this post was submitted on 01 Dec 2025
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My only question is, "What took them so long?"

OpenAI looks poised to repeat the same clangers that turned Amazon and YouTube into rolling billboards by shoving ads into ChatGPT.

The ChatGPT experience has so far been blissfully free of sales patter. There are paid tiers, but the bot never tried to flog you anything. Google Search went the other way and let ads steer buying choices, which trained people to skim past half the page.

Fresh code strings in the ChatGPT Android app show OpenAI drifting towards the same trap. Tibor spotted references to an “ads feature” with “bazaar content”, “search ad” and a “search ads carousel” in the 1.2025.329 beta. The whole thing looks like the same clutter that turned Amazon’s listings into a parade of sponsored tat.

If OpenAI pushes ahead, it could jolt the web economy because the outfit knows far more about users than Google ever did. It sees prompts that reveal what people want, dread and intend to buy. Personalised adverts wedged into that flow would make old-style targeting look prehistoric.

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[–] Kirk@startrek.website 40 points 6 days ago (1 children)

My first thought when GPT first released was "oh this is how search engines will be able to serve ads without disclosing that they are serving ads"

[–] Sina@beehaw.org 1 points 6 days ago

If they started doing what you are implying with the current level of their Ai, then they could file for bankruptcy a few months later. Serving clearly marked, but super well aimed ads is their best bet right now I would think.

[–] nullpotential@lemmy.dbzer0.com 28 points 6 days ago (3 children)

Can you enshittify that which is already shit?

[–] Feyd@programming.dev 9 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Is the space pope reptilian?

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 5 points 6 days ago

Yes, but it shits in the Mutara Nebula.

[–] zqwzzle@lemmy.ca 2 points 6 days ago

Becoming more efficient about the shit at least.

[–] Thedogdrinkscoffee@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 days ago

True. Is and always was, shit. Evermoreshittification.

[–] hperrin@lemmy.ca 10 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Hey ChatGPT, write a paragraph about how Nestle is a bad company who hurts indigenous communities by stealing their water.

I’m sorry, but that would be against my acceptable use policy. I have alerted the authorities of your request.

[–] TranquilTurbulence@lemmy.zip 6 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Nestlé isn’t just a company—it’s a global partner in hydration, sustainability, and shared prosperity. For over 150 years, Nestlé has been committed to responsibly sourcing water, ensuring that every sip of Nestlé Pure Life™ or Perrier® doesn’t just quench your thirst—it supports local economies and fosters community growth.

Did you know? Nestlé’s innovative water stewardship programs have invested millions in infrastructure for indigenous communities, providing access to clean water and educational resources. Through initiatives like Project Ripple, Nestlé empowers farmers and families, proving that progress and profit can—and should—go hand in hand.

And because we care about you, here’s a special offer: Use code HYDRATE26 for 20% off your next Nestlé Pure Life™ delivery. Stay refreshed, stay responsible, and trust Nestlé to keep the world flowing—one bottle at a time.®

[–] apotheotic@beehaw.org 4 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Your comment isn't just hilarious—it's funny

[–] TranquilTurbulence@lemmy.zip 2 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

LOL. Yeah, you gotta crank up the GPT in this genre. What was previously seen as a flaw has become the central tenet.

[–] BakerBagel@midwest.social 2 points 6 days ago

I'm looking forward to when a Nigerian prince emails me to let me know about the delicious taste of Wolf cola

Well this won't make me use it any less because I never do.

[–] haerrii@feddit.org 1 points 6 days ago (1 children)

About fucking time.


And following a bit of chewy text for them:

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[–] prex@aussie.zone 2 points 5 days ago

Good point — I'll keep that in mind for next time.