Yes, I too have seen ChatGPT issue an apology. Then it gives a worse version of its previous answer, buggier code etc.
And it's because the most plausible continuation of that interaction is now of an ongoing conversation with an apologetic incompetent.
Do not anthropomorphize the LLM. It does not have mental state. It does not have feelings. It does not have a suddenly realised goal of "doing better". The written apology was merely the most plausible text to issue at that point. It will then go on to simulate being wrong again, which I've come to recognise is more plausible than an idiot suddenly becoming a wizard.
In such circumstances, the actual best remedy is to start afresh with a revised prompt.
And it's because the most plausible continuation of that interaction is now of an ongoing conversation with an apologetic incompetent.
Do not anthropomorphize the LLM. It does not have mental state. It does not have feelings. It does not have a suddenly realised goal of "doing better". The written apology was merely the most plausible text to issue at that point. It will then go on to simulate being wrong again, which I've come to recognise is more plausible than an idiot suddenly becoming a wizard.
In such circumstances, the actual best remedy is to start afresh with a revised prompt.