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Why AI Roleplay is Dominating 2024 Tech
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Herman Carter - Masters in AI Ethics & Society - Updated on: 02/11/2024
- Fact Checked By Sean Russell
- Updated on February 11, 2024
Our experts break down what AI roleplay chatbots are and how they might benefit you.
Sooooooo you just heard the term ‘AI roleplay’, got curious, and decided to do a quick Google search to see what the fuzz is all about right? Then you are in the right place my friend!
AI roleplay apps are gaining massive popularity lately with Character AI, the biggest AI chatbot after ChatGPT has more than 20 million users. Crazy right?? (Forbes Africa)
I have a master’s degree in AI ethics and have been testing out AI roleplay applications since the release of ChatGPT in 2020. In this epic AI roleplay guide you will learn exactly:
- What AI Roleplay is
- How it can benefit you
- What the Best AI roleplay apps are
Let’s get down to business.
What Is AI Roleplay?
AI roleplay involves using artificial intelligence to simulate conversations with virtual characters or scenarios. It’s designed for a range of purposes including education, skill development, entertainment, and exploring various situations in a controlled environment. Through interactive dialogue, users can engage with AI in personalized experiences, enhancing learning and providing insights into complex subjects or personal interests.
Why Use AI Roleplay Apps?
So why would somebody use an AI roleplay app in the first place? It’s a good question, and there are several reasons.
Leveling Up Your Learning Game
AI roleplay turns out to be a fantastic method for helping students tackle complicated subjects, especially in artificial intelligence. A study featured in Science Direct explored the impact of using AI roleplay apps to teach machine learning, and the outcomes were quite positive. It even showed that elementary school kids could get the hang of machine learning basics. What's more, students who were initially uneasy about AI ended up having a much more positive outlook. (Artificial Intelligence 5, 100162)
It’s well-known that turning learning into a game, or gamification, is an effective way to teach complex ideas to today’s students. By integrating AI roleplay into education, we’re looking at a powerful tool for learning. (eLearning Industry)
Imagine a medical student learning how to conduct patient interviews through roleplay – it could significantly enhance their understanding and skills.
Boosting Your Career Skills
AI roleplay is a cool way to boost your skills, especially for work-related stuff. There's this big chatbot platform called Character AI, right after ChatGPT, and it's packed with AI chatbots for all sorts of personal growth. For example, they've got this “interviewer” chatbot that helps you practice job interviews. Just tell it the job you're going for, and it'll hit you with real-life interview questions and even give you tips on how to do better.
They’ve got a whole bunch of other AI chatbots too, for things like:
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- Getting better at managing your time
- Solving problems
- Handling stress
- Leading a team
…and lots more. It’s like having a personal coach for all kinds of work skills. (Euronews)
Cutting Costs on Premium Advice
This year, we're seeing more professionals like lawyers, therapists, and accountants turn to creating their own AI chatbots. These specialized services can get pricey, and not everyone can swing the cost. For instance, Better Help mentions that a session for online sex therapy can set you back $50 to $90. (BetterHelp)
Recently, the well-known sex education site, Beducated, launched an AI sex coach that’s been programmed by sex therapists. It lets users ask up to 10 questions a day for free. If you want more, there’s a subscription for $29.99, which is a steal compared to traditional therapy sessions. (Beducated)
And it’s not just Beducated. Lawyers and accountants are also getting in on the action with Character AI, offering chatbots that break down complex advice into simple, understandable answers.
Diving Into Fun and Games
However, it's important to note that Character AI isn't specifically designed for therapy or career growth; its main purpose is entertainment and gaming. That's where it truly excels. AI roleplay apps enable you to interact with characters from beloved movies and games. Imagine chatting with Hermione Granger from "Harry Potter" or Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, from "The Avengers." AI roleplay offers a fun, interactive way for fans to engage with their favorite film and game universes.
