Paid ChatGPT users recently encountered a prompt urging them to “Shop for home and groceries. Connect Target,” prompting discussions about potential advertising integrations. Despite the appearance of ads, ChatGPT Product Manager Nick Turley refuted claims of active ad testing, asserting that the circulating screenshots are either fake or mischaracterized. Chief researcher Mark Chen acknowledged the prompt’s ad-like nature and indicated the feature has been disabled to enhance model precision and user control. The situation raises concerns about OpenAI’s advertising strategy as 95% of users utilize the free tier, heightening the pressure to monetize without alienating them. This contrasts sharply with CEO Sam Altman’s earlier warnings against turning ChatGPT into an advertisement platform, emphasizing user trust. As OpenAI explores integrating personalized shopping features, a clear communication strategy about its stance on advertising and monetization becomes imperative to maintain user fidelity.
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