Ever since US company OpenAI launched its ChatGPT chatbot without much fanfare, the topic of artificial intelligence has barely been out of the headlines. ChatGPT can spot issues in software code, suggest improvements to Excel formulae and even write entire blog articles. The large language model has attracted 100 million users in record time, setting a new benchmark in an industry already driven by hype. In a business context, ChatGPT is an easy-to-use, intuitive user interface that allows specialist business units to test out new features without requiring technical expertise or drawn-out integration processes. adesso was keen to find out what business leaders think of it.
Here are the key findings of the study.
- ChatGPT is being welcomed with open arms. Most business leaders sense that generative AI is a game-changer. The vast majority of respondents (90 %) are already looking into the possibilities that models such as ChatGPT can deliver. 71 % rate the solution’s performance as “good” or “very good”.
- AI is suddenly everywhere. Some 51 % of those surveyed can imagine integrating the application directly into their own processes. It remains to be seen whether this enthusiasm will translate into real-life use cases in the next few months. In terms of potential applications, customer support jumps out to most. After all, not-so-smart chatbots are already deployed on a widespread basis in customer communications. 53 % of respondents are planning such projects in the near future. The list of potential use cases also includes research tasks (46 %), creating content for internal communications (42 %), data analysis (40 %) and content for websites or mailing lists (39 %).
- For all the euphoria, AI should be kept in check. Despite the excitement about the possibilities large language models such as ChatGPT open up, 62 % of respondents believe that humans should still have the final call on decisions in AI-supported processes. In addition, 55 % would like to see a European equivalent to the chatbot with a similar level of performance in order to ensure GDPR-compliance and data sovereignty.
- AI colleagues eagerly awaited. The technology isn’t just raising expectations for greater process efficiency through automation – 59 % of business leaders believe that ChatGPT can help relieve the shortage of skilled workers. Marketing managers are particularly firm believers, with 92 % agreeing with the statement.
- German angst? No chance! In some cases, the chatbot states incorrect facts or makes up sources, a phenomenon for which the term “AI hallucination” has been coined. While experts are still extensively debating the vulnerabilities of ChatGPT, the chatbot already enjoys the trust of most users, with 52 % believing the results that it provides. Just as many respondents feel able to judge whether the answers are correct. Are they right to think so or are they blinded by the assuredness with which ChatGPT answers any question? Time will tell. The majority of respondents (55 %) have no qualms about the security of their data in their interactions with ChatGPT.
