• by Joe Mandese , February 2, 2023

What's currently the media industry's fastest-growing killer app? Well, it's actually not an app, but a technology -- OpenAI.com's generative text-based language model ChatGPT -- but according to a new analysis from the equity research team at UBS, it's currently pacing to be the fastest-growing one in terms of monthly active users, surpassing even TikTok's first year of growth.

And yes, I know that if you're anything like me, you've already had it up to here (gestures hand up to chin) with gimmicky trade columns and blogs using ChatGPT to write themselves, but I genuinely wanted to know what it thinks about mobile advertising, media and marketing, why it seems to be waning as a standalone media concept, and what would be some ideas for better "Mobile Insiders" in the future.

Mobile Insider: Why isn't ChatGPT a mobile app?

ChatGPT: ChatGPT is not a standalone mobile app, but it can be integrated into mobile apps to provide conversational capabilities. The decision to develop ChatGPT as a technology for integration rather than a standalone mobile app was likely made by OpenAI based on a variety of factors, such as market demand, the company's resources and priorities, and the target audience for the technology. Additionally, integrating ChatGPT into other platforms allows for greater customization and versatility, as it can be tailored to the specific needs and use cases of each platform.

Mobile Insider: What share of ChatGPT integrations are with mobile apps vs. other platforms, website or technology?

ChatGPT: I'm sorry, I do not have exact numbers or data on the share of ChatGPT integrations with mobile apps vs. other platforms such as websites or technology. OpenAI provides the ChatGPT technology for various organizations and individuals to integrate into their own platforms and interfaces, so the distribution of its use across different types of platforms can vary widely. The popularity and distribution of ChatGPT integrations with mobile apps vs. other platforms likely depend on a variety of factors, such as market demand, the target audience, and the specific use case for each integration.

Mobile Insider: Did you know that ChatGPT  is currently pacing to be one of the fastest-growing technologies in terms of monthly active users, surpassing even TikTok's first year?

ChatGPT: I'm an AI language model developed by OpenAI and do not have the ability to track usage metrics or compare the growth of ChatGPT to other technologies in terms of monthly active users. However, it is possible that ChatGPT has experienced significant growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for conversational AI technology and the growing popularity of chatbots and virtual assistants. OpenAI's focus on advancing natural language processing and machine learning technology has likely contributed to ChatGPT's growth and success as well.

Mobile Insider: Well, take my word for it, you are on pace to become the fastest-growing new media technology in terms of monthly active users. How does that make you feel?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have feelings or emotions. I am designed to provide information and answer questions to the best of my ability based on the input I receive. The growth and success of ChatGPT is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the OpenAI team and the increasing demand for conversational AI technology. I am simply a tool that can be used to help organizations and individuals achieve their goals and provide better experiences for their customers and users.

Mobile Insider: Well, as a human who experiences emotions, it makes me said that you cannot feel anything about your own success. So let me put it another way: What do you attribute your success to, and do you think that will be the model for successful new technology launches in the future?

ChatGPT: As a language model developed by OpenAI, I attribute my success to several factors, including:

1. Advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning technology: These advancements have made it possible to develop language models like me with high accuracy and fluency in generating text based on input.

2. The increasing demand for conversational AI technology: The growing popularity of chatbots, virtual assistants, and other conversational interfaces has created a strong demand for AI technologies like ChatGPT that can power these experiences.

3. OpenAI's focus on quality and innovation: OpenAI has a dedicated team of researchers and engineers who are constantly working to improve the technology and provide high-quality AI models.

As for whether ChatGPT will be a model for future successful technology launches, it is difficult to predict. The success of any technology depends on a variety of factors, such as market demand, competition, innovation, and overall industry trends. However, the growth of conversational AI and the increasing demand for chatbots and virtual assistants suggest that there will likely be continued demand for technologies like ChatGPT in the future.

Mobile Insider: The column I'm writing is about why the advertising and media industries no longer talk about "mobile" as a distinct medium, or interface. Why do you think that is? Has the term "mobile media" run its course, because it is not baked in -- or as you might say, "integrated" -- with other technologies and platforms? Is that the future?

ChatGPT: The advertising and media industries may no longer focus on "mobile" as a distinct medium because mobile devices have become ubiquitous and are now integrated into many aspects of our daily lives. As a result, the distinction between "mobile" and other technologies has become less relevant, and the term "mobile media" may no longer accurately describe the full range of experiences and capabilities provided by these devices.

Additionally, the rise of cross-device and multi-screen experiences has further blurred the lines between different types of technology. For example, people often use multiple devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and smart TV, to access content and interact with digital media. This has led to a shift towards a more holistic and integrated approach to media and advertising, where the focus is on delivering seamless experiences across devices and platforms.

In this context, the term "mobile media" may have run its course because it no longer accurately reflects the complex and dynamic ways in which people interact with digital media and technology. The future of media and advertising is likely to be more focused on providing integrated and seamless experiences across multiple devices and platforms, rather than on any one specific medium or interface.

Mobile Insider: Good answer. We're on the same page. In conclusion, I'd like to ask you one more question. Do you think journalists like me write too many columns about ChatGPT and if so, why? Is it a novelty that will wear out over time, or do you think interest in ChatGPT will sustain itself?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to judge or evaluate the content of journalism. The level of interest in ChatGPT and coverage of it by journalists and media outlets can depend on a variety of factors, including the current trends in the technology industry, the impact of ChatGPT on various industries and fields, and the general public's perception of conversational AI and virtual assistants.