OpenAI has discontinued promotional messages in ChatGPT following user backlash over what appeared to be intrusive ads. This decision came after users, including paying subscribers, reported unrelated promotions for brands like Peloton and Target appearing during their chats. OpenAI’s chief research officer, Mark Chen, acknowledged they “fell short” in managing the user experience and promised improved controls for users to minimize such disruptions. The controversy arose when users shared screenshots of irrelevant promotional messages, sparking outrage and confusion among the platform’s 800 million users, of which only 5% are paying subscribers. Amid financial pressures and attempts to monetize its user base, OpenAI’s strategy to suggest partner apps faltered. The initial intent was to enhance user engagement, but the execution backfired, leading to disarray. ChatGPT’s team, including data engineer Daniel McAuley, noted the lack of relevancy made promotional messages confusing, underscoring the need for better alignment with user conversations.
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