**ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Leaked – Here’s What It May Entail**
The ChatGPT interface has consistently mirrored a conventional chat application, but instead of two individuals communicating through text messages, it features an AI addressing a user’s requests and executing tasks based on guidelines from earlier prompts. Since ChatGPT gained immense popularity in late 2022, OpenAI has refined the core models and introduced numerous enhancements to the ChatGPT environment, such as voice interaction capabilities. Nonetheless, at its core, ChatGPT continues to present and function like a standard chat application. It isn’t exactly the same as iMessage or WhatsApp, as ChatGPT lacks many functionalities typical of traditional chat apps. For instance, ChatGPT does not facilitate group chats, a capability that is common among non-AI chat applications. However, this situation may soon change, as the prospect of group chat functionality for ChatGPT has already been hinted at, giving us insight into its potential operation.
Renowned AI advocate Tibor Blaho regularly uncovers unreleased AI functionalities in ChatGPT and similar products. He posted on X the visuals above, which are snapshots of the ChatGPT interface showcasing the group chat feature activated. It remains uncertain when this group chat feature will be accessible to users, but OpenAI may roll it out sooner rather than later.
**How the ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Operates**
Blaho’s snapshots provide an initial glimpse into how it could function. A new “Start a group chat” button will be positioned in the upper right corner of the web application. When clicked, it will create a link for sharing with others. Each group chat will have its own title and will be listed in the left sidebar under a fresh “Group chats” section. The link enables anyone to join the group, and newcomers will be able to view earlier messages within the chat.
The individual creating the group chat can also establish Custom Instructions for the group. These will differ from the Custom Instructions that may have been defined for the standard ChatGPT experience. Additionally, individual ChatGPT memories will not be applicable to group chats. The creator will have the ability to adjust the chatbot’s responses. ChatGPT can either react automatically or only when mentioned by a participant in the group. The latter option allows for the AI’s presence in a group chat without excessive interruptions, ensuring the AI does not clutter discussions by responding to every message.
Lastly, Blaho notes that ChatGPT group chats will enable reactions, replies to specific messages, a typing indicator, file sharing, image generation, and web searching. Users will also be able to report messages for safety reasons. It is unclear whether the group chat feature will be accessible to all ChatGPT users or just those on a premium ChatGPT subscription.
**Sam Altman Critiques Slack**
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed his discontent with Slack, stating his suspicion that it may not be effective. “I think it does create a lot of fake work,” remarked the CEO, implying that OpenAI could offer a remedy to this issue. Slack is certainly one of the leading group chat applications for teams and organizations. Yet, Altman proposed the idea of having an AI incorporated into an application like Slack where “you are trusting your AI agent and my AI agent to resolve most matters and escalate to us when necessary” might be a more favorable alternative.
Envisioning ChatGPT as that AI agent is likely what Altman was hinting at with his example. The leaked group chat functionality could represent a move towards that aspiration. However, the group chat experience that Blaho discovered does not align with the vision Sam Altman suggested during the “Conversations with Tyler” podcast episode last week. Nonetheless, the CEO admitted that OpenAI is “very far” from delivering the agent-like Slack experience he detailed, as the AI technology is not yet there.
