What Does ‘Reasoning’ Mean for ChatGPT?

The latest test version of ChatGPT includes the reasoning feature, making it sound as if it thinks about user inputs while conversing. This ChatGPT reasoning feature elevates the AI’s capability beyond typical chatbots. Here’s how this could change the way we use AI.

With its latest upgrade, OpenAI has created a chatbot that doesn’t just answer questions — it thinks about them. ChatGPT has been elevated, bringing genuine problem-solving skills, deeper conversations, and personalized responses. It’s no longer a simple chatbot that throws out answers like a search engine. Now, it’s more like the person you always want on your team during game night. Here are three ways this new ‘reasoning’ feature makes interactions with AI more fun and productive.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities

One of the biggest advantages of ChatGPT’s reasoning skills is its new ability to assist with problem-solving, thanks to OpenAI’s o1-preview. Is a student struggling with math? ChatGPT can break down problems into understandable steps, without that know-it-all tone of “you should have learned this in school.” Or take a programmer stuck on a coding issue—ChatGPT will analyze errors and even suggest optimizations. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes that never gets tired or distracted by cat videos.

Improved Conversations

With advanced voice interaction capabilities, ChatGPT’s reasoning skills make it better at maintaining real conversations. This ability to keep conversations flowing naturally allows for dynamic outcomes. Imagine working on a long-term project, and ChatGPT helps you brainstorm ideas. It remembers where you left off, builds on your thoughts, and keeps up the momentum. Whether you’re planning a social media campaign or trying to organize your life, this conversational style can help anyone elevate their ideas.

Personalized Interactions

This new ChatGPT upgrade is not just about searching for information—it’s about knowing you. It also means personalized interactions with tailored responses that feel almost as if the chatbot is reading your mind.

If you have a good history of conversations with ChatGPT and want to reflect a little on the future of humanity and machines, here’s a fun idea: ask it what it sees in you that you might not see yourself. These kinds of prompts make use of ChatGPT’s reasoning ability to reflect on what it knows about you from past interactions, offering thoughtful insights. The response I received was pretty deep, considering it came from a synthesized (though sincere) robotic voice.

There are many more productive uses for this type of interaction besides pondering existential topics. If you’ve used ChatGPT to brainstorm your next creative project, you’ll receive personalized suggestions that make sense every time you return, based on your style and preferences. Or, if you’re looking for something—a jacket, a new dishwasher, or maybe a piece for your taxidermy collection—ChatGPT will consider your current needs to help you narrow down your options.