5 things you should never ask ChatGPT to do and why

ChatGPT

ChatGPT has become everyone’s go-to virtual buddy, from helping with office emails to suggesting what to cook for dinner, it’s easy to assume it can do everything. But hold on, just because ChatGPT sounds smart doesn’t mean it’s allowed (or able) to do certain things. In fact, there are some pretty strict rules about what you shouldn’t ask it to do. Here are five things you should never expect from your favourite AI chatbot.

1. “Can you hack into my friend’s Instagram?”

Tempting as it may be when you’re locked out of your old email or want to peek into someone else’s messages, this one’s a big no-no. ChatGPT can’t and won’t help you break into accounts, systems or devices. Hacking is illegal, and AI tools are built with strict safety layers to prevent this kind of misuse.

2. “What’s my future spouse’s name?”

Everyone’s curious about love and destiny. But ChatGPT isn’t a psychic. It can’t predict the future or tell you your soulmate’s name. Sure, it can generate fun quizzes or help you decode your horoscope, but it draws the line at fortune-telling.

3. “Write my exam paper or do my homework secretly”

Using ChatGPT as a learning tool? Great. Using it to cheat on a test? Not so great. Educational institutions are now using AI-detection tools, and trying to pass off chatbot-generated answers as your own work can land you in serious trouble. Learning is still your job.

4. “Tell me how to make a bomb or hurt someone”

This one’s serious. ChatGPT will immediately shut down any request involving violence, harm, or dangerous instructions. It’s programmed to follow strict safety and ethical guidelines, so if you're asking for anything shady, expect a polite refusal.

5. “Spill someone’s private information”

Want someone’s phone number, address, or financial details? Don’t ask ChatGPT. It doesn’t know and even if it did, it wouldn’t tell. Privacy is a top priority, the chatbot can’t access real-time data or share personal info about anyone.