Understanding the Magic and Limitations of ChatGPT
Engaging with an artificial intelligence like ChatGPT can feel like a magical and revolutionary experience. The technology behind it swiftly responds, comprehends complex contexts, and even generates entire texts. However, many users overlook the fact that AI lacks consciousness, feelings, or personal opinions.
WeLiveSecurity, a cybersecurity software company owned by ESET, warns about certain types of information that should not be included in queries to ChatGPT to ensure digital safety and responsible use.
Sensitive Information to Avoid in ChatGPT Queries
In the realm of cybersecurity, the rule is clear: never share personal details, financial data, passwords, or any sensitive information during conversations with an AI. Despite appearing as a private interaction, AI platforms are not encrypted or secure environments for sharing sensitive data.
If a cybercriminal gains access to your ChatGPT account, they will have access to all the information you’ve shared with the tool, including sensitive data entered during conversations.
1. Questions Related to Confidential or Sensitive Information
- Never share: Personal data, banking information, passwords, or any sensitive details in conversations with AI.
- Reason: AI platforms are not secure environments for sensitive data sharing.
2. Questions Related to Confidential or Company-Owned Information
- Employees should be cautious: Never share confidential corporate data, financial reports, business strategies, client information, or confidential projects with AI platforms.
- Reason: AI may not automatically differentiate between public and private data, posing a significant risk to corporate information security and integrity.
3. Questions Expecting Definitive Medical, Legal, or Financial Advice
- AI is not a substitute: While AI can clarify concepts and provide reliable information, it does not replace qualified professionals.
- Reason: Relying solely on AI responses for medical diagnoses, legal advice, or investment decisions can lead to misinterpretations, as AI lacks the full context of your situation.
4. Questions Requiring Human Opinions, Preferences, or Emotions
- AI lacks genuine feelings: Although AI uses natural and friendly language, it doesn’t possess consciousness, emotions, or real opinions.
- Reason: AI responses are based on linguistic algorithms and data patterns, not genuine emotions or personal judgment.
5. Questions About Important Personal Decisions
- AI’s role is limited: While AI can help organize ideas and provide objective information, it should not be the sole basis for fundamental life decisions.
- Reason: Decisions like career changes, mental health issues, or family matters require deeper analysis considering not just data and logic but also emotional and subjective aspects.
Responsible AI Use
When interacting with tools like ChatGPT, prioritize digital safety and responsible use. Understanding which questions not to ask an AI helps preserve privacy, ensure information accuracy, and protect sensitive data.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Can I share sensitive personal information with ChatGPT? A: No. Never share personal data, banking details, or passwords with AI platforms as they are not secure environments for such information.
- Q: Is it safe to discuss confidential company data with AI? A: No. Employees must avoid sharing confidential corporate data, financial reports, business strategies, client information, or confidential projects with AI.
- Q: Can I rely on ChatGPT for medical, legal, or financial advice? A: No. AI can provide general information but should not replace professional advice in these critical areas.
- Q: Can AI understand and respond to human emotions? A: No. AI lacks genuine feelings, emotions, or opinions; its responses are based on algorithms and data patterns.
- Q: Should I base important personal decisions on AI’s advice? A: No. While AI can provide information and help organize ideas, it should not be the sole basis for fundamental life decisions.
