Ads are coming to ChatGPT. Get over it.
Business Insider·2026-01-16 20:44

Core Insights - OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT for US users on its free and Go tiers, which has been anticipated for some time [2] - The introduction of ads raises concerns among users, but many are accustomed to ads in various online platforms [3][4] Group 1: User Experience Concerns - Ads can be annoying, but users are already familiar with ads across multiple platforms, making it a common aspect of online experiences [3] - OpenAI's freemium model allows users to pay to remove ads, similar to other services like Netflix and Spotify [4] Group 2: Trust and Credibility Issues - There are concerns about whether ChatGPT can provide unbiased recommendations while displaying ads, but users are generally accustomed to distinguishing between organic and sponsored content [6] - The clarity of ad labeling in ChatGPT's mockups may help mitigate confusion among users [6] Group 3: Advertising Influence - The presence of ads may subject ChatGPT to pressures from advertisers, which is a legitimate concern [7] - However, this could lead to a normalizing effect, ensuring that the platform adheres to safe values and standards, as seen in other major advertising contexts [8] Group 4: Product Integrity - The introduction of ads may lead to perceptions of "enshittification," where a previously clean product becomes cluttered with advertisements [9] - Despite the potential downsides, the overall impact of ads on AI platforms may not be as detrimental as feared, and opinions may evolve over time [9]