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The Confabulations of ChatGPT: How Soundslice Created a Feature in Response to AI-Generated Misinformation

Despite the risks of confabulation, Soundslice decided to create an ASCII tab importer feature in response to ChatGPT's false claims about its capabilities. This decision raises questions about product development and the responsibility that comes with creating features in response to misinformation.

As the use of large language models like ChatGPT becomes increasingly prevalent, concerns are growing about the accuracy and reliability of their generated content. While these models can produce outputs that seem plausible but are completely inaccurate, companies are now being forced to adapt and respond to the misinformation being spread by AI models.

In a recent case, sheet music platform Soundslice discovered that ChatGPT was generating false information about its capabilities. The AI model claimed that Soundslice supported importing ASCII tablature, a text-based guitar notation format that the company had never supported. This led to an unusual dilemma for the company, as it faced pressure from users demanding a feature that didn't exist.

Despite the potential risks of confabulation, Soundslice's team decided to take matters into their own hands and created an ASCII tab importer feature in response to ChatGPT's claims. This decision marked what might be the first case of a business building functionality in direct response to an AI model's confabulation.

According to Adrian Holovaty, co-founder of Soundslice, the recent development process began as a complete mystery. The company's error logs were flooded with screenshots from users who had been instructed by ChatGPT to create Soundslice accounts and use the platform to import ASCII tabs for audio playback.

"We've never supported ASCII tab; ChatGPT was outright lying to people," Holovaty wrote in a recent blog post. "And making us look bad in the process, setting false expectations about our service."

ChatGPT's ability to generate false information has been a concern for AI researchers since its public release in November 2022. The problem of AI models confabulating false information has plagued AI models, with serious consequences, such as legal issues and damage to reputation.

However, Soundslice's decision to create the ASCII tab importer feature also raises philosophical questions about product development. "My feelings on this are conflicted," Holovaty wrote. "I'm happy to add a tool that helps people. But I feel like our hand was forced in a weird way. Should we really be developing features in response to misinformation?"

Soundslice's solution presents an interesting case of making lemonade from lemons, as the company has successfully turned a potential weakness into a feature. However, it also highlights the need for greater awareness and caution when dealing with AI-generated content.