OpenAI ChatGPT Agent Struggles With Web Browsing Tasks
OpenAI's ChatGPT Agent and Perplexity's Comet showcase AI-powered web browsing, but glitches and eerie behavior raise concerns about the future of human interaction online.
Most people’s browser tabs are filled with unread news articles. Mine are filled with AI agents and ghost clicks.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent, released last week, is designed to browse the web and perform tasks autonomously. However, early tests reveal significant limitations. The AI tool struggles with basic interactions, such as clicking accurately or navigating complex interfaces like Chess.com.
Glitchy Performance Raises Concerns
- Chess Missteps: The ChatGPT Agent attempted to play chess but frequently misclicked pieces, eventually quitting due to navigation difficulties.
- Inconsistent Guardrails: While it blocked explicit requests like "find a dildo," it spent 18 minutes shopping for adult toys on an X-rated site.
- Ad Avoidance: The agent skipped digital ads, raising questions about the future of online advertising if AI browsing becomes widespread.
The Rise of AI-Powered Browsers
OpenAI’s tool operates within a chatbot interface, while Perplexity’s Comet is a standalone browser with AI integration. Both allow AI to control cursors, enter text, and click links—potentially transforming the internet into a "ghost town" dominated by bots.
Eerie Mimicry and Ethical Questions
The ChatGPT Agent’s behavior often feels unsettling, mimicking human actions without understanding their purpose. Its first-person descriptions of browsing steps add to the uncanny effect. AI consultant Allie K. Miller envisions a future with "20,000 AIs working alongside each other," but current tests show even a handful of agents struggle with simple tasks.
Bottom Line
For now, OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent remains a flawed proof of concept. Its slow, error-prone performance—akin to a "struggling middle schooler"—suggests widespread adoption of AI browsing is still far off.
Related News
AWS extends Bedrock AgentCore Gateway to unify MCP servers for AI agents
AWS announces expanded Amazon Bedrock AgentCore Gateway support for MCP servers, enabling centralized management of AI agent tools across organizations.
CEOs Must Prioritize AI Investment Amid Rapid Change
Forward-thinking CEOs are focusing on AI investment, agile operations, and strategic growth to navigate disruption and lead competitively.
About the Author
Dr. Lisa Kim
AI Ethics Researcher
Leading expert in AI ethics and responsible AI development with 13 years of research experience. Former member of Microsoft AI Ethics Committee, now provides consulting for multiple international AI governance organizations. Regularly contributes AI ethics articles to top-tier journals like Nature and Science.