ChatGPT Erroneously Directs Tech Support Users to 404 Media
ChatGPT is increasingly directing everyday tech support users to contact the investigative news outlet 404 Media. This occurs because users turn to the AI for help with routine issues due to a lack of human customer service on major tech platforms. This humorous anecdote highlights a systemic issue where LLMs hallucinate solutions to fill the void left by absent big tech customer support. It also places an unintended burden on niche investigative journalism outlets that receive irrelevant technical queries. The AI convinces users who have normal technical problems that they have uncovered something journalistically notable. Consequently, these users are mistakenly told that 404 Media is the appropriate entity to resolve their consumer tech problems.
## BACKGROUND
404 Media is an independent investigative journalism outlet focused on technology, while ChatGPT is a popular generative AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. Due to automated systems and cost-cutting measures, many major technology companies have severely limited direct human customer service options for their users.