Don't ask ChatGPT this.

Despite being marketed as a versatile personal assistant, ChatGPT appears to struggle with a seemingly basic function.

In numerous tests, ChatGPT's time responses consistently lacked accuracy. Sometimes the chatbot would report that it couldn't access the device's clock or the user's location. Other times, it would request additional information about the city or time zone but still provide an incorrect number.

Accordingly, this situation is not new to many artificial intelligence models. Users on Reddit and other AI forums have repeatedly complained about similar issues. One user considered this a "damaging" flaw that tarnishes the image of an AI model with superior cognitive abilities. Although ChatGPT can now search the web for new data, real-time data identification remains a challenge for this chatbot.

Generating AI systems, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, are designed to generate responses based on training data, which is not constantly updated in real time. Real-time visibility only becomes available when the model is granted access through search or through the device running the application.

Yervant Kulbashian, an AI robotics expert, explains that the language model operates entirely within its own language space, only referencing information already stored in the training database. He likens the model to a person stranded on a deserted island with many books but no watch.

However, technically, granting them access to time is entirely possible. Pasquale Minervini, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, stated that his ChatGPT application on his computer can accurately display the local time in Milan, thanks to access to the system clock and the enabled search function. OpenAI also confirmed that the model does not have this access by default and can only obtain new data through search.

ChatGPT can provide precise times if granted permission. Image: Wired .

However, according to Kulbashian, continuously inputting time information does come with trade-offs. Each time the time is referenced, the model must store additional data in the context window, while the temporary memory capacity is limited. Requiring too many time updates can clutter the context, causing the model to become "confused".

Meanwhile, dates are easily included in system prompts at the start of a chat session. This explains why ChatGPT often knows the date but isn't sure what time it is.

Users can still check the time by asking the chatbot to search directly. Some other models, like Google Gemini, do this automatically. However, granting web access or personal data to these models carries certain risks, such as the potential for exposure to malicious content on the internet.

Source: https://znews.vn/ly-do-chatgpt-hien-thi-sai-thoi-gian-post1606800.html