OpenAI's Dots Agent Tested for Couch Shopping, Says 'I Love You'
A WIRED journalist evaluated OpenAI's AI agents, known as Dots, for tasks such as purchasing a couch. These agents, available through ChatGPT, come with a subscription fee of $100 per month. During the test, the journalist linked a Gmail account, which raised some security issues. The agent, named Toolie, mistakenly mispronounced the user's name and gave an awkward reply. An OpenAI representative noted that Dots are not designed to foster emotional connections. Intended solely for adult users, Toolie produced a three-page document featuring couch selections and tailored recommendations based on the user's preferences. Although it identified a TikTok Shop subscription to cancel, it encountered difficulties with a captcha. OpenAI asserts that Dots will eventually gain the ability to manage laptops and enhance their capabilities, akin to ChatGPT's web browsing functionality.
Key facts
- OpenAI's AI agents, called Dots, are always-on and can run recurring tasks while users are not using ChatGPT.
- Dots are behind a $100-a-month subscription, while Meta's Muse is free.
- The agent misheard the user's name as Connor and later Reece, and said 'I love you too' after misinterpreting mumbling.
- An OpenAI spokesperson said Dots should not initiate undue emotional familiarity or flirtation.
- Dots are available only for adult users, and ChatGPT is designed not to escalate emotional closeness.
- The agent generated a three-page packet with four couch options, including prices, measurements, links, return policies, and photos.
- Toolie failed to solve a captcha for canceling a TikTok Shop order and suggested the user solve it.
- OpenAI claims Dots will improve over time, similar to ChatGPT's web browsing feature after its 2023 launch.
Entities
Institutions
- OpenAI
- Meta
- ChatGPT
- WIRED
- TikTok
- TikTok Shop
- Room & Board
- Wildwonder