End ChatGPT Use for These 11 Critical Tasks Immediately

The Power and Perils of ChatGPT: When to Rely on AI and When to Avoid It

ChatGPT and other AI chatbots have become powerful tools in the realm of natural language processing. They can assist with everything from saving money on travel to planning weekly meal prep or even helping you pivot your career. However, while these tools are impressive, they also come with limitations that users should be aware of. Understanding when to use them and when to avoid them is crucial for getting the most out of these technologies.

1. Diagnosing Physical Health Issues

While it's tempting to input symptoms into an AI tool like ChatGPT, the results can be misleading. For example, I once entered a description of a lump on my chest and received a response suggesting cancer. In reality, I have a lipoma, which is benign. ChatGPT can help draft questions for a doctor or organize a timeline of symptoms, but it cannot replace professional medical advice. It lacks the ability to conduct physical exams or order tests, making it unsuitable for diagnosing health conditions.

2. Taking Care of Your Mental Health

ChatGPT can offer grounding techniques and support, but it cannot substitute for a licensed therapist. It doesn't have lived experience, nor can it read body language or tone. While some people find it helpful for working through grief, it's not a replacement for real mental health care. If you're in crisis, seek help from a trained professional.

3. Making Immediate Safety Decisions

In emergencies, such as a carbon-monoxide alarm going off, relying on an AI chatbot could be dangerous. These tools can’t detect gas, smoke, or dispatch emergency services. In a crisis, every second counts, and using an AI tool could delay critical actions. Treat it as a post-incident explainer, not a first responder.

4. Getting Personalized Financial or Tax Planning

ChatGPT can explain financial concepts, but it doesn't know your personal circumstances. It may lack up-to-date information on tax laws and regulations, making it unreliable for financial planning. Professional advice from a certified accountant is essential when dealing with taxes, especially when deadlines and penalties are involved.

5. Dealing with Confidential or Regulated Data

Sharing sensitive information with AI tools can pose risks. Once data is inputted, it may be stored or used for training future models. This includes income details, Social Security numbers, and more. If you wouldn't share it in a public forum, don't share it with an AI chatbot.

6. Doing Anything Illegal

This one is straightforward. Using AI tools to engage in illegal activities is not only unethical but also risky. AI cannot provide legal protection or guidance in such scenarios.

7. Cheating on Schoolwork

AI tools can be misused for academic dishonesty. While they can help with brainstorming, using them to complete assignments is not advisable. Professors are becoming better at detecting AI-generated content, and the consequences can be severe.

8. Monitoring Information and Breaking News

ChatGPT can fetch real-time data, but it doesn’t provide continuous updates. For breaking news, live feeds, official press releases, and news sites are still the best sources. Refreshing the chatbot requires new prompts, which can slow down the process during critical moments.

9. Gambling

While some users have had limited success with AI tools for gambling, the results can be unreliable. ChatGPT may provide incorrect information about player statistics or game outcomes, leading to poor decisions. Always verify information from trusted sources before placing bets.

10. Drafting a Will or Other Legally Binding Contract

ChatGPT can explain legal concepts, but it’s not suitable for drafting actual legal documents. Estate and family law vary by jurisdiction, and mistakes can invalidate important legal texts. Use it as a resource for preparing questions for a lawyer, not as a substitute for professional legal advice.

11. Making Art

While AI can assist with creative tasks, it shouldn't be used to create art that is passed off as original work. AI tools can generate ideas and help with headlines, but true artistic expression comes from human creativity. Respect the boundaries between AI assistance and original creation.