Defining the Behavior of Your AI Models: A Set of Rules

OpenAI has introduced a series of guidelines and rules called ‘Model Spec’ that define the behavior of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT when responding to user requests regarding tone, personality, and length of responses. These AI models offer responses based on the data they have been trained on, but the behavior they exhibit when responding is not explicitly programmed, leading to potential errors or incoherent information.

The technology company, led by Sam Altman, aims to shape the behavior of AI models to make it easier for people to understand and discuss the options involved in configuring the model’s behavior. OpenAI has published the ‘Model Spec’ document, which includes rules that guide the behavior of models in the OpenAI API and ChatGPT chatbot, specifying what models can or cannot do and how they should respond to users based on factors like tone, personality, and response length.

The document outlines how they want their models to act and reflects the research and experience invested in designing the behavior of ChatGPT. OpenAI stresses that the configuration of the model’s behavior must consider various factors, opinions, and potential consequences, aiming to deliver results that benefit humanity while complying with social norms and laws.

To achieve these goals, OpenAI has established guidelines for its AI models, instructing them to follow a chain of command, avoid providing risky information, respect creators’ rights, protect privacy, and not respond to non-safe for work content. The models also have predetermined behaviors to manage conflicts, prioritize objectives, and assume the best intentions of users or developers while avoiding attempting to change anyone’s mind.

OpenAI sees the ‘Model Spec’ document as a guide for AI researchers and trainers working on reinforcement learning from human feedback, fostering a ongoing public conversation about how models should behave and how to engage the general public in these discussions.