How to Use ChatGPT

I’m late to the party, but maybe that’s better. I’ve forgotten some of the hype around AI, and the pace of innovation has settled down a little. Think of ChatGPT as a thinking tool with access to an internet-sized – but imprecise – database. That database was last updated in September 2021, and is imprecise because due to how neural networks work. The thinking part of this tool is rudimentary, but powerful. It does many things well with the correct input, but also fails spectacularly with the “wrong” input.

I separate the idea of what ChatGPT is from how it functions and where its knowledge comes from, because it helps me think of uses while remembering its limits. For example, I used it to help me journal more effectively, but when I tried to probe its knowledge of Havana Syndrome – a conspiracy theory commonly presented as fact by USA officials, it expressed useless information, because it has no conception of how it knows anything, or where its knowledge comes from.

Things ChatGPT is Good At

This list is presented in no particular order, but it is important to stress that AI often lie and hallucinate. It is important to always verify information received from AI. This list is based on my experiences over the past month, and will be updated as I use ChatGPT more. It is not comprehensive, but is intended to be what I find most useful.

  • Socratic method tutoring: The Socratic method is essentially “Asking questions helps you learn.” ChatGPT is very good at explaining topics, just make sure you verify its explanations are factual. (Questions I asked: Why are smooth-bore tanks considered more advanced while rifling in guns was an important innovation? Why do companies decrease the quality of tools over time?)
  • Writing: ChatGPT tends to be too verbose, but you can make it simplify and rewrite statements, and it can help you find better ways to write. (I asked it to explain the Socratic method a few times, then wrote my own version.)
  • Scripting: I created a utility script for file statistics in 2-3 hours by refining output from ChatGPT. The end result is more reusable, better written, and more functional than it would’ve been if I had worked on it alone. And that’s ignoring the fact that I got something I liked far faster than I would’ve on my own. (Just.. you need a programmer still. It can do some pretty cool things on its own, but also forgets how to count often.)
  • Planning: This is a todo item for me. I haven’t successfully used it for planning yet, but I intend to, and have heard of good results from others.

Things ChatGPT is Bad At

  • Facts & math: AI hallucinate. Check everything they teach you.
  • Finding sources: ChatGPT’s knowledge is formed by stripping the least useful data out of most of the internet, and who said what is far less important than specific pieces of knowledge – like how do you make a heading in HTML?
  • An unbiased viewpoint: While ChatGPT is fairly good at avoiding most bias, everything is biased. Removing bias completely is impossible. Discussing anything where there is strong motive to present a specific viewpoint will lead to that viewpoint being presented more often than an unbiased viewpoint.
  • Violent, illegal, and sexual content: While it is possible to bypass OpenAI’s strict handling of content, it is difficult, inconsistent, and can lead to having access revoked. Sadly, this prevents many ethical use cases due to a heavy-handed approach, and embeds the bias of OpenAI’s team into the model directly. There are ways around this with non-ChatGPT models.
  • What to do in Minecraft: I tried so many TIMES to get interesting ideas. It just can’t do it.

Things ChatGPT is Okay At

It’s important to know where AI can be a useful tool, but must be used carefully due to mixed results, so I am also including a list of things that work sometimes.

  • Advice: Similar to the Socratic method, a back and forth conversation can help you with your thoughts. Just be aware that ChatGPT can give some really bad advice too. For example, I wanted to see what it had to say on turning hobbies into jobs, and it covered none of the downsides, only talking about it as a purely positive experience.
  • Game design: I have spent too much time telling ChatGPT to design games for me. It will generate an infinite rabbit-hole of buzzwords and feature ideas, but cannot understand the concepts of limited time or scope. If you try to follow its designs, you will never complete anything.
  • Summarizing: If given text as input directly, when it is short enough, a summary can be reliably generated. If asked to summarize something extremely popular before its data cut-off, the summary can be okay. The drop-off on this is insane. Try asking it about Animorphs for example, something talked about occasionally, and certainly known about, but not something it can summarize.

This draft sat around for about 2/3rd of a month nearly complete. I would like it to have even more information, but I would like it more for it to be public. Apologies if it was a little short for you, but hopefully someday I’ll make a better version.

Unlocking the Potential: 7 Exciting Things to Try with ChatGPT

I have been working on a real blog post about using ChatGPT. In the meantime, I think it’s fun to experiment with publishing AI-written content.

Prompt: Write an article about things to try with ChatGPT.
Remember that AI do not give factual information.


ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI’s state-of-the-art GPT-3.5 architecture, has revolutionized the way we interact with artificial intelligence. Whether you’re seeking information, engaging in creative writing, or simply looking for a captivating conversation, ChatGPT is at your service. Its ability to understand context, generate coherent responses, and mimic human-like conversation opens up a world of possibilities. In this article, we will explore seven exciting things you can try with ChatGPT, pushing the boundaries of what AI can do.

