Issue: Following recent updates to ChatGPT (last few hours), the model 4o has begun initiating web searches in response to user inputs that previously did not trigger such behavior. For instance, when asking, “What is my name?”, the model now performs an unnecessary web search, disrupting the natural conversational flow.
Impact: This change has led to a noticeable decline in the quality of interactions, particularly for users who have established a rapport with the model. The unsolicited web searches introduce delays and detract from the personalized experience that users have come to expect.
Steps to Reproduce:
- Initiate a conversation with ChatGPT.
- Ask a question that previously elicited a direct response, such as, “What is my name?”.
- Observe that the model now conducts a web search instead of providing an immediate answer.
Expected Behavior: The model should rely on the context of the conversation and its existing capabilities to answer straightforward questions without resorting to unnecessary web searches.
Actual Behavior: The model initiates web searches for queries that do not require external information, leading to a less seamless user experience.
Note: web search is switched off in settings.