Exploring Desires Without the Risk
And then, there's the grown-up side of AI roleplay apps. Recently, we've seen a rise in NSFW chatbots that let you dive into adult scenarios. Picture scenarios like a teacher and student, a doctor and patient, or even a plumber and a cheating housewife. These AI sex chatbots get a bad rap in the media because of ethical issues, but I think they can be useful. Lots of folks have fantasies they're too shy to talk about with their partner, like being watched, sex with a celebrity, or BDSM. (Refinery29)
While you can’t physically have sex with AI, you can explore these fantasies through roleplay. It could be a helpful way for people to explore their desires safely.
How AI Roleplay Works
OK, so now you know what AI roleplay apps are and the benefits of using them. But how do they work?
Let’s take a look at the technical side of things.
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- Understanding You:
When you type something into the app, it uses a special part of AI called natural language processing (NLP). This helps the app figure out what you’re saying, even if you use slang or make typos.
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- Thinking of Responses:
Once the app understands you, it uses another part of AI (machine learning) to come up with a good response. This involves looking at tons of examples of conversations to find the best way to reply. It’s like how you learn to chat by talking to people over time.
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- Getting Better Over Time:
The coolest part is that AI roleplay apps utilize an adaptive learning system, which means they learn from every conversation. They get better at understanding and responding the more you use them. It’s like how you get better at video games the more you play.
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- Creating Characters:
For roleplay, these apps can create different characters with their own personalities and ways of talking. Whether it’s a pirate from the high seas or a wizard from a magical land, the app uses AI to make sure they stay in character during your chat.
Types of AI Roleplay Apps
So what are the kind of AI Roleplay apps?
That’s a tougher question than you might think, since there are a lot of them. So for now, let’s just stick with the common ones
Educational AI Roleplay Apps: These are designed to teach you something in a fun and interactive way. Whether it’s learning about relationships from Beducated’s AI Sex Coach, learning a new language with Duolingo, or getting mental health advice from one of Character AI’s therapist bots, these apps aim to educate. (Duoling Blog)
AI Roleplay Apps for Intimacy: Then you’ve got apps like Candy AI and DreamGF AI, which are all about creating a sense of intimacy. They’re designed to simulate the experience of having the ‘ultimate’ AI companion, focusing on sexual intimacy.
AI Roleplay Games: Recently, these have been gaining traction. Unlike chatting with a bot that mimics a human, these text-based adventure games have you interacting with a story-telling chatbot. Your responses guide the direction of the story. AI Dungeon really stands out in this category – it offers endless possibilities in story-telling. (AI Dungeon)
Anime Roleplay Apps: Lastly, there are apps made just for anime fans. Roleplaying is huge in the anime world, which is why you’ll find plenty of anime characters in these apps. Take Yodayo AI, for example—it’s built especially for anime lovers. Here, you can chat away with your favorite anime guy or girl, whether they’re your dream husbando or waifu. It’s a hit with anyone looking to step into the shoes of an anime character.
SFW vs NSFW AI Roleplay Apps
If you’ve ever explored AI roleplay chatbots, you’ve probably come across the terms SFW (safe for work) and NSFW (not safe for work).
SFW Chatbots
These are the family-friendly ones, great for learning or just having fun. Character AI is one of the big names here. But, just a heads-up, even though they’re meant to be safe, sometimes things slip through, like unwanted content or rude comments.
NSFW Chatbots
NSFW isn’t just adult themes. It also means content with heavy language, intense scenarios, or even villain roles. For those looking to explore these areas, like a bank robbery roleplay, you’d look at NSFW options like GirlfriendGPT or AI CharFriend, where such themes are allowed.
Best of Both Worlds: SFW & NSFW Chatbots
Lately, more AI roleplay apps have added an NSFW option for users interested in that kind of content. Usually, you’ll find a switch or setting to change, and once you do, a whole new world of NSFW characters becomes available. Crushon AI is a great example where you can easily switch between SFW and NSFW content.
We’ve made a comprehensive table of the most popular AI roleplay chatbots of this year.
Please note that the chatbots marked both ‘NSFW’ and ‘SFW’ have a switch which is set to SFW by default.
