Hallucinating Customer Support
LLMs have great applications in domains where they augment the weaknesses of algorithmic techniques and where their outputs can be automatically checked, e.g. in coming up with critical parts of machine-checked proofs. In contrast, when the the outputs cannot be checked, LLM-based systems can be extremely annoying for customers, especially when used without an attentive human in the loop. One such area is customer support. I am fairly confident that many of the customer support “agents” at Frigidaire customer support are either 100% bots or bots with completely inattentive humans. Here is a recent chat session with them where I hope it is obvious to everyone where the responses are coming from. I hope this does not become the future of customer support
You · 7:31 PM
please connect me to an agent
Pixie · 7:31 PM
The estimated wait time is 3 minutes.
John · 7:31 PM
Hi, thank you for your patience today, please confirm you are still connected, and we can get started right away.
You · 7:31 PM
yes
John · 7:31 PM
Thank you for contacting Frigidaire. My name is John. How can I help you today?
You · 7:32 PM
I just got the GCFI3060BFA range. I ordered GCFI3060BF after discussing with Gerardo here.
You · 7:33 PM
he told me that each cooktop has a timer and will autoshutoff when the timer goes off
You · 7:33 PM
I cannot figure out how to set the timer for each cooktop
You · 7:33 PM
for each burner I mean
You · 7:34 PM
the manual does mention a timer for each cooktop in the photo
You · 7:34 PM
page 19, item 7 in the photo
John · 7:34 PM
For the Electrolux GCFI3060BF induction stove, setting a timer for each individual burner can be a bit nuanced. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the timer function for each burner:
Setting the Timer for Each Burner
Turn On the Cooktop: Press the power button to turn on the cooktop.
Select the Burner: Choose the burner you want to set a timer for. You usually do this by pressing the corresponding burner’s icon or touchpad.
Adjust the Cooking Settings: Set the desired cooking level (heat setting) for the burner if it’s not already set.
Access the Timer Function: Look for the timer button on the control panel. This might be labeled as “Timer” or have a clock icon. Press this button to enter the timer setting mode.
Set the Timer: Once in timer mode, you should be able to set the time for the selected burner. Use the plus (+) or minus (−) buttons to adjust the time. Some models might require you to enter the time directly using numerical buttons.
Start the Timer: Confirm the timer setting by pressing the “Start” or “Set” button. The timer should now be active for the selected burner.
Repeat for Other Burners: If you need to set timers for additional burners, repeat the process for each burner. Ensure you select the correct burner each time before setting the timer.
Check Timer Display: The cooktop’s display should show the remaining time for each active timer. This will help you keep track of the cooking progress.
Additional Tips
Manual Reference: Consult the cooktop’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model, as the steps can vary slightly based on the control panel design.
John · 7:34 PM
Complete Owner's Guide
https://na2.electroluxmedia.com/Original/Electrolux/Electrolux%20Assets/Document/Complete%20Owners%20Guide/English/A26582001en.pdf
You · 7:35 PM
thanks, let me try to understand and try it
John · 7:36 PM
No worries. Take your time. I will be here waiting.
You · 7:36 PM
there are no + or - buttons on the cooktop. there are no numerical buttons
You · 7:36 PM
there is no start no set
John · 7:37 PM
Given that your Electrolux GCFI3060BF induction stove lacks traditional timer controls like "+", "-", or numerical buttons, and there are no obvious "Start" or "Set" buttons, the timer function might be integrated into the touch controls or a specific menu. Here’s how you can generally set a timer on such cooktops:
Steps to Set the Timer on a Touch-Control Induction Cooktop
Turn On the Cooktop: Press the power button to turn on the cooktop.
Select the Burner: Use the touch controls to select the burner you want to set the timer for.
Access the Timer Function: Look for a button or icon related to the timer on the touch control panel.
Set the Timer: Use the touch controls to set the desired time.
Confirm the Timer: The cooktop might automatically start the timer.
Monitor the Timer: Check the display to monitor the countdown.
You · 7:40 PM
the picture above is all I have got.
You · 7:40 PM
it comes from the manual
You · 7:40 PM
and matches what I have
You · 7:41 PM
tell me based on the picture what to touch
John · 7:41 PM
Yes, please follow the manual.
You · 7:41 PM
as I said, the manual says nothing about how to set the timer
You · 7:41 PM
it just says "Shows the time currently left on the timer."
You · 7:41 PM
for item 7
John · 7:43 PM
If your Electrolux GCFI3060BF induction cooktop only displays the remaining time on the timer without providing direct options to set it, the timer function might be a bit unconventional. Here’s a refined approach based on your description:
Using the Timer Function
Turn On the Cooktop: Ensure the cooktop is powered on.
Select the Burner: Use the touch controls to select the burner for which you want to set the timer.
Access the Timer Setting: Look for a timer button or icon on the touch control panel. If the panel indicates “Shows the time currently left on the timer,” you might need to find a way to enter timer mode.
Setting the Timer:
Hold the Timer Button: Press and hold the timer button or icon.
Tap the Timer Button: Tap the timer button to cycle through the timer settings. Each tap might increase or decrease the time.
Confirm the Timer: The timer might activate automatically once you’ve adjusted the time.
Monitor the Timer: The display should show the remaining time for the burner’s timer.
If You Can’t Set the Timer
Consult the User Manual: The manual may have specific instructions on using the timer feature.
You · 7:44 PM
it is very clear you are just feeding me responses from ChatGPT
You · 7:44 PM
without really understanding the problem
John · 7:47 PM
If your concern is not in the manual the unit don’t have these features.
John · 7:48 PM
Our apologies for the inconvenience you experienced.
John · 7:52 PM
Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You · 7:53 PM
please send me the survey link
John · 7:53 PM
Please provide your email address.
John · 7:53 PM
Anything else besides this one?
You · 7:53 PM
xxx@gmail.com
You · 7:53 PM
no
John · 7:54 PM
Survey Sent. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us. Have a great day! Bye.
John · 7:54 PM
Hi, thank you for your patience today, please confirm you are still connected, and we can get started right away.
The Frigidaire page had no option to save or email the chat transcript and on copy pasting the formatting was messed up and the order of messages was in the reverse chronological order so so the above transcript was instead generated by feeding ChatGPT the raw html content of the page. Howeever, I have carefully reviewed the output of ChatGPT to ensure it matches my actual conversation.