Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has made a significant impact in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Within a remarkably short period, it garnered immense popularity and became one of the world’s most extensively utilized platforms, with millions of users. ChatGPT can fluently generate thousands of words on a wide range of topics. However, the use of AI-generated texts is not universally embraced, particularly within educational institutions. In this article, we will explore GPT Zero, another AI-based tool that claims to detect AI-generated texts. But does it really work? Let’s find out.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore GPT Zero, its underlying principles, and the technology it employs. Additionally, we will discuss how you can use this tool to detect AI-generated content and whether you can place your trust in its analysis.
What Is GPT Zero?
GPT Zero is an AI-powered platform that can verify the originality of texts. It employs in-depth statistical analysis to examine the content and determine whether it was created by a human or was simply copied from an AI writing assistant.
GPT Zero is a purpose-built tool aimed at aiding individuals in various sectors, such as education, journalism, content creation, and more, in combating AI plagiarism. Its primary goal is to assist users in identifying texts generated by large language models, including ChatGPT, Bing Chat, or Google Bard.
The internet is full of text content, with more than half of it being meticulously crafted by professional writers who invest considerable time and effort into research and analysis, resulting in detailed and original articles. Conversely, tools like ChatGPT are capable of generating such content within a matter of minutes based on a simple English prompt. Similarly, students can complete their assignments swiftly with the assistance of AI writing tools.
In this context, GPT Zero proves invaluable in detecting AI-generated content, thereby preventing individuals from passing off such content as their own. While experienced individuals can often discern between human-authored and machine-generated content within seconds, given the widespread usage of AI-generated content in today’s digital landscape, tools like GPT Zero can offer significant benefits by detecting huge amounts of content in a short period.
Why Do You Need GPT Zero?
The unprecedented success of ChatGPT has paved the way for several AI-powered text generators, enabling users to obtain answers, create professional documents, write essays, and even complete assignments. Tech giants such as Google and Microsoft have introduced their own AI chatbots to compete with ChatGPT and capitalize on the growing AI revolution.
However, the misuse of these tools in education and content creation cannot be overlooked, as people have started taking advantage of them. Students can effortlessly complete their assignments without gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter, while professionals extensively rely on AI tools to compose product descriptions, promotional emails, blogs, and more.
This is where tools like GPT Zero come into play. Their purpose is to detect whether content has been generated by a human or an AI. Numerous professional organizations and educational institutions have begun relying on such AI detection tools to counter the use of artificially generated content.
GPT Zero Features
Here are some standout features of GPT Zero:
1. AI Detection Tool
GPT Zero is packed with advanced algorithms and language models that can accurately analyze the content and assess the level of AI’s involvement in the text. In case the article contains text from both AI and humans, GPT Zero will highlight specific sections or sentences within the text that may have been generated using an AI-based tool.
Additionally, in some instances, GPT Zero may declare that the input text is written by humans but will mark the sentences with low perplexities, so you can edit them out to make your content more original.
2. Chrome Extension
GPT Zero provides a Google Chrome extension called ‘Origin’ for quick access to their detection tool. By using GPTZero Origin, you can easily identify whether the content was written by a human or generated by AI. It’s free and works on every website. The company asserts that the extension can detect various AI-based language models and technologies, including ChatGPT, GPT-3, GPT-3.5, GPT4, GPT-J, and more.
3. Microsoft Word Plugin
GPT Zero offers a Word Plugin for Microsoft Office users who want to ensure the authenticity of their written content. With the help of the plugin, you can check whether the content you are writing resembles an AI-generated one and promptly make any necessary changes. GPT Zero is the first and only AI detection application integrated with Microsoft Word, earning this recognition from the tech giant through extensive testing of various other AI detection apps.
4. API Services
For developers, GPTZero’s API services allow a smooth integration of AI detection capabilities into their applications. With the API, developers can easily access GPTZero’s advanced algorithms for detecting AI-generated content, enabling them to verify the authenticity of the text and identify the level of AI involvement. You can also customize the detection parameters that suit your requirement and the environment you are working in. The API supports all the features offered by GPT Zero, including AI detection, batch file examination, and analysis reports.
