We all need advice from a third party every now and then. Today, teenagers may ask their parents for advice on attending a friend's party late at night or about choosing the right academic courses. You might get asked how to do something in an area where you don’t have expertise. You tend to steer them in the right direction with advice you think is morally correct. The recommendations from you come with emotional intelligence mixed with concern and self-doubt. It may seem like ‘What if I am wrong about this?’, ‘I have to suggest the best advice as he/she is my child, friend, or partner’, ‘Shall I tell them not to go for this?’. 

 

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These thoughts often cross our minds when directing someone, because we are human and we think. But, there is something else in existence right now that behaves like a human; but is not. Artificial intelligence models have quickly gained traction in the past year. These systems are so intelligent that you can literally talk to them, ask for advice, or give commands and responses that are almost quick, perfect, and helpful. Not only this, but ChatGPT can also solve day-to-day life problems, create an Excel sheet, and write an essay for you. 

Since these AI tools are so competent, many refer to them for advice. You may be curious about the algorithm behind ChatGPT's training. It's based on a powerful transformer algorithm, which operates on a sophisticated neural network designed to replicate the workings of the human brain. This innovative algorithm excels at analysing and understanding vast amounts of data, and text, allowing it to develop responses that closely resemble human conversation.

 

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In fact, it’s not uncommon to ask ChatGPT for advice. No wonder, the digital world is saturated with many similar AI options meant to solve queries. 

But, the million dollar question arises–Can you really trust artificial intelligence over human intelligence? We spoke to Dr. Shreya Chakravarthy, psychologist and deputy manager of UR.Life Studios, Hyderabad if we should ask ChatGPT for advice. 

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Uses of ChatGPT For Advice 

Dr. Chakravarthy says seeking advice has become easier than before due to AI tools like ChatGPT. It is used for more than just generating high-quality content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. 

• Always available to assist you: If you need to know something even during odd hours of the day, ChatGPT provides instant responses. There's no need to wait for business hours or schedule appointments; your AI assistant is available whenever you need it.
• Get information at your fingertips: From refining complicated concepts like programming language to offering practical tips on health or relationships, ChatGPT possesses a diverse proficiency base. It's similar to having a Wikipedia within a chat interface that answers various subjects.
• Gives free advice: Professional consultations can be expensive, whereas ChatGPT is inexpensive. It provides a free or low-cost alternative, delivering valuable insights without straining your budget. It's a reasonable way to access information and guidance.

 

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ChatGPT Has Its Limitations

Dr. Chakravarthy explains, “Suppose, you’re facing some issues at work or at home in your personal life. You want to decide to take the next step for a better outcome. But, you’re sad and stressed naturally, because you’re a human. You turn to ChatGPT to find a solution to your problems. As a person, you can only command the machine or ask it for solutions. No doubt, ChatGPT will generate top-notch responses to your queries. But, the AI tool will not understand what you’re going through at the moment. It‘s not equipped to console you. 

Also, if you’re in a dilemma of choosing right or wrong choices in life, ChatGPT may not suggest morally accurate suggestions. It will rather explain points about both sides, but not in a position to give ethically right words. 

Engaging with ChatGPT involves sharing information that could be sensitive. As a matter of fact, instances of data breaches have been reported, raising questions about the confidentiality and security of user interactions. There is a 36 per cent increase in data breaches between June 2022 and May 2023. According to 2024 findings cited in the Group-IB’s Hi-Tech Crime Trends Report, more than 130000 ChatGPT account credentials were compromised and sold on the dark web. 

There is another instance where a user has reported instances where ChatGPT provided false information about individuals, leading to serious reputational issues. A famous case involved a Norwegian man who filed a complaint after ChatGPT falsely claimed he had committed a crime. ​

 

Best Practices to Use ChatGPT

AI tools may be an amenity, but it's imperative to use them wisely. Let's explore some best practices to get the most out of ChatGPT without compromising on accuracy.

1. Pair Cross-Reference AI Advice with Credible Sources: ChatGPT's knowledge is based on data up until September 2021, which means it might lack information on current developments. To get accurate information, always cross-check the information from reputable sources or recent publications to ensure its validity.​

2. Consult Professionals for Sensitive Conclusions: To get accurate queries, approach an expert on the matter for validation. Professional guidance will always be above AI assistance for any sensitive matter. In case of medical inquiries, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is imperative. 

3. Keep  Along Your Human Intuition: Always apply human oversight when interpreting and implementing advice from ChatGPT. This means critically evaluating the suggestions, considering your personal context, and making informed decisions rather than relying solely on AI-generated content.

 

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Verdict: AI is here to stay, but use your human instinct. 

It's important to understand that while ChatGPT can offer helpful guidance, it does not possess its own understanding or the ability to feel emotions. As a result, it may not be able to offer the emotional or moral support that you might seek. People should only think of ChatGPT as a tool that can assist with general inquiries but cannot replace the subtle understanding and care provided by a professional. As a psychiatrist, I can tell that feelings and experiences are priceless and it matters. A machine can never provide the innate support a human craves. In any factual situation, only direct and live human intelligence and emotional intelligence can guide you. 

While AI offers substantial benefits and is here to stay, it is imperative to use human instinct and ethical judgment in its application. 

 

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