With the quick adoption of AI, it’s no surprise that it’s swiftly making its way into the workplace. ChatGPT is an AI tool making major transformations for employers and employees alike. This AI-powered chatbot, which uses natural language processing, can be the missing piece for companies wanting efficient workflow.
In addition to answering basic questions, ChatGPT can generate images and videos, draft emails, give specific instructions for various tasks, hold a conversation, explain code in programming languages, and more. So, what can we expect the future to look like with this new innovative tool that seems too good to be true?
Cisco delivers software-defined networking and security solutions to various businesses with a mission to realize AI’s significance while following standards for transparency, fairness, and accountability. Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s executive vice president and general manager of security and collaboration, provided a first-hand look into how ChatGPT will change the modern-day workplace as we know it and reshape how we move forward.
The Benefits of ChatGPT
“AI is transforming the way we connect, collaborate, and work, and though we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of all that’s possible with AI, recent advancements in LLM (large language models) are allowing technology to better understand human intent and respond in more human ways,” Patel said. “This means that we will see increased AI integration in the workplace as the technology can improve employee productivity and efficiency by assisting with tasks that previously required human involvement.”
ChatGPT comes with lots of benefits. After reviewing its capabilities, it’s not hard to imagine how this human-like tool can make life easier and quicker. In addition to increasing efficiency, ChatGPT can improve the quality of work (especially in a digital setting) with its SEO optimization tools and ability to create new content with accurate grammar.
It’s essential to note the positive adaptability that ChatGPT offers users at every level. Whether it’s a major corporation with thousands or a small business just starting, the AI tool can provide stellar customer service and increase productivity.
The Drawbacks of ChatGPT
There are challenges the AI tool might bring to the table. For example, ChatGPT can reduce the need for creativity. Plus, it’s possible to overuse the tool in a work environment, which decreases collaboration and damages employee relationships.
By referencing solely existing data, ChatGPT can’t create fresh new ideas that a human can. The AI tool can’t apply real-world events happening now or think of new ideas based on personal life experiences, which is the intrinsic way humans can connect with their work.
Patel warned that ChatGPT should be used with the right amount of caution: “Despite the tremendous positive impact of AI, it’s more critical than ever that the industry ensures responsible and ethical use cases and guidelines are implemented. Because AI can automatically generate insights that influence critical decisions and actions, it’s imperative to implement clear governance over how we develop, deploy, and operate AI-based solutions.”
With a lack of creativity and contextual awareness, ChatGPT also has the potential to generate content that contains harmful prejudices or biases. Because the AI tool is referencing only the data it’s given access to, it may unintentionally create content based on someone else’s opinions, not facts. If this is an issue, a business can also begin to deal with unnatural tones of voice that can rip away a specific reputation or persona it was aiming for with its consumers.
ChatGPT has some security risks as well. While it can be a transformative step for businesses, it’s essential to recognize the impact of new tech. “If not careful, AI integration can expose company vulnerabilities and yield sophisticated cyber-attacks,” Patel said.
With this language-based AI, ChatGPT opens up many opportunities for hackers to use the tool for phishing scams. In these instances, cybersecurity threats can be much more prevalent since hackers who use AI tools to impersonate others can access valuable information that threatens the company’s and its consumer’s privacy.
Patel urged caution, for the integration of AI can “expose company vulnerabilities and yield sophisticated cyber-attacks.” The tool can do more harm than good without ensuring data privacy and safeguarding information with proper training.
ChatGPT in the Future
ChatGPT is likely to have an innate role in the future of the workplace. The widespread adoption in recent months has businesses seeing the power of this new AI tool and testing the waters for how they want to use it and where they’re drawing the lines with ethical usage.
Patel explained how ChatGPT will embrace the evolving tech world and use modern devices: “In the office, AI can be leveraged for modern video devices that are purpose-built for each workspace and that do things like focus in on individuals in the room, capture the best angle of participants at any moment, or give every participant their frame. This provides a level of inclusivity that ensures everyone in a meeting — no matter where they are joining from — can be seen and heard.”
To see ChatGPT used in the future, it’s important now more than ever to use it in the right way and at the right times. If not, this AI tool might quickly create ethical issues in the workplace and spoil the opportunities it offers for industries and companies of all sizes and locations.
“As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it’ll be paramount for organizations to provide employees with education and training on ways to effectively utilize AI tools,” Patel said. “This means that employees must be equipped with an understanding of how to properly employ this technology and be prepared to navigate known risks like the spread of potentially fabricated information and potential scams.”
