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OpenAI expands ChatGPT ads with Sponsored Agents

159 points · 181 comments · vertigoruntime

  1. MisterMunchkin · · focus · HN ↗
    The problem with ads in AI, is that they're incredibly creepy. People have told the apps all kinds of sensitive information that they never would have told a normal service. Obviously the advertisers are creaming themselves at that, but it's a new level of creeping.

    It also allows them to subtly influence the messaging. It would be like if somebody tried to not bring out the Heinz at a family gathering. It just wouldn't be the same, because of the subtle messaging that has been inserted into the content. How could you trust them?

    1. ambicapter · · focus · HN ↗
      I think the level of invasiveness is probably closer to existing ads than you think. Not that that's a good thing, mind you, I think your disgust level here is probably pretty accurate to the level of personalized data that is currently being hawked by data brokers all over the internet.
    2. lynx97 · · focus · HN ↗
      Whats creepy to me is people telling all sorts of sensitive information to a chatbot and NOT expecting weird consequences. The level of cope is massive.
      1. nickyvdicarlo · · focus · HN ↗
        Yeah, I'm sure people do it, but I'm having a hard time picturing why...
    3. theptip · · focus · HN ↗
      I agree with the general point on AI ads being a slippery slope and potentially creepy (though ChayGPT shows them as banners and if implemented honestly I don’t see anything misleading).

      TFA is connecting you with an official sales rep after you click an ad. Maybe best to consider this a play to take over market share from the existing sales bots? (And thence likely support chatbots too.)

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