This week, I logged into ChatGPT to continue testing its plugins feature and noticed a new addition in the beta section: Browse with Bing. Naturally, I was excited to try it out and see its capabilities. However, while I was impressed by its power, I also found its potential uses somewhat unsettling.
What is Browse with Bing?
Browse with Bing is ChatGPT’s answer to Google Bard. Until now, Google Bard had the advantage of using current search data, while ChatGPT was limited to information from 2021. This left ChatGPT lacking knowledge about recent events and developments.
Previously, this limitation meant ChatGPT couldn’t provide up-to-date answers, often resulting in outdated or inaccurate information. For instance, it might still consider Tiger King a cultural phenomenon. However, with the integration of Bing, ChatGPT can now access current data, putting it on par with Google Bard. This enhancement initially rolls out to ChatGPT Plus users and will soon be available to all users.
How Does It Work?
Upon activation, one noticeable feature is that ChatGPT doesn’t just perform a single search. Instead, it conducts multiple searches until it finds the answer. You can observe its search process by clicking on the button above the response, revealing the various steps it takes to reach the final answer.
For example, when searching for news, ChatGPT tends to favor US-based outlets like the BBC and Aljazeera but might overlook others like the Times of India or Deutsche Welle. This selective searching can lead to some gaps in the information provided.
Credible References and Prompt Engineering
A significant improvement is that ChatGPT now provides credible references for its answers. Previously, it might have fabricated sources, but now it cross-references information, even apologizing if it cannot verify something. This raises questions about how it determines a source’s credibility and what algorithms it uses to simulate critical thinking.
Despite these improvements, ChatGPT sometimes struggles with search efficiency. For instance, it might take longer to find certain information or fail to find it altogether. This delay can be frustrating, especially when a quick Google search would suffice.
The Creep Factor
A slightly unsettling aspect of this new feature is its potential for egosurfing—searching for information about oneself. When I tested it, ChatGPT found some correct details but missed others, like my social media presence. It felt eerily like someone gathering information for nefarious purposes, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in AI use.
This feature represents early days in AI’s evolution, and how society responds to it will be crucial.
How to Activate Browse with Bing
To try out the Browse with Bing feature, follow these steps:
- Click on your profile name in the bottom-right corner (next to the …).
- Click on Settings.
- Click on Beta features.
- Check the box next to “Browse with Bing.”
- Open a new chat.
- Click GPT-4 at the top-center of the screen.
- Select “Browse with Bing [Beta].”
You’re all set! Make a query and explore this new feature.