OpenAI is launching a paid version of ChatGPT – will students still use it?
If you’ve ever used ChatGPT, you’re no stranger to the “Come back later, we’re experiencing high-capacity at the moment” message that pops up on your screen. But this might be a thing of the past…if you’re willing to pay.
Students were quick to start using ChatGPT. Soon after its launch, they flocked to the AI chatbot for a number of things, from asking it for ideas for plans with friends to learning more about topics they are interested in. Capitalizing on ChatGPT’s growth and interest, Open AI has announced that they will offer a new version of ChatGPT, ChatGPT Plus, for a $20 monthly subscription. This “new and improved” version will shorten the response time and ensure people can use ChatGPT around the clock.
How did we get here?
Only 40 days after its launch, ChatGPT, the new AI chatbot, managed to beat the number of daily users on Instagram. To compare, Instagram, one of the most popular apps among students, took 355 days to reach 10 million daily users. So how has ChatGPT, which launched in November 2022, been able to set the record for the fastest-growing platform in such little time? The short answer: This new platform is not only the first of its kind but also easy to use. Oh, and did we mention that it’s currently free? But in response to its high daily visits, OpenAI is releasing ChatGPT Plus, which will feature quicker responses, make the bot available during “peak hours,” and give users 24/7 access to the chatbot.
TSI’s Take
Students are no strangers to paid subscriptions. Their favorite platforms, such as Spotify, Youtube, and Netflix, also require a monthly subscription for their premium versions. In fact, a study found that Gen Z “spent nearly twice as much on subscriptions compared to all the other generations.” So while you might think that students will shy away from using ChatGPT due to a premium, paid version, that may not be the case.
To prepare educators for the very real possibility that ChatGPT Plus will only increase the number of users it has, we teamed up with students around the country to find out how they use the platform. It turns out that many students are using ChatGPT, and they are using it for good. They have embraced ChatGPT and use it to learn more about topics they’re interested in, find inspiration on what to cook, and even ask it for ideas on what they should do with their friends.
That’s why we recently launched a #WinAtSocial LIVE Lesson: Breaking down ChatGPT and the role of artificial intelligence in our lives. In this lesson, students:
- Examine the pros and cons of using ChatGPT as a student.
- Offer advice on how schools can approach ChatGPT effectively with both students and teachers.
- Investigate how the AI algorithm of your go-to social media app may shape your beliefs and perspectives.
Not a partner but want to run this lesson with your students? Reach out to learn how you can access our gamified online learning platform that addresses how students are using ChatGPT, social media, technology, and so much more.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.