How Does GPT Zero Work?
GPT Zero primarily functions by examining text patterns to assess the predictability of writing. It employs a reverse engineering approach, analyzing text prompts to ascertain the AI’s ability to replicate the input and evaluate its accuracy.
Essentially, the AI attempts to predict the most suitable next word and evaluates the ease with which it can do so. If the text proves highly predictable for AI, there is a higher chance that it’s been produced by an AI tool.
This is what goes in the background:
1. Data and Features
GPT Zero accumulates a substantial dataset comprising both AI-generated texts and human-authored texts, which serves as a reference point for comparison. This dataset is usually stored on the company’s servers and can be accessed whenever a user requests content verification.
Next, the tool extracts various data elements which will serve as indicators to differentiate between the text generated by AI and humans. These elements typically contain distinctive patterns, inconsistencies, linguistic clues, etc.
2. Perplexity Measurement
GPT Zero uses perplexity measurement as its fundamental method to determine whether the content is original or not. Perplexity, a metric used in language modeling, assesses the level of uncertainty in predicting the next word within a sequence. In other words, GPT Zero checks how random the text is by trying to guess the next word. This process involves running the text through the system’s stored GPT-2 model, consisting of millions of parameters.
Higher perplexity values suggest that the AI model finds it challenging to predict the next word, indicating potentially better content, possibly written by a human. Conversely, lower perplexity values are subjected to possible AI-generated content.
3. Burstiness Analysis
Another method used by GPT Zero to detect AI content is the measurement of burstiness. Burstiness refers to the statistical distribution and frequency patterns of words or phrases within a text. By analyzing the level of burstiness, GPT Zero can identify whether the content was generated by AI.
For instance, human-written texts often exhibit variable sentence lengths without a consistent pattern. On the other hand, AI-generated content typically features sentences of similar lengths with clusters of repeated words or phrases. GPT Zero compares the burstiness of the analyzed content with a baseline dataset containing known AI-generated texts and human-authored texts.
4. Algorithm Development and Detection
Based on the datasets, GPT Zero uses advanced machine learning algorithms to train its models on the extracted features, including burstiness and perplexity. These algorithms encompass support vector machines, neural networks, and decision trees, allowing models to learn rapidly and discriminate between human and machine text.
Finally, when you provide a text, GPT Zero applies the trained model to analyze the text’s features and make predictions. Based on the learned patterns, it estimates the perplexity and burstiness within the text and determines the likelihood of the text being AI-generated or human-generated.
To use GPT Zero’s API services, you need to buy an API subscription plan worth $14.99/month.
How to Use GPT Zero?
Using GPT Zero is extremely easy. All you need to do is create an account using your email address. You can also use your existing Facebook or GitHub account to log in.
- Upon signing up, you will have the option to complete your profile immediately or at a later time.
- On completing the profile, you will be redirected to the Subscription Plan page. Choose the plan that best suits your needs, or click on CONTINUE FREE to explore the platform’s features.
- On the next screen, you will find a blank text editor where you can enter the text you wish to analyze for AI interference. Please note that the text should be a minimum of 250 characters and a maximum of 5000 characters for the free plan.
- Alternatively, you can click on CHOOSE FILE if you prefer to upload a prewritten text file in TXT, DOC, or PDF format.
- Check the box to agree with the terms and conditions, and then click on GET RESULTS.
- If you wish to scan multiple files simultaneously, you can click on Batch File Upload in the left tray on the homepage. Select the files, agree with the terms and conditions, and click on SUBMIT to initiate the analysis.
- Additionally, you have the option to monitor your user statistics, such as the number of documents, words, and characters processed, every month.
Can GPT Zero Detect ChatGPT Content?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether GPT Zero can detect the content generated by ChatGPT. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most used AI text generators, and everybody who advocates natural content is looking for a counter product to ChatGPT.
