BuzzFeed To Use ChatGPT-Creator OpenAI’s Tech To Create Content: Report

BuzzFeed is looking to use AI to enhance the platform’s online quizzes and content

BuzzFeed’s laid off nearly 180 employees in December 2022.

Source : Getty

ChatGPT, the OpenAI-designed chatbot that offers surprisingly humanlike responses to queries, has been taking the world by storm and has brought artificial intelligence (AI) under the spotlight like never before. Now, New York-headquartered digital news platform BuzzFeed is reportedly looking to OpenAI technology to create content, signalling chances of further layoffs within the company, which in December last year laid off at least 180 employees to cope with challenging global conditions.

As per a report by Wall Street Journal, BuzzFeed is looking to use AI to enhance the platform’s online quizzes and content. CEO Jonah Peretti reportedly made the announcement in an internal memo. 

“In 2023, you’ll see AI-inspired content move from an R&D stage to part of our core business, enhancing the quiz experience, informing our brainstorming, and personalizing our content for our audience,” Peretti reportedly said. It should be noted here that BuzzFeed will not specifically use ChatGPT, but use similar AI-driven tools developed by OpenAI.

BuzzFeed’s stock jumped as much as 157 percent to $2.45 on Thursday after the news broke, along with reports that suggested that the company will partner with Facebook-parent Meta as well. Meta is reportedly paying BuzzFeed millions to bring more creators to Instagram and Facebook. 

BuzzFeed, which also owns the Huffington Post and Complex Networks, late last year laid off at least 180 employees, or 12 percent of its workforce, as media layoffs grow amid the challenging global conditions.

BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti said in an internal memo to impacted individuals that we are reducing our workforce by approximately 12 percent and "letting many talented colleagues go".

"I want all of you, but especially those that are receiving difficult news today, to know that these changes do not reflect on the good work that these employees have done over the years to build our company and our brands," Peretti added.

(With inputs from agencies)