(paid user) ChatGPT’s censorship is making it useless – now flagging for “potential for smelly vandalism”

The Challenges of Overly Censored AI Tools: A Critical Look at ChatGPT’s Content Moderation

In recent times, advancements in artificial intelligence have transformed the way we access and process information. Tools like ChatGPT offer remarkable capabilities for research, problem-solving, and creative collaboration. However, recent experiences highlight some concerning limitations—particularly the extent and nature of content filtering that appear to impede legitimate, harmless inquiry.

A Personal Encounter with Overzealous Filtering

I have been working on developing a fictional universe, specifically designing an organic compound that fits within a bio-chemical context. My goal was to use ChatGPT as a reliable assistant to identify potential flaws or misconceptions in my chemical principles. Unfortunately, this interaction revealed a growing issue: ChatGPT’s filters flagged insights that are entirely innocuous and scientifically sound.

Specifically, when I inquired about long-chain thioesters—compounds relevant in biochemistry—ChatGPT’s moderation system labeled any mention of them as potentially useful for creating vandalism-related substances. To clarify, the content I was exploring was purely theoretical, containing only chemical terminology and concepts related to lipid emulsions. There was no harmful intent or malicious application.

The Limitations of Content Moderation

This experience exemplifies a broader problem: overly restrictive content moderation can inadvertently hinder legitimate scientific research and creative endeavors. When even technical, non-harmful discussions are censored, users are left frustrated and limited in their ability to learn and innovate. It transforms open-ended, academic inquiries into censored echoes of knowledge, fostering an environment where curiosity is stifled.

Furthermore, the phenomenon seems to be escalating. Just earlier this week, I encountered similar restrictions, feeling that the system’s infantilization—pointlessly policing content beyond reasonable measures—diminishes the tool’s utility. This phenomenon is reminiscent of how content moderation has altered the tone and accessibility of platforms like YouTube, where nuanced discussions are often curtailed by tightening restrictions.

An Unexpected Glitch

Adding a layer of irony, during one of these moderation incidents, the explanation provided by ChatGPT about certain biochemical substances vanished entirely. It appeared that even its rationale for censoring—discussing harmless chemical compounds—was deemed too problematic to present. This not only hampers knowledge dissemination but also raises questions about the transparency and consistency of AI moderation protocols.

The Broader Implication

Such restrictions threaten to diminish one of the most promising tools for research and education. If the trend continues, valuable insights