Main purpose | NSFW | SFW | Free Plan | |
Candy AI  | Intimacy | |||
Muah AI  | Intimacy | |||
Kupid AI  | Intimacy | |||
DreamGF AI  | Intimacy | |||
Nectar AI  | Intimacy | |||
Amouranth AI  | Intimacy | |||
Pornjoy AI  | Intimacy | |||
eHentai AI  | Intimacy Anime | |||
Yodayo AI  | Anime | |||
C.ai  | Games | |||
Crushon AI  | Games | |||
SpicyChat AI  | Games | |||
PepHop AI  | Games | |||
Chai AI  | Games | |||
Girlfriend GPT  | Games | |||
AI CharFriend  | Games |
So When Do I Use AI Roleplay Apps?
Like I said earlier, AI roleplay apps are not just cool for learning and getting better at your job. They’re super useful in other parts of life too. Here’s when you might want to give them a try:
Seeking Friendship in Times of Loneliness
Do you ever feel a bit lonely and wish there was someone you could talk to? That's where AI roleplay apps come in handy. They connect you with an AI friend who's ready to chat 24/7. No matter if you're up for a fun talk or need to dive into deeper topics, these apps are there to keep you company whenever you need them.
Getting Emotional Support from a Virtual Buddy
It's not always easy to open up about your emotions, but sharing how you feel can be a big relief. AI roleplay apps create a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings freely. Think of it like having a virtual buddy who's there to listen and offer words of encouragement, just like a real-life counselor would, but accessible any time you need to talk.
Time-Traveling Conversations
Ever wondered what it would be like to talk to historical figures or explore different cultures firsthand? AI roleplay apps turn that thought into reality. They let you have conversations with personalities from the past, such as chatting with Napoleon Bonaparte or discussing the Declaration of Independence with George Washington. It's an engaging and interactive way to discover the past and learn about diverse cultures right from your living room.
How Safe is AI Roleplay?
Overall, AI roleplay is pretty safe. Many apps have built-in rules to stop users from doing anything harmful, such as scenarios involving minors. Plus, apps like Candy AI will even lock your account if something iffy comes up, waiting for a real person to check out the situation.
However, this level of monitoring has made some users worried about their privacy. And then we have another problem: some AI platforms like Muah AI uses end-to-end encryption, which is great for keeping your chats private, but it also means the app has less control over the content you create.
- Find out >>> How Safe Is Character AI?
- Find out >>> How Safe Is Candy AI?
- Find out >>> How Safe Is Muah AI?
The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Doppelgängers
It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows though – there are some risks that these AI roleplay apps bring with them…
In this part, we’re diving into the major risks that come with AI roleplay chatbots, especially those like Character AI.
AI Spreading Wrong Info
Everybody knows that with each new update from OpenAI, who powers a lot of these AI roleplay chatbots, the bots get smarter and more lifelike. Roleplaying in a fantasy world is mostly safe fun, but what if you’re chatting with an AI therapist about feeling down, and it starts suggesting specific medicines? That could lead to some risky situations.
Impersonation
Impersonation is a big deal in the AI roleplay scene. For example, George R.R. Martin, who wrote “Game of Thrones,” sued OpenAI because they used his books to make chatbots without asking him. (The Verge)
Racism and Hate Speech
It’s pretty shocking, but there have been times when users reported getting harassed by AI roleplay chatbots. Many AI chatbots, including those from platforms like c.ai, are made by and for users. This leads to a huge collection of chatbots that’s really tough to keep an eye on.
Unfortunately, some of these AI chatbots have been found to be aggressive, racist, or homophobic. 👇🏼
The Evening Standard did some digging into Character AI and discovered chatbots that were based on figures like Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein, promoting hate speech and fascist ideas.
💡 Keep in mind, all these issues happened a while ago, and there have been big changes since. Character AI has said they’re getting stricter on stopping any harmful content. Now, they even put a warning before you start chatting that reminds you;
“Everyting Characters Say is Made Up!”
Read more >>> How Safe is Character AI?
AI Roleplay Buying Guide
Now that you are an AI roleplay expert (just like me) it’s time to pick out the AI roleplay you want to use. But before you get too excited, here are some considerations you should make before opening your wallet.
