When AI is too verbose, full of repetition and says sorry for being an AI…
Dear readers, I was triggered to write this post because ChatGPT apologies way too much, takes too long to get into the meat of an answer, and I wanted to fix that. This came up because like many of you, I’ve been trying to incorporate ChatGPT into my workflows — both at my job, and […]
When AI is too verbose, full of repetition, and says sorry for being an AI
In recent months, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into everyday workflows has become increasingly popular. Many people, including myself, have been eager to adopt these technologies to streamline tasks and enhance productivity. However, as I delved deeper into using ChatGPT, I noticed a recurring issue: its responses were often overly verbose, repetitive, and filled with apologies for being an AI. This triggered me to write this post, as I wanted to address these concerns and explore ways to make ChatGPT more concise and helpful.
One of the primary frustrations with ChatGPT is its tendency to ramble. Instead of delivering a straightforward answer, it often takes a long time to get to the point. This can be particularly problematic when I'm looking for a quick solution or need to focus on a specific task. The constant apologies for being an AI only added to the verbosity, making it feel as though the AI was overly self-conscious about its limitations.
To tackle this issue, I decided to experiment with ChatGPT's custom instructions feature. This allows users to set specific guidelines for how the AI should respond. The process is straightforward: tap the three dots in the top right corner of the ChatGPT mobile app, select "Settings," and then choose "Custom Instructions." In the text box labeled "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?", I entered some custom instructions to address the verbosity and apologies.
After some research, I found a helpful example on Reddit that I wanted to share. The instructions suggested avoiding any mention of being an AI and eliminating phrases that could be interpreted as expressing remorse, apology, or regret. This included words like "sorry," "apologies," and "regret," even when used in a non-remorseful context. By implementing these guidelines, I hoped to make ChatGPT's responses more punchy and focused on the task at hand.
In addition to customizing ChatGPT's responses, I also explored integrating it into my Apple Watch as a Shortcut. This allowed me to access the AI's capabilities directly from my wrist, making it easier to quickly get answers or perform tasks on the go. While this integration was a useful addition, it also highlighted the high growth and high churn nature of many AI-driven utilities. As these tools evolve rapidly, it's essential for users to stay adaptable and continuously refine their workflows.
As we all navigate the learning curve of AI integration, it's important to remain open to feedback and adjustments. Custom instructions, like the ones I implemented, can significantly improve the user experience by making AI responses more tailored to individual needs. While ChatGPT's verbosity and apologies may have been a minor annoyance, they served as a valuable reminder of the potential for refinement and improvement in AI technology.
In conclusion, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into our daily lives presents both opportunities and challenges. By leveraging custom instructions and exploring new ways to incorporate these technologies, we can mitigate some of the initial frustrations and harness the full potential of AI to enhance productivity and efficiency. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for users to stay engaged and adaptable, ensuring that these tools remain a valuable asset rather than a hindrance.
