OpenAI Halts Promotional App Suggestions Amid User Backlash
OpenAI’s chief research officer, Mark Chen, has acknowledged the company’s shortcomings regarding promotional messages in ChatGPT, emphasizing that user experience is a top priority. Despite assertions that there are no active ads or advertising tests within the platform, numerous paid subscribers have expressed frustration over promotions for brands such as Peloton and Target infiltrating their interactions.
In response to these complaints, OpenAI clarified that it was conducting tests to showcase apps developed on its ChatGPT platform, which was introduced last October. Chen reiterated that these suggestions do not involve any financial aspects. However, some users have remained skeptical, with one posting, “Bruhhh… Don’t insult your paying users” after encountering ads while using the service.
Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, attempted to alleviate confusion by stating via social media that there are presently no live ad tests. He assured users that any future advertising initiatives would be approached thoughtfully to maintain user trust.
Acknowledging that the recent promotional messages were poorly received, Chen stated, “I agree that anything that feels like an ad needs to be handled with care, and we fell short.” Consequently, OpenAI has disabled these suggestions while refining the model’s accuracy. Furthermore, the company is seeking to implement controls that allow users to minimize or disable such suggestions if they are deemed unhelpful.
Earlier this year, Fidji Simo, former executive at Instacart and Facebook, joined OpenAI as CEO of Applications, with expectations to expand the company’s advertising efforts. However, a recent memo from CEO Sam Altman indicated a shift in priorities, urging a focus on enhancing ChatGPT’s overall quality and delaying other projects, including advertising initiatives.