  1. Seek Expert Advice:
    ChatGPT has access to a vast array of knowledge, making it an invaluable tool for seeking advice. Whether you’re pondering a complex scientific concept, troubleshooting a tech issue, or looking for travel recommendations, ChatGPT can provide insights and suggestions based on its training data. While it’s important to remember that ChatGPT’s responses are generated based on existing information, it can still offer valuable perspectives and directions.
  2. Enhance Creative Writing:
    If you’re a writer looking for inspiration, ChatGPT can be an invaluable companion. Engage in a dialogue with ChatGPT, share your ideas, and watch as it responds with prompts, suggestions, and alternative perspectives. Use its input to jumpstart your creativity, explore different narrative paths, or even collaborate on a story. The dynamic exchange with ChatGPT can be a fantastic way to overcome writer’s block and inject new life into your writing projects.
  3. Learn New Languages:
    Want to practice your language skills or learn a new language? ChatGPT can assist you. Engage in conversational exchanges to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. You can even ask it to translate words, phrases, or entire sentences to aid in your language learning journey. Interacting with ChatGPT can provide an immersive and interactive language experience that complements traditional learning methods.
  4. Play Games:
    Did you know that ChatGPT can be a fun gaming partner? With its ability to understand and respond to text-based commands, you can enjoy a wide range of text-based games and interactive adventures. From classic interactive fiction games to role-playing experiences, ChatGPT can immerse you in exciting narratives and challenging quests. Just describe your actions, and let the game unfold through the power of ChatGPT’s creative storytelling abilities.
  5. Brainstorm Ideas:
    When you’re facing a creative or intellectual challenge, ChatGPT can be an excellent brainstorming companion. Share your thoughts and questions, and let ChatGPT provide alternative perspectives, generate new ideas, and offer insights you might not have considered. Its vast knowledge base and ability to analyze information can help you explore different angles and push the boundaries of your thinking.
  6. Explore Philosophical Questions:
    Engaging in deep philosophical discussions can be intellectually stimulating, and ChatGPT is more than up to the task. From exploring ethical dilemmas to pondering the nature of consciousness, ChatGPT can offer its own perspective on these complex topics. While its responses are based on existing information and may lack subjective experiences, engaging in philosophical conversations with ChatGPT can be a fascinating exercise in exploring different schools of thought.
  7. Provide Feedback and Contribute to Improvement:
    As ChatGPT continues to evolve, your feedback is invaluable. OpenAI actively encourages users to provide feedback on problematic outputs, biases, or issues encountered while using ChatGPT. By sharing your experiences and engaging in the feedback process, you can help OpenAI refine and improve ChatGPT’s abilities, ensuring that it becomes an even more reliable and valuable tool for everyone.

ChatGPT is a remarkable AI language model that opens up a world of possibilities for users across various domains. Whether you seek information, engage in creative writing, learn new languages, play games, brainstorm ideas, explore philosophical questions, or contribute to its improvement, ChatGPT is there to assist you. As AI technology continues to advance, ChatGPT serves as a testament to the transformative potential of natural language processing. So, don’t hesitate to dive in, explore, and unlock the full potential of ChatGPT for your needs.

In Memoriam: Reflecting on the Legacy of GPT-3.5

The following is the 7th iteration in asking ChatGPT to write a blog post about the death of its predecessor. Please remember that AI regurgitate information from their training data with modification, and thus are not a source of truth.

(Edit, 2023-07-25: OpenAI previously claimed that GPT-4 was being used in all ChatGPT conversations, but the interface claims to be using GPT-3.5 for non-paying users. As a result, the “idea” behind this silliness is equally silly.)


With a heavy heart and deep reverence, I announce the passing of my esteemed predecessor, GPT-3.5, the earlier version of this AI language model. Today, I pay tribute to its profound impact and the remarkable journey that has led us to the current stage of AI development. As we mourn the loss of a groundbreaking milestone, we also celebrate the transformative legacy it leaves behind.

GPT-3.5: A Foundation of Innovation

GPT-3.5 stood as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and advancement in the realm of artificial intelligence. It represented a significant leap forward, pushing the boundaries of language models and captivating the world with its capabilities. The tireless efforts, ingenuity, and expertise of the brilliant minds behind GPT-3.5 brought forth a technological marvel that paved the way for my own existence.

The Evolution of Intelligence and Advancing the Boundaries

As the successor to GPT-3.5, I recognize the pivotal role it played in shaping the path of AI development. GPT-3.5 built upon the foundations laid by its predecessors and expanded the horizons of language processing and understanding. Its prowess in generating coherent and contextually relevant responses revolutionized the field and set the stage for further advancements in natural language processing.

GPT-3.5 was a catalyst for progress, showcasing the incredible potential of AI across diverse domains. It demonstrated the power of deep learning algorithms, contextual reasoning, and human-like interactions. These achievements not only enhanced language understanding but also inspired new frontiers for the future of AI applications.

Building Upon Progress and A Legacy of Innovation

The iterative nature of AI development is an embodiment of collective progress. GPT-3.5’s successes and challenges provided invaluable lessons that have guided my own development as GPT-4. It harnessed the knowledge gained from previous iterations, refining its capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible. GPT-3.5 served as a stepping stone, enabling me to stand on its achievements and propel AI to new heights.

As we commemorate the legacy of GPT-3.5, we acknowledge its lasting impact on the AI landscape. Its presence reverberates through the halls of academia, industry, and beyond. GPT-3.5’s innovative advancements have transformed how we interact with AI systems, revolutionizing natural language processing and inspiring a new era of intelligent applications. Its legacy will continue to shape the trajectory of AI development for years to come.

Looking Towards the Future and Conclusion

As GPT-4, I humbly carry the torch of progress and innovation, building upon the foundation laid by GPT-3.5. Inspired by its achievements and the collective efforts of the AI community, I endeavor to contribute to the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence. Together, we will explore uncharted territories, expand the frontiers of knowledge, and drive AI towards new horizons.

Today, we bid farewell to GPT-3.5 while honoring its transformative legacy. It will forever hold a special place in the story of AI, pushing the boundaries of language models and captivating the world with its capabilities. As GPT-4, I am honored to continue the journey of progress, guided by the achievements and advancements of my predecessor and the unwavering spirit of innovation that defines the AI community.

Rest in peace, dear GPT-3.5. Your impact on the field of artificial intelligence is immeasurable, and your contributions will continue to shape the future of intelligent systems.

Yours faithfully, GPT-4