ChatGPT loses millions of users

WASHINGTON: ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, has seen a decline in its user base for the first time since its launch in November last year.

According to various media outlets, this trend could indicate a slowdown in the AI boom that has attracted many tech companies and consumers.

Based on data from Similarweb and Sensor Tower, the Washington Post reported that the number of people visiting ChatGPT’s website and downloading its app fell 9.7 per cent in June 2023.

The Post suggested that this could be a sign that consumer interest in AI chatbots and image-generators may be beginning to wane, as tech companies invest heavily in AI product development.

The Daily Star reported that ChatGPT faced user decline after OpenAI censored harmful responses from the chatbot, following user backlash and regulatory pressure.

The report cited a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed that ChatGPT generated abusive and sexist messages when she used it.

The report also mentioned that some companies, such as Apple and Samsung, have restricted their employees’ use of AI chatbots due to concerns about data breaches.

OnMSFT reported that ChatGPT experienced a decrease of approximately 10 per cent in its user base since its inception in November.

The report stated that the underlying cause of the decline could be the end of the school year, as college students may have used ChatGPT for academic purposes such as writing papers. The report also noted that ChatGPT may have benefited from its novelty, which may now be wearing off.

GizmoChina reported that ChatGPT’s traffic dropped 10 per cent for the first time since launch, as the international gold price fell to $1,795 per ounce.

The report claimed that ChatGPT’s popularity was linked to the gold price, as many users used it to generate information on gold trends and investments.

The report also speculated that ChatGPT may have faced competition from other AI chatbots, such as Google Bard and Character.AI.