ChatGPT Marks Three-Year Milestone, Defying Early "Doomsday" Predictions

Three years after its public debut on November 30, 2022, OpenAI's ChatGPT has become a ubiquitous presence in technology, integrating into various sectors without triggering the dire "doomsday" scenarios predicted by some early critics. The generative AI chatbot, which rapidly gained 100 million users within two months of its launch, has transformed industries from customer service to content creation, prompting a re-evaluation of AI's societal impact.

The initial release of ChatGPT sparked both excitement and significant apprehension, with many experts and public figures voicing concerns about potential job displacement, widespread misinformation, and even existential risks. Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent figure in AI, notably resigned from Google to warn about the technology's dangers, while an open letter signed by over 20,000 individuals, including Elon Musk, called for a pause in advanced AI development in March 2023, citing "profound risks to society and humanity."

Despite these anxieties, the world has largely adapted to the presence of advanced AI. While challenges like "hallucinations"—where the AI generates plausible but incorrect information—and copyright issues persist, the technology has been integrated into daily workflows and new products. OpenAI has continued to innovate, releasing models like GPT-4o and the recent GPT-5 on August 7, 2025, alongside specialized offerings such as ChatGPT Go in India, which provides enhanced AI access at a localized price point.

The tweet from "clem 🤗" succinctly captured this sentiment, stating, "> Chatgpt was released almost three years ago and the world hasn’t ended. Where are the doomers?" This reflects a growing public perception that while AI presents complex ethical and practical considerations, its integration has been more evolutionary than revolutionary, fostering new efficiencies and applications rather than immediate societal collapse. The debate continues regarding AI's long-term effects on labor markets and information integrity, but the immediate fears have largely subsided as the technology matures and regulatory frameworks, such as the EU's AI Act, begin to take shape.