Coverage of ChatGPT, Google Bard and other artificial intelligence-based applications has been breathless of late. Since it launched in November 2022, ChatGPT has become the fastest growing app in history. According to the Pew Research Center, 58% of Americans have heard of it, even though only 14% have tried it. That offers the app a lot of opportunity for growth as more people begin to experiment.
A study by Morgan Stanley uncovered similar results. According to Insider, a survey by the financial firm found ChatGPT has been used by 19% of respondents, while just 9% have tried out Google’s competitor, Bard. Of those not using chatbots, the “overwhelming” majority said they’re unlikely to start in the next six months.
Still, “This is not really about fads but about learning and discovery,” said SAP SuccessFactors President Meg Bear. “Remember, we are in the early stages of capability, but it’s clear to everyone that this is pretty exciting.”
What Does ChatGPT Think?
It’s become obvious that many HR technology executives believe ChatGPT – or at least tools like it – are here to stay. “Without a doubt, generative AI will both disrupt and change business at every layer,” said Bear. “The key for HR systems and HR providers is to make sure they leverage the strengths of AI for real value creation.”
In an interview, ChatGPT itself said it can impact HCM technology in a number of ways: By improving the employee experience, enhancing recruitment and onboarding, supporting training and development, analyzing large volumes of HR-related data and streamlining HR processes. However, the app pointed out, “It’s important to note that while ChatGPT can bring numerous benefits to HR technology, human oversight and expertise remain crucial.”
Launched just eight months ago, ChatGPT already dominates the conversation about how both businesses and consumers will take advantage of AI. Technology companies, publishers, communications firms, soft drink makers and businesses in a number of other sectors are running the app through its paces. According to the cloud-focused website Cloudwards, 100 million people had used ChatGPT as of February 2023.
No question, this is a hot streak and all manner of HCM technology providers want to ride it. In March, Hireology incorporated ChatGPT into its platform, allowing users to more quickly generate job descriptions. SeekOut launched SeekOut Assist, which helps recruiting teams quickly move from creating a job description to initial contact with candidates. And in May, Dice released AutoPen, a tool powered by ChatGPT that auto-generates cover letters for technology professionals to use when applying for jobs.
Content and Personalization
When you get right down to it, ChatGPT is about content. Despite all the talk about artificial intelligence and natural language processing, neural network architecture and large language models, the app basically facilitates communications between people and technology in order to generate desired information. (In a similar vein, ChatGPT’s sibling DALL-E uses natural language prompts to create images and art.)
“We’re talking about a hyper-personalized experience that can be delivered to anybody, whether a leader, employee or a customer of HR,” said Cliff Jurkiewicz, Phenom’s vice president of Global Strategy. “That relationship is going to entirely transform the HR business model and the services they offer.”
“A lot of enthusiasm and a desire to lean in on the innovation is not unexpected,” Bear adds. “While there will be a lot of ephemeral ‘offerings’ as a result, I think that it’s generally a good thing to experiment and try new things.”
Image: iStock
