Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, is purportedly leveraging the popularity of the AI chatbot ChatGPT by incorporating it inside the search engine. This was disclosed when a new, AI-assisted version of Bing emerged and then vanished today. Owen Yin, a student and designer, reported seeing the “new Bing” on Twitter and gave further information on the integration in a Medium blog post.
According to Yin, the new Bing chatbot could not only answer questions but also ask them in a conversational tone. Furthermore, the chatbot was able to cite its sources, which is a significant feature since the absence of source information in language models such as ChatGPT might render them untrustworthy. Screenshots of the new Bing reveal a new “chat” option next to “search” on the menu bar. When clicked, a chat interface appears with the text “Welcome to the new Bing: Your AI-powered response engine.”
Despite the allure of AI-assisted search engines, there are worries concerning the accuracy of information supplied by AI language models. AI language models are known to “hallucinate” and provide erroneous information on a regular basis. This begs the issue of whether the information provided by AI language models in search engines is potentially hazardous. If these systems are allowed to operate without adequate protection, they may deliver hazardous medical advice, racist or biased renditions of history, and other potentially deadly information.
This morning I was experiencing the CHAT feature of Microsoft Bing search and then a few moments later disappeared it. pic.twitter.com/kSA7RMPmLy
— Nazmul hossain (@Nazmul60863192) February 3, 2023
Ada yang sempet nyoba chat bing?? pic.twitter.com/D38ztsTtZb
— Rexamir D. Xavier?? (@Rexamir_) February 3, 2023
Despite these possible issues, ChatGPT’s success has prompted Microsoft and Google to expedite their ambitions for AI-assisted search engines. Microsoft is likely to release a new version of Bing in the coming weeks, while Google is planning an event next week to promote its next AI development.
Overall, the incorporation of AI language models into search engines such as Bing has the potential to transform the way we search for information, but suitable controls must be in place to assure the quality and trustworthiness of the information provided. While AI language models have the potential to provide faster and more conversational search results, the information supplied must be reliable and trustworthy. The future of AI-assisted search engines is exciting, but it is critical that the technology be developed ethically and with the possible implications of incorrect information in mind.
