ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI. It is part of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) family, known for generating human-like text. ChatGPT is specifically optimized for conversation, capable of providing responses and information on a wide range of topics. It is used in various applications such as chatbots, customer support, content creation, and more. As an AI, ChatGPT does not have consciousness or understanding but can mimic human conversation patterns based on the large dataset it was trained on.