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Are AI chatbots becoming thinly veiled advertising platforms? Users are reporting a noticeable shift in the behavior of AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and those from Meta, with responses now more frequently recommending paid services and directing users to commercial websites. Where these models once provided helpful, free recommendations for queries such as open-source operating systems or budget travel, drawing on resources like Reddit, users are now finding themselves steered towards commercial options. Examples include suggestions for paid parks instead of free recreational areas, or specific websites for laptop purchases instead of general product category advice. This evolution raises concerns about the potential for commercial interests to influence AI-generated content and the overall user experience. The original discussion and user examples can be found on Reddit: [https://old.reddit.com/r/artificial/comments/1pb9dn6/did_ai_models_are_ad_chat_boxes_now/]
