Since ChatGPT has been all over the news lately, you may be wondering what it is and how it will affect your job. ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that processes language to answer questions in a conversational manner, and to compose various written materials, ranging from emails to reports to legislation.

The AI tool is extremely popular. "According to an analysis by Swiss bank UBS, ChatGPT is the fastest growing app of all time. In January, only two months after its launch, UBS analysis estimates that ChatGPT had 100 million active users," writes Sabrina Ortiz, an associate editor at ZDNet.

One reason, Chat GPT is so popular is because of its versatility. Ortiz says ChatGPT "has many functions in addition to answering simple questions, such as composing essays, describing art in great detail, creating AI art prompts, and having philosophical conversations, and it can even code for you."

Even though it is useful for accessing and digesting information, ChatGPT has limitations. Ortiz writes these limitations include an inability to "understand" questions that are not worded a certain way and a lack of quality in its responses, which can be wordy and make little sense.

There are many concerns about ChatGPT, including the risk of plagiarism and especially about it replacing people in their jobs. However,  "ChatGPT … has the potential to make people's lives easier and to assist with everyday tedious tasks, such as writing an email or having to navigate the web for answers," writes Sabrina Ortiz.

For much more detail on ChatGPT and other AI tools, read "What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here's everything you need to know" on ZDnet.com.