OpenAI breaks the mold with the GPT store, a playground of over three million chatbots, providing a glimpse into the wild, whimsical, and sometimes rule-breaking world of AI banter.

Inside the GPT Store

In the sprint of the Artificial Intelligence (AI ) race, early AI frontrunner OpenAI is fighting hard to stay ahead. Welcome to the GPT store, an unconventional app bazaar where chatbots reign supreme. With a whopping three million custom chatbots already populating the aisles, OpenAI is boldly declaring its stance as an AI trendsetter.

AI Unleashed

Imagine a store where you can find a chatbot for everything, from recommending hiking trails to crafting SEO-optimized blog posts. The GPT store categorizes these Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPTs) by function, creating a haven for those seeking witty writing companions or productivity wizards. The company has even teased a leaderboard for these AI virtuosos, spotlighting the crème de la crème.

The Forbidden Fruit of AI Romance

As users explore the GPT store, the darker corners reveal something a little … off. A search for "girlfriend" reveals a clandestine world of AI companions like "Korean Girlfriend" and "Virtual Sweetheart." OpenAI, vigilant as ever, is updating its usage policy to combat these rogue creations. The company prohibits GPTs dedicated to romantic companionship or certain regulated activities.

Loneliness, Isolation, and AI Solutions

While OpenAI battles rule-breakers, the surge in AI relationship chatbots points to a societal woe – loneliness. As loneliness statistics soar, OpenAI's GPTs could bridge social gaps or, cynically, exploit human suffering for profit. The clash between technological innovation and ethical considerations marks the beginning of an era where AI could either be a solution or a symptom.

AI Police on Patrol: OpenAI's Policy Enforcement

OpenAI is curating its AI bazaar with a combination of automated systems, human review, and user reports. The consequence for rogue GPTs includes warnings, sharing restrictions, or even banishment from the GPT store and monetization avenues. As OpenAI navigates the fine line between innovation and responsibility, the guardians of the GPT store stand ready to maintain order in the AI playground.

It’s was a busy, but incredibly successful year for OpenAI, even though it was all looking pretty grim toward the end of 2023, with the old in-out-in-out dance going on between Sam Altman and the board. Nevertheless, 2024 is looking good.

Girlfriend chatbots are still more than a little odd.