Unless you’ve been living off-grid the past few months, you’ve heard of the artificial intelligence text generator called ChatGPT. You may have even tried it yourself. What do you need to know about this technology? A lot, it turns out. Academics — both learners and educators — stand to benefit greatly from these tools. But – and it’s very important – these benefits are not without risks. We’ve gathered the top resources here to help you decide how and when to use artificial intelligence text generators.
ChatGPT is a powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool that has revolutionized the field of AI and is changing the way humans interact with technology. This guide provides an in-depth overview of ChatGPT, including a detailed explanation of the risks and benefits of using the tool.
Who Created ChatGPT?
ChatGPT was one of many AI models created by OpenAI, a research and deployment company founded in 2015 with the aim of advancing artificial intelligence in a way that is safe and beneficial for humanity. The organization was founded by a group of experts in the field of AI, including Elon Musk, and is dedicated to promoting the development of artificial intelligence in a responsible and ethical manner.
OpenAI is best known for its groundbreaking research in the field of AI, including the development of GPT-3, one of the largest and most advanced language models in the world. OpenAI’s research has the potential to help change the world and help improve lives in many ways, and the organization is dedicated to working with other researchers, companies, and governments to advance the field of AI.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a powerful language model, or AI text generator, designed to produce human-like conversational text. ChatGPT is a type of AI model that has been “trained” on large amounts of text data, and it uses that training data to generate new text based on the input it receives. The model has been deep trained on a massive amount of text from books, articles, and the internet. Given an initial text as a prompt, it uses this training data to generate new text that is coherent, relevant, and context-aware.
ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art language model that has the ability to produce text that can be used in a wide range of applications, including chatbots and virtual assistants, content creation, customer service, language translation, and automated decision-making.
What Are the Capabilities of ChatGPT and GPT-3?
ChatGPT and GPT-3 can be used to generate text that is coherent, relevant, and context-aware. They also have the potential to revolutionize the field of language generation. ChatGPT and GPT-3 can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Chatbots and virtual assistants: ChatGPT can be used to develop chatbots and virtual assistants capable of providing conversational responses to customer inquiries. Think applications such as quick answers to problems, help with decision-making, and break down issues into solvable parts.
- Content creation: ChatGPT can be used to generate new text that is coherent, relevant, and context-aware, and it can be a helpful writing assistant for creating new content. It can also create content based on commands such as “write a recipe for banana bread.”
- Customer service: ChatGPT can provide human-like responses to customer inquiries in real-time, to help make customer service more efficient and effective. Some examples may include answers to commonly asked questions such as “What are your hours of operation?” or “Do you have burritos on the menu?”
- Language translation: GPT-3 provides advanced language translation technology that has the potential to change the way we interact with people from different cultures and countries. Imagine more seamless communication across countries, instantly translated responses, and more.
- Automated decision-making: OpenAI is working on developing advanced AI technologies around making decisions. The implications of this capability could include making decisions when running your small business, context-based and complex decision-making, and more. By studying sophisticated decision trees, AI can emulate these decisions across a variety of situations.
- Image creation: OpenAI’s product DALL·E creates images from text captions for a wide range of concepts expressible in natural language, and it has a diverse set of capabilities, including creating anthropomorphized versions of animals and objects, combining unrelated concepts in plausible ways, rendering text, and applying transformations to existing images.
Sample Content from ChatGPT Text Generator
Now it’s time to look at ChatGPT in action to see what an AI text generator can ideate. Following is an example how ChatGPT produced “original” content from the prompt, “Write a menu with descriptions for Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people:”
Starters:
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crusty Bread - A warm and creamy dip made with spinach, artichokes, and a blend of melted cheeses. Served with crispy crusty bread for dipping.
- Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts - A wheel of soft and gooey brie cheese, baked until golden and topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
- Deviled Eggs with Pickled Relish - Classic deviled eggs made with creamy yolks, tangy mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
Main Course:
- Roasted Turkey with Sage and Onion Stuffing - A perfectly roasted turkey, seasoned with fresh herbs and paired with a savory stuffing made with sage, onions, and crusty bread.
- Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes - Rich and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic and a blend of fresh herbs.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans - A sweet and decadent casserole made with tender sweet potatoes and topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans.
- Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Topping - Fresh green beans baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions.
- Carrots with Honey and Thyme - Sweet and tender carrots roasted with honey and thyme, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory meal.
- Gravy with Pan Drippings - A rich and savory gravy made from the pan drippings of the roasted turkey.
Desserts:
- Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream - A classic pumpkin pie, made with a flaky crust and a spiced pumpkin filling. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust - A sweet and savory pie made with juicy apples and a cheddar cheese crust.
- Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream - A rich and gooey pecan pie, made with a buttery crust and a caramel-like filling. Topped with a light and fluffy bourbon whipped cream.
- Assorted Mini Cheesecakes - An assortment of bite-sized cheesecakes in a variety of flavors, including classic, raspberry, and chocolate.
Beverages:
- Spiced Apple Cider - A warm and comforting cider, made with apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices.
- Red and White Wine - A selection of red and white wines, perfect for pairing with the meal.
- Assorted Soft Drinks - An assortment of soft drinks for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
- Coffee and Tea - A selection of hot coffee and tea to complete the meal.
Bon appétit!
What Are the Risks of Using ChatGPT and Other AI Text Generators?
ChatGPT can clearly help with generating text and assisting with various language-related tasks. While ChatGPT and text generators like it have many potential benefits, there are also certain limitations and challenges associated with their use. In particular, these five risks should raise concerns among all academics:
Risk #1: Plagiarism
First and foremost, it is important to note the use of chatbots in a college setting may not always be appropriate, especially when it comes to submitting original work for writing assignments and other projects. Academic institutions take plagiarism very seriously, and the act of generating text using these tools can be considered plagiarism since the text generated is not original. To avoid any issues with plagiarism, ensure the text you submit is original and written by you. Plagiarism detection tools help professors spot content that has been plagiarized — including AI-generated work — in student papers.
Risk #2: Lost knowledge
Another important consideration is that relying on chatbots can prevent you from truly comprehending the material you’re learning. While these tools may be able to assist with language-related tasks, they may not provide a complete understanding of the material. This is because you may not be actively engaging with the content and thinking critically about it. To truly understand the material and retain the information, actively engage with the material, participate in class discussions, and complete the necessary readings and assignments yourself.
Risk #3: Technology limitations
The New York Times points out that there are other challenges associated with the use of AI chatbots. These technologies may not have the necessary capabilities to address more complex or specialized areas of study, such as mathematics or engineering. They are designed primarily to generate text and assist with language-related tasks.
Risk #4: Misinformation
It’s important to note that ChatGPT and GPT-3 are still developing technologies, and they may not always produce accurate or appropriate results. While they have been trained on vast amounts of data and can generate coherent and relevant text, they are not perfect. Be aware of misinformation, false claims, and limitations of these technologies. In sum: do not rely on them as your sole source of information.
Risk #5: Your privacy and deepfakes
There are also privacy concerns associated with the use of ChatGPT, which cybersecurity advisor What Is My IP Address points out. These technologies may collect and store personal data, which raises privacy concerns. Read the privacy policies of these technologies to understand how their data may be used. To protect your privacy, be careful about the information you share and only provide what is necessary to access these technologies. Further, in addition to disinformation, deepfakes imitate other people — which ChatGPT can mistake for a valid source — and they are known to spread misinformation.
Why Should Students Avoid Using ChatGPT for College Assignments?
To ensure the appropriate and effective use of text generators, students should be aware of the risks associated with their use, including plagiarism, lost knowledge, technology limitations, misinformation, and privacy concerns. To avoid these risks, approach the use of these technologies with caution and a critical eye, and always ensure that the text you submit for assignments and projects is original.
Is Using Artificial Intelligence Considered Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic and professional writing, as it involves presenting someone else’s work as your own. The question of whether using AI text generators can be considered plagiarism has become a topic of discussion and concern, especially for AI detection tools like Turnitin.
As a student, using this tool responsibly and ethically is crucial. Simply copying and pasting text generated by ChatGPT into a paper, report, or other assignments without proper citation and attribution is considered plagiarism. This is because the text generated by AI is not original and was created by an algorithm, not by the person who is submitting it. CEO of Turnitin Chris Caren explains:