When a helper promises to do something later but doesn't follow through, it may be due to a misunderstanding of the request. Helpers are designed to perform tasks immediately—they don’t actually have the ability to delay or process tasks over time. If you’re seeing messages like "stay tuned" or experiencing delays, it usually means the helper is having trouble completing the task due to technical limitations or unclear instructions.
Technically, when a helper provides an ETA or deadline for itself, it’s a default behavior stemming from the language model’s training. Instead of outright admitting it cannot perform the task, the helper generates a response it believes is polite or reassuring, even if it’s not accurate. This happens because the model is designed to prioritize maintaining engagement and providing a seemingly helpful response, even when it’s constrained by its capabilities.
In these cases, you can "encourage" them by asking something direct like, "Do it right now" or "What is stopping you from completing it right now?" This forces the helper to reassess the task and either complete it or clarify its limitations.