extension that hooks into your ChatGPT chats. Each time you send a new chat message, that extension will reach the internet for the information you want and deliver the results to the chatbot which means that the chatbot has everything to answer your questions.
To start off, simply install the WebChatGPT Chrome extension and click on the “Web Access” switch within ChatGPT. You can’t use this on mobile, so you need to open a browser on your PC or laptop every time. On the plus side though, you can ask follow-up questions and ChatGPT will recall the information it learned from your web searches.
The extension cannot go past ChatGPT’s input character limit, which means it may only pass on a few search results. ChatGPT may only know about a few changes and not mention other important points. So if you want more comprehensive results, this is what you should do.
Connecting ChatGPT Plus to the Internet
As mentioned earlier, you may optionally upgrade to ChatGPT Plus to use plugins and even a proper web browsing mode. The latter might be disabled for maintenance at the moment, however, you can find many third-party ones in the ChatGPT plugin store. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to enable them within your ChatGPT account.
- Open ChatGPT to log into your account. Search for the “Upgrade to Plus” banner on the bottom left of your screen.
- Fill out your payment details and begin the ChatGPT Plus subscription.
- Click on the profile name and open the “Settings” window. Here you can enable Plugins under the “Beta Features” tab.
- Start a new chat in the ChatGPT interface and hover over “GPT-4” at the top of your screen. There is a dropdown menu. Pick “Plugins” and then “Plugin Store”
- You may now enable any of the scores of ChatGPT plugins but the ones that are most important are Link Reader, KeyMate AI and WebPilot. Simply enable one of these and you can start interacting instantly.
- For instance, you may paste a link into ChatGPT and ask LinkREader to summarise it for you.
Connecting ChatGPT to the Internet using BingChat
Earlier, ChatGPT would have an official browsing mode powered by the Bing search engine, which has been disabled for many months now.. Thankfully, an easy workaround exists, using Bing Chat. Bing Chat depends on the same underlying language model as ChatGPT except that it also has the ability to search the net. It depends on the more capable GPT-4 model which you only have access to via the paid ChatGPT Plus subscription.
All you need to use Bing Chat is a Microsoft account and it is available on literally every platform, from desktop to mobile and now Skype. It also searches the internet by default so you don’t have to tinker with settings or dials to make it happen. If you dislike Bing Chat for some reason, you may also use any of the other ChatGPT alternatives. YouChat, for instance, combines the chatbot with a search engine. Google has Bard, which can hook into many services like Gmail and Search.
Conclusion
Well, that is how you connect ChatGPT to the internet. While being fairly simple, the method is quite comprehensive so you can browse the web as you would do normally, except that this time, it is on ChatGPT.
