ChatGPT and Generative AI: Home

This guide focuses primarily on ChatGPT. However, check out the links below for more information on other generative AI tools.

ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI and trained on a large dataset of conversational data. It can generate human-like text in response to prompts, and can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including language translation, text summarization, brainstorming, and more.

GPT-4 is the most recently released version, with GPT-5 expected to be released in early 2024. Watch this video from OpenAI introducing the unique features of GPT-4, which is currently only available via the paid subscription ChatGPT Plus.

How does it work?

ChatGPT operates on a deep learning neural network--an algorithm modeled after the human brain and leveraging a massive dataset of human writing from 2021 and earlier. This dataset allows ChatGPT to learn patterns and relationships in the text data, and generate human-like responses by predicting what text should come next in any given sentence.

AP Stylebook AI Entries

In August 2023, the AP Stylebook was updated with a new chapter on AI. See highlights and definitions below:

• Generative AI: A term for AI systems capable of creating text, images, video, audio, code and other media in response to queries. Humans can interact with generative AI models in a seemingly natural way but the models aren't reliably capable of distinguishing between facts and falsehoods or fantasy. Generative AI systems often are powered by large language models. They sometimes generate inaccurate or fabricated responses to queries, an effect AI scientists call hallucination.
• Artificial general intelligence: An emerging branch of artificial intelligence that aims to build AI systems that can perform just as well as--or even better than--humans in a wide variety of tasks, including reasoning, planning and the ability to learn from experience.
• Algorithmic bias/AI bias: Decisions guided by AI tools that replicate and amplify human biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes that can systematically impact specific groups of people.
• Large language models: AI systems that use advanced statistics to uncover patterns in vast troves of written texts that they can apply to generate responses. These models work based on the probability that certain words and phrases appear together, and their level of sophistication and accuracy can vary across human languages.

ChatGPT account levels

OpenAI offers both free and paid accounts. Free ChatGPT accounts allow you to access ChatGPT-3.5 as long as it's not a time of high demand (if too many users are attempting to access it at the same time, the server can't handle the number of requests).

ChatGPT Plus is available for $20/month and allows access to the tool even during peak usage times, as well as a slightly faster response time and priority access to new and advanced features (ChatGPT-4). However, even with chatGPT Plus, there is a limit on the number of messages you can send to the AI per hour. The general cap is 25 messages every three hours, although that restriction varies based on peak usage times. Some features exclusive to ChatGPT-4 include:

• Able to process image prompts
• Can engage in longer conversations
• "More reliable and creative," according to OpenAI
• Capable of passing the bar exam and scoring a 5 on several AP exams

There is currently no group or institutional account category for ChatGPT. Each account is designed to be used by a single user only. If you use ChatGPT in a class, it is recommended that you ask every student to create their own account rather than creating a class account.

How to create an account

1. Visit chat.openai.com and click "sign up."

2. Register for a free account with an email address, or a Google or Microsoft account.

3. Set your password (it needs to be at least eight characters long).

4. Confirm your email address by clicking the link in the email OpenAI sends to you.

5. Input your first and last name and date of birth.

6. Confirm your phone number by entering a six-digit code OpenAI will text to you.

7. Accept terms and conditions.

8. Start writing!