GPT Zero utilizes advanced AI algorithms and has undergone extensive training with millions of internet references. According to the company, it can detect various AI-based language models, including GPT3.5 and GPT4.
Since ChatGPT uses the GPT-3.5 model, its content should be easily detected by GPT Zero. However, the results are often hit-and-miss. During my testing, I noticed that the analysis was not consistent, often producing incorrect results. But again, Nevertheless, the platform is continuously improving, with the creators implementing new algorithms to enhance its accuracy. We’ll have to wait a while to find out its true potential.
I generated a topic on How to take screenshot in iPhone using ChatGPT and ran it through GPT Zero.
GPT Zero flagged it off with the message, ‘Your text is likely to be written entirely by AI’.
GPT Zero Plans & Pricing
GPT Zero offers three plans – Classic, Educator, and Pro. Let’s have a look at each of them:
1. GPT Zero Classic
- No monthly cost
- Can check up to 5K character limit per document
- Can check up to 3 batch files
- It uses GPTZero’s free AI detection model to scan the content
- Microsoft Word plugin and Chrome extension
2. GPT Zero Educator
- Costs $9.99/month
- Can check up to 50K character limit per document
- You can upload unlimited batch files/run to scan for AI content
- You can process up to Run up to 1 million words per month
- Uses a tuned version of the AI model, specifically tailored for educational purposes.
- Perfect for professors, coaching institutes, and private tutors
- Microsoft Word plugin and Chrome extension
3. GPT Zero Pro
- The GPT Zero Pro plan is priced at $19.99 per month
- Can check up to 50K character limit per document
- Unlimited batch files/run to scan for AI content
- You can process up to Run up to 2 million words per month
- Get actress to GPTZero premium AI detection model with high limits, suitable for big educational institutes and organizations
- Microsoft Word plugin and Chrome extension
Pros and Cons of GPTZero
Here is what I liked about GPT Zero:
1. Quickly Identify the AI Content
GPT Zero is definitely among the best platform to verify AI involvement in the content. It features a user-friendly interface and can quickly scan thousands of words. There is also an option to upload batch files to check for AI content which can come in handy, especially for teachers or individuals regularly assessing content from multiple writers.
2. Free Plan
GPT Zero offers a forever-free plan tailored for beginners, enabling content checks of up to 5000 characters per document and 3 batch files to detect AI-generated content. The company states that the basic detection model of GPT Zero is utilized for content verification within this plan. While it may not offer the highest level of performance, it serves as a suitable introduction to the platform’s functionality before considering the option of upgrading to premium plans.
3. Dedicated Advanced Algorithms
With the Educator and Pro plans, users gain access to advanced AI algorithms and detection models specifically tailored for educational and professional purposes. These models can efficiently analyze large volumes of text, delivering precise assessments on whether the content was created with AI assistance, partially influenced by AI, or entirely written by humans.
4. Suitable for Educational Institutes, Content Creators
GPT Zero proves to be an invaluable tool for content writers and educational institutions seeking to curb the use of AI and promote creative writing and original content.
5. Chrome Extention/Word Plugin
GPT Zero’s Chrome extension provides a quick way to assess the content without logging into your account or visiting the GPT Zero website. In my test, I found this feature quite useful and time-saving.
Similarly, the Microsoft plugin allows you to check your content in real-time, just with one click, making the writing and detection process a lot quicker.
Here is what I disliked about GPT Zero:
1. Unreliable
GPT Zero, like other AI tools, is still relatively new and cannot be trusted completely. Its analysis should not be considered a definitive reference for making critical decisions about content quality. Only after a significant period will we be able to assess the true potential and capabilities of the platform. As of now, there is no way to assess its performance and accuracy.
2. Incorrect Result
During my testing, I discovered that GPT Zero often provides incorrect analysis regarding AI involvement. I submitted a text entirely generated by ChatGPT and was astonished to find that GPT Zero suggested the content was written solely by humans.
