Lesson 1: Introduction to ChatGPT: AI for Content Creation

Welcome to the first lesson of our course! Today we will dive into the world of ChatGPT, learn what this tool is, how it works, and what opportunities it opens up for us. Our goal for this lesson is to understand the basics of ChatGPT and learn where and how to use it.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI, capable of generating text based on input from users or queries. This model is based on the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) architecture, which has been trained on a large volume of data from the internet and is able to create new, unique texts by mimicking the style and tone of a given sample.

The artificial intelligence ChatGPT has undergone several iterations and versions, starting from GPT-1 and up to GPT-4. With each new version, the model becomes more powerful and intelligent, thanks to an increased number of parameters and training data.

Interesting fact: during the training of the GPT-3 model, about 570 GB of textual data was used! That's about as much text as in 150,000 medium-sized books. This is precisely why the model is capable of generating responses to such a wide variety of requests. And imagine how much was used for the 4th version!

GPT-4 has significantly more parameters compared to GPT-3.5. This makes GPT-4 more powerful and capable of generating more precise and diverse responses. Moreover, GPT-4 can work with more complex language structures and contexts.

Moreover, GPT-3 became popular and was widely used in many applications and services thanks to its ability to create texts that seem natural and convincing. GPT-4, the latest version to date, represents an even more powerful tool capable of improving and speeding up many processes in the areas of text writing, education, research, and development.

The difference between ChatGPT and Google

ChatGPT and Google are two different tools, and although both are designed to work with information, their approaches and capabilities are significantly different.

Google is a search engine that indexes millions of web pages and offers you the most suitable and relevant links to queries. Unlike Google, ChatGPT does not search for information on the internet—it generates responses to your questions based on an extensive dataset on which it was trained.

The main difference here is that ChatGPT can create new, unique information in response to a query, while Google simply offers existing information. This makes ChatGPT particularly useful for creative and innovative tasks such as writing texts, poetry, stories, generating ideas, etc.

But it's important to remember that ChatGPT can sometimes make up information, as it doesn't have access to real-time data or current information on the internet. It operates based on the data it was trained on, and these data are limited by time and the training set.

For example, if you enter the Google query "10 restaurants in SPB that serve borscht, sushi, and pizza," you'll get several links in response, each of which won't provide a direct answer to the question, and we must compile information from different links:

If you ask ChatGPT to name restaurants in Saint Petersburg where borscht, sushi, and pizza are served, it will generate a structured response, but this answer won't be based on current or verified data, and will be founded on the model's general knowledge of what restaurants, borscht, sushi, and pizza are:

Consequently, it is always important to verify information, especially when it is critical. Sometimes you may need to use Google and ChatGPT together in order to get both current information and a creative processing of that information.

ChatGPT's capabilities

ChatGPT includes unique functional features that make it one of the most powerful and flexible tools for text generation. Here are some of them:

• Text Generation: ChatGPT can generate lengthy and coherent texts based on the data it was trained on. It is capable of writing articles, blogs, stories, poetry, and even technical documents with a certain degree of accuracy.

• Iterative Refinement: This ability of ChatGPT allows the user to refine or deepen the responses returned by the model. This can be especially useful when searching for more detailed information or when trying to articulate complex ideas.

• Conversational Mode: ChatGPT is capable of conducting natural conversations, providing a more natural and human style of communication. This makes it an excellent tool for virtual assistants and chatbots.

• Instruction Application: ChatGPT can take instructions in the input prompt and follow them when generating a response. This allows users to control how the model will generate text and tailor it to their needs.

• Creativity Management: With parameters such as temperature and top_p, users can control the degree of creativity of the output text, from detailed and accurate responses to more free and creative ones.

Temperature

Temperature affects the likelihood of a random response: the higher the temperature, the greater the likelihood of getting a creative response. Conversely, at a low temperature, the response will be more accurate and predictable. It varies between 0 and 2, with a default value of 0.7.

Top_p - this is one of the settings, a sort of filter, that controls the variety of different words or phrases that the language model considers when trying to predict the next word.

In the context of temperature, it is better not to change these two parameters simultaneously or the result will be confusing.

• Contradictory Instructions: ChatGPT can process contradictory instructions and generate an adequate text based on this. This provides flexibility in communication and the ability to take into account different points of view.

How ChatGPT Can Assist in Self-Education

The modern era of digitalization and information accessibility opens up many opportunities for self-education. ChatGPT offers unique tools to improve and facilitate the learning process.

• Clarification of Complex Concepts: ChatGPT can be used to explain complex topics and concepts in an accessible form. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to explain the workings of quantum computers or Einstein's theory of relativity to you.

• Assistance with Assignments: ChatGPT can help with completing educational assignments by providing ideas, hints, and directions for further research. For instance, if you need to write an essay on a certain topic, ChatGPT could suggest a structure, arguments, and even some useful resources to start your work.

• Foreign Language Practice: ChatGPT can be used for practicing foreign languages. You can have conversations in any language supported by the model, receiving instant feedback and corrections from AI.

• Exam Preparation: ChatGPT can aid in exam preparation by reviewing exam topics and suggesting a study plan or practice questions.

• Developing Creative Skills: Thanks to its ability to generate original content, ChatGPT can be a great tool for developing creative skills. For example, you could use it to train writing skills, create scripts, or even write songs.

The Use of ChatGPT in Various Fields

ChatGPT is not only applicable in the context of self-education, but also in many other fields. As it has been trained on an immense dataset, ChatGPT is an expert in numerous areas.

• Education and scientific research: ChatGPT can become an indispensable assistant for students and researchers, helping to clarify complex concepts, assist with homework, suggest structures for essays, and even be useful in writing a research paper.

• Creativity: There is a vast field for activity here. The use of ChatGPT in the field of art and creativity is limited only by your imagination. With its help, you can create stories, scripts, poetry, songs, ideas for artworks, and much more.

• Business: In business, ChatGPT can help with the creation of marketing content, generating product ideas, writing reports, analyzing data, and even automating customer service.

• Entertainment: ChatGPT can be used to create game scripts, dialogues for video games, texts for quests, and even interactive narratives.

• Technology: In the field of technology, ChatGPT can assist with writing code, documenting projects, and offering solutions for technical problems and bugs.

• Health and well-being: ChatGPT can be used as a tool for stress reduction and wellbeing improvement, offering relaxation techniques, meditations, and much more.

We're only beginning our journey into the world of ChatGPT and have already discovered a vast array of possibilities! This versatile tool is capable of assisting you in a variety of fields, and we hope that with each new lesson, you will become increasingly proficient in its capabilities. Continue to experiment, look for new ways to use ChatGPT, and don't be afraid to try something new. We are confident that it will be an exciting journey, and we look forward to meeting you in the next lesson!