![[Tech Thoughts] OpenAI’s ChatGPT will test out ads. Here’s what to expect.](https://site.server489.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chatgpt-ads-jan-17-2025-696x392.jpg "chatgpt-ads-jan-17-2025.jpg")
OpenAI recently announced plans to introduce advertisements in its ChatGPT chatbot, particularly for the free and $8 subscription tiers, aimed at increasing accessibility. The company claims that this strategy will enhance user experience without compromising response quality, as ads will not influence the chatbot’s answers. OpenAI emphasizes its commitment to maintaining user trust while assuring that personal data will remain private and not sold to advertisers. Users will have options to control data preferences, including an ad-free experience through a higher-tier subscription.
However, this advertisement rollout raises concerns about “enshittification,” a term referring to the degradation of service quality as platforms prioritize business customers over user experience. Historical parallels, such as Google’s increasing ad presence degrading search quality, suggest similar outcomes might occur with ChatGPT. As OpenAI seeks to achieve profitability amid growing infrastructure costs, the future of free services may hinge on user retention and market competition.
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