3. Data Privacy Concerns
AI tools frequently draw flack regarding data leaks and privacy, as many of them collect substantial user data to train their models. We’ve seen several instances where usersl data was accidentally leaked into the public domain. It is crucial to exercise caution when sharing personal details and avoid using sensitive information in the tool’s inputs.
4. Prone to Cybercrime
When I initially sought to test GPT Zero, I was taken aback by the multitude of similarly named platforms available on the internet. As mentioned earlier, these types of programs are relatively new, and since there are no due to guarantees and accountability involved, numerous small companies and individuals have started developing similar platforms.
However, most of these platforms lack genuine capabilities and might engage in fraudulent activities by collecting your data, payment information, etc. For an inexperienced user, it can be tricky to differentiate between GPT Zero and others.
Is GPT Zero Accurate?
Based on my experience with GPT Zero, one thing is clear: no AI tool is 100% accurate. Even tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have yet to create a foolproof AI product. Popular AI text generators like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing Chat also frequently produce factually incorrect information. With that in mind, it would be unfair to expect GPT Zero, a relatively new counter tool, to perform miracles.
So how accurate is it?
After testing the platform extensively, I found slight inconsistencies in the result, especially in analyzing human content. Oftentimes, when presented with 100% human-generated content, it flagged it off as AI content.
Also, at times it failed to detect the AI content correctly and passed it off as natural content. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the deep analysis it performed on the text and highlighted the sentences and sections which sounded robotic and might have been generated by AI.
FAQs
1. Who is the CEO of GPTZero?
GPT Zero was developed by Edward Tian, a student from Princeton University, who serves as the CEO of the company. Alongside a team of ten machine learning engineers, they created GPT Zeroto helpg users distinguish between human and AI-generated texts.
2. What are the alternatives to GPT Zero?
AI Text Classifier by OpenAI is the best free alternative to GPT Zero. Another popular and my favorite tool is Content At Scale, which accurately analyzes the proportion of AI-generated content within a given text.
3. Can I trust GPT Zero?
GPT Zero is continuously undergoing significant development and enhancements to improve its accuracy. While its analysis is usually on point, it can’t be used as a credible reference to judge the quality of content.
4. Do universities use GPT zero?
Although some universities have begun incorporating AI detection tools like GPT Zero, accurately detecting AI-generated content remains a formidable challenge.
5. Is GPT Zero Safe?
Unfortunately, there is no information available concerning the data collection and privacy policy of GPT Zero. However, the platform is being used by numerous prominent organizations and universities for plagiarism detection.
Also, the fact that GPT Zero has been mentioned by reputable news sources such as the BBC, New York Times, CNN, Buzzfeed, and the Washington Post provides some reassurance regarding its safety and security.
6. What are the limitations of Zero GPT?
While GPT Zero can accurately identify the text written by AI, its effectiveness is primarily limited to generic content only. When confronted with more complex articles, it tends to generate inaccurate analyses and flag the content, even when it is entirely written by human authors. This, its usability in real-world applications, is currently limited.
Conclusion
Due to the extensive use of AI-powered tools, universities and schools have a serious challenge to counter plagiarism. The same goes for bloggers, content writers, journalists, and editors, who spend a significant amount of time and resources creating original content for their respective fields.
However, AI text generators have created a serious challenge for all. While AI text generators can efficiently write content on demand, the text often lacks the human touch and unique creativity that only human writers can provide. Also, the use of such tools is unfair to writers and poses serious ethical dilemmas for those regularly using these tools and claiming credit for the results.
To fight this situation, tools like GPT Zero are very crucial. However, no tool can guarantee 100 detections of AI-generated content as there is no proven method to find the accuracy of such tools. Nonetheless, GPT Zero is a promising initiative in the fight against plagiarism, and looking at the trajectory, its development seems to be going in the right direction. We eagerly await what the creators have in the bag for the future.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.