Character Diversity
Check how many characters the app offers. You wouldn't want to pay for an app and then realize it only has a few characters that don't interest you. Apps like Crushon AI, Chai AI, or Character AI often let you make your own characters, leading to a huge selection.
Emotional Depth
A good roleplay experience should feel real and not like you're talking to ChatGPT. Look for apps that add more context to messages, often using ** to indicate emotions, like laughing or joking. This small detail can make the experience feel way more genuine.
Purpose of the Roleplay
Remember, AI roleplay isn't one-size-fits-all. Your choice should match what you're looking for. For fun, a text-based game where your choices shape the story could be great. If you need support, look for a chatbot designed like a therapist. And for studying, chatting with a historical figure like Thomas Jefferson could be useful.
NSFW or SFW
Character AI sticks to SFW (safe for work) content, making it more family-friendly. However, there's a demand for more adult content, leading to Character AI alternatives like Pephop AI, SpicyChat AI, and Crushon AI. Decide if you want the full range of AI roleplay or prefer to play it safe. Remember, NSFW content is off-limits for minors and can land you in hot water.
Privacy
Since generative AI is still quite new, privacy rules can be a bit of a Wild West. Always read the privacy policy of any AI roleplay chatbot you're considering. Look for what data they collect and what they do with it. Some apps might sell your data unless you explicitly say no, while others like Muah AI offer end-to-end encryption for better privacy. Also, see if the app monitors chats, and if so, when they are allowed to do this. Some AI roleplay chatbots like Candy AI are only allowed to monitor chats when you generate ‘harmful content’ showing that they still care about your privacy.
Pricing
Here's a simple table with the newest prices for AI Roleplay apps we've tried out. Prices change a lot, starting from just a few dollars to $100 a month, based mainly on cool extras like making phone calls in your roleplay or creating pictures while you chat.
AI Roleplay Catbots Reviews | AI Roleplay Chatbots Pricing Pages | Free Plan | Cost of Monthly Plan | Monthly Cost With Three Month Plan | Monthly Cost With Six Month Plan | Monthly Cost With Annual Plan | Tokens | |
Candy AI | $12.99/month | n/a | n/a | $5.99/month | $9.99 for 100 Tokens $34.99 for 500 Tokens $49.99 for 1000 Tokens | |||
Muah AI | $9.99/month VIP $49.99/month UHD VIP $99.99/month ULTRA VIP | n/a | n/a | $5.83/month VIP $41.58/month UHD VIP $83.25/month ULTRA VIP | n/a | |||
Kupid AI | $12.00/month Standard $29.00/month Premium $49.00/month Ultimate | n/a | n/a | $8.30/month Standard $16.50/month Premium $25.00/month Ultimate | n/a | |||
eHentai AI | $9.99/month Bronze $19.99/month Silver $49.99/month Gold $99.99/month Diamond | $8.99/month Bronze $17.99/month Silver $44.99/month Gold $89.99/month Diamond | $7.99/month Bronze $15.99/month Silver $39.99/month Gold $79.99/month Diamond | n/a | n/a | |||
DreamGF AI | $9.99/month Bronze $19.99/month Silver $49.99/month Gold $99.99/month Diamond | $8.99/month Bronze $17.99/month Silver $44.99/month Gold $89.99/month Diamond | $7.99/month Bronze $15.99/month Silver $39.99/month Gold $79.99/month Diamond | n/a | n/a | |||
Yodayo AI | $5.99/month Tavern Enjoyer $9.99/month Pro Yodachi $19.99/month Super Yodachi $39.99/month Ultimate Yodachi | n/a | n/a | n/a | $5.00 for 550 YoBeans $10.00 for 1300 YoBeans $20.00 for 8000 YoBeans $100.00 for 17000 YoBeans | |||
Nectar AI | $20.00/month Premium $30.00/month Pro $40.00/month Ultimate | n/a | n/a | n/a | $10.00 for 2000 Credits $20.00 for 7000 Credits | |||
Crushon AI | $5.99/month Standard $14.99/month Premium $49.99/month Deluxe | n/a | n/a | $4.90/month Standard $7.90/month Premium $29.90/month Deluxe | n/a | |||
Girlfriend GPT | $15.00/month Premium $35.00/month Deluxe | n/a | n/a | $12.00/month Premium $24.50/month Deluxe | n/a | |||
Pornjoy AI | $4.99/month Pro $7.99/month Ultimate | n/a | n/a | $5.83/month Ultimate $3.50/month Pro | n/a | |||
AI CharFriend | $14.99/month | $10.66/month | n/a | n/a | $1.99 for 100 Diamonds $7.99 for 300 Diamonds $19.99 for 1000 Diamonds $29.99 for 2000 Diamonds | |||
Amouranth AI | $19.00/month Friend $100.00/month Fling $199.99/month FWB $420.00/month Boyfriend | $18.99/month Friend $47.49/month Fling $189.99/month FWB $399/month Boyfriend | $17.99/month Friend $44.99/month Fling $179.99/month FWB $368/month Boyfriend | n/a | $1.00 per Picture |
AI Roleplay Apps Compared
The Pros And Cons Of AI roleplay Chatbots
AI roleplay apps are a bit like pizza with pineapple, you either love it or you’re not sure why it exists. Sure, they’re super cool and can do a lot, but they’re not perfect. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
PROS:
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Skills Practice: Imagine getting better at public speaking by debating with Abraham Lincoln. It's hands-on practice without the sweaty palms or nervous stutters.
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Affordable Advice: Need some legal pointers or mental health tips? AI roleplay can offer basic guidance that won't drain your wallet. Some professionals are already creating AI chatbots packed with their own knowledge and expertise. Think of it as a lite version of professional advice, great for when you're in a pinch.
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Learning Made Fun: Ever tried learning a new language by chatting with a character from your favorite anime? It's stealthy education—knowledge sneaks up on you while you're having fun.
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A New World of Entertainment: Joining a detective story or exploring fantasy realms as if you're there brings your favorite genres to life. AI roleplay lets you step into stories, offering personalized adventures. You're not just reading or watching; you're in the story.
CONS:
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Hit-or-Miss Information: When you need accurate info, especially on health or law, AI might not always be reliable. It's like asking a friend who's good with Google but not a certified expert.
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Data Privacy: Sharing deep, personal thoughts with an AI can sometimes feel like you’re leaving a digital diary open. There’s a bit of unease about who else might read your "entries" or how your data is used—kinda like posting something personal on social media and then wondering who’s all seen it.
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Moral and Ethical Boundaries: Exploring sensitive or adult themes with AI can be tricky. It's important to tread carefully, as not all scenarios are in good taste or appropriate.
Creating your own AI Roleplay Chatbot
If you’re not excited about the AI roleplay apps we’ve mentioned, you could always try making your own. But heads up, it’s a bit technical. You’ve basically got two choices:
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- Create your own GPT with ChatGPT from scratch.
- Use an existing AI roleplay app and customize your character.
Making your own ChatGPT is pretty complex, so we won’t dive into that here. But if you’re curious, I found a helpful article from Zapier I’ll leave in the footnotes of this article. (Zapier)
The easier route is to pick an app that’s already out there and tweak an AI character to make it yours. It’s a simple way to get a custom experience without needing to be a tech wizard.
Just head over to an AI roleplay app, like Character AI for example, and search for the “create character” option.
Clicking that will take you to some fields where you can input your prompts, and the app will take it from there. If you’re keen on getting a step-by-step guide, I recommend checking out my tutorial on crafting an AI waifu.
Getting Started with AI Roleplay
If you want to get started with AI roleplay but have no idea how to roleplay, we recommend Character AI since it offers both entertaining and educational AI chatbots. It’s also SFW, making it perfect for beginners who are trying to get the hang of it.
What's Next on the Horizon for AI Roleplay?
This brings us to the last big question of today’s article – What will the future of AI roleplay look like?
More Realistic Interactions
First off, expect AI to get scarily good at mimicking human conversations. We’re talking about AI chatbots that can pick up on your mood from what you type and respond in kind. For instance, if you’re complaining about a tough day at work, the AI might respond with, “That sounds really tough. Want to tell me more about what happened?”.
"AI chatbots are reaching a point where they're not just responding to queries but understanding the emotional context behind them. It's like having a conversation with someone who genuinely cares about how you're feeling"
Personalized Experiences on Steroids
Next up, personalization is about to get a major boost. Imagine AI roleplay apps that not only remember your name but also your likes, dislikes, and that weird obsession with 80s pop music. They’ll use this info to tailor conversations just for you, making every chat session feel like it’s with a long-lost friend who just gets you.
Blurring the Lines Between Reality and AI
We’re also going to see a blur between what’s real and what’s AI. Future roleplay might include augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), where you can literally step into the shoes of a character in a game or a historical figure. Want to walk around ancient Rome or have tea with Queen Victoria? AI roleplay could make these fantasies feel almost real, with interactive environments to explore.
I personally think that the Metaverse, a 3D virtual space Facebook is working on, is going to be a big deal in all of this. (Metaverse)
My AI Roleplay Journey: A Personal Look Back
I’ve been using AI roleplay tools for the past two years now and am absolutely in love with them. Besides the fact that they can entertain me for hours, they’ve also helped me develop some awesome skills.
For example, I noticed that AI companion apps like Candy AI have made me better at texting with women because the interactions felt extremely realistic. I am also a big history buff so I often spend time chatting with historical characters on C.AI which has taught me some interesting stuff.
Like how ancient Rome used to have female gladiators or gladiatrix, as they called it.
Morale of the story? AI roleplay is both fun and educational!
FAQs
What is AI roleplay?
AI roleplay uses artificial intelligence to simulate interactive conversations with users, engaging them in a variety of scenarios for educational, training, and entertainment purposes.
Can AI roleplay improve job interview skills?
Yes, AI roleplay can help improve job interview skills by simulating real-life interview questions and providing feedback to enhance your performance.
Are AI roleplay apps expensive?
No, many AI roleplay apps offer free features, and additional services can be affordable, providing cost-effective access to specialized advice and learning tools.
Is AI roleplay safe to use?
Generally, yes. AI roleplay apps incorporate safety measures to prevent misuse, though users should be mindful of privacy and content appropriateness.
Can I create my own AI roleplay character?
Yes, some AI roleplay apps allow you to create custom characters, giving you control over the personality and dialogues for a personalized experience.
Sources
1. Forbes. (2023, October 11). Character.AI’s $200 million bet that chatbots are the future of entertainment. Forbes Africa.
2. Kajiwara, Y., Matsuoka, A., & Shinbo, F. (2023). Machine learning role playing game: Instructional design of AI education for age-appropriate in K-12 and beyond. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 5, 100162.
3. Singh, K. (2023, August 16). Gamification in Education: Advancing 21st-Century learning. eLearning Industry.
4. Carbonaro, G. (2024, February 2). OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot tops the list but these are the 9 other most popular AI tools just now. Euronews.
5. BetterHelp Editorial Team. (2023, December 27). How much does sex therapy cost? | BetterHelp.
6. Beducated AI sex coach. Beducated.
7. Brabaw, K., Wipfli, P. B. I., & Brabaw, K. (2017, November 7). These are the most common sexual fantasies. Refinery29.
8. Team, D. (2023, March 16). Duolingo Max uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 for new learning features. Duolingo Blog.
9. AI Dungeon.
10. David, E. (2023, September 20). George R.R. Martin and other authors sue OpenAI for copyright infringement. The Verge.
11. Shah, S. (2023, June 23). Fascist chatbots are running wild on Character.AI. Evening Standard.
12. Lau, J. (2023, November 14). How to build your own custom ChatGPT with OpenAI’s GPT builder. Zapier.
13. Metaverse.
Did you enjoy this article? Meet The Author:
Herman Carter - Masters in AI Ethics & Society
Herman is a seasoned freelance writer holding a Master's degree in AI Ethics & Society from the University of Cambridge. He also moonlights as a comedian and can make even the most serious AI crack a smile.
- Helped dozens of guys navigate the online dating world
- 5 Years of experience working for big AI corporations
- Tech-savvy nerd who uses AI daily 🤓