ChatGPT Operator: A Digital Proxy for Human Interaction?

Recently, OpenAI announced the release of Operator, a new feature integrated into ChatGPT. When I first heard about it, I thought, Why not write about it?—especially since the announcement didn’t make things as clear as they could be.

If you’ve seen the announcement, the name Operator might give you several impressions, but it doesn’t quite explain what the feature does. Is it about running operations? Helping manage systems? Or something entirely different? The truth is, it offers far more than the name suggests—and not in the way you might expect.

This led me to wonder: Is Operator really acting on behalf of a human? Could it be considered a digital proxy or representative of a human? And if so, how does it accomplish tasks like booking a reservation or filling out forms online without having integration with specific websites?

The idea of Operator being an assistant that explores websites, interacts with them, and acts as a digital extension of human senses—like sight and interaction—raises several questions about how it works and whether it truly acts like a human.

The feature feels incredibly promising, but let’s not shy away from pointing out a recurring trend: ChatGPT’s naming conventions for its features often fail to convey their true potential.

Operator might sound intriguing, but without clear explanations, it risks being misunderstood or underestimated. So, let’s dive deeper to understand what Operator is, how it works, and whether it truly acts as a digital human proxy.

Note: Currently, OpenAI’s Operator is available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States for $200 per month. This subscription provides access to Operator’s advanced capabilities, including performing tasks on the web such as booking trips and buying groceries

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The List of Features

With a clearer understanding of how Operator functions, let’s dive into its core features. Below is a concise list of what the Operator can do, along with a quick description for each feature.

Note: based on initial search of public data and ChatGPT.

Limitations of ChatGPT’s Operator

While Operator introduces groundbreaking capabilities, it’s essential to recognize its current limitations. Here’s a detailed list of what Operator cannot yet do or areas where it faces challenges:

Note: based on initial search of public data and ChatGPT.

Filling Out a Registration Form on a Website

Step-by-Step Process:

1. You Specify the Task:

You type a command into ChatGPT, such as: “Can you fill out the registration form on [examplewebsite.com] for me?”

• You either provide the website URL directly (e.g., “https://examplewebsite.com/register“) or clearly name the site.
• If you’re already on the site, you may describe it in context, but giving the link ensures Operator knows exactly where to go.
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2. Operator Accesses the Website:

• Using its built-in browser capabilities, Operator navigates to the website.
• If you’ve provided a specific link (like the registration page), it goes directly there.

3. Operator Analyzes the Web Page:

• It scans the page visually, identifying key elements like:

Form fields (e.g., “Name,” “Email,” “Password”).

Buttons (e.g., “Submit”).

• It interprets these elements using vision and reasoning to map out the layout.

4. You Provide Information:

• Operator may ask for details it needs to complete the task.

For example:

“What name should I use?”

“What email address should I enter?”

“Would you like me to generate a secure password?”

• You respond with the required details, or you might pre-provide them in your initial command.

5. Operator Fills Out the Form:

• It clicks into each field, types the information, and completes the form step by step:

Types your name in the “Name” field.

Enters your email in the “Email” field.

Generates and fills a password if requested.

• It ensures every field is correctly filled before proceeding.

6. Operator Submits the Form:

Once all fields are complete, Operator clicks the “Submit” button (or equivalent).

7. Follow-Up Actions:

If additional actions are needed (e.g., verifying an email, solving a CAPTCHA), Operator pauses and notifies you to complete those steps manually.

Clarifications: Does Operator Need a Link?

1. Providing a Link:

If you give a direct link (e.g., the registration page), Operator can navigate there directly, saving time.

2. Naming the Website:

If you provide just the website name, Operator will attempt to locate the relevant page. However, this may take longer or require follow-up instructions to specify the exact location.

3. Being Already on the Website:

If you’re describing a site you’re currently using (without providing a link), Operator may ask for more context to ensure it finds the correct page.

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Why This Matters:

Being clear about how you provide instructions helps set the stage for seamless interactions. While Operator is smart enough to infer some details, direct links or clear task descriptions greatly improve its accuracy and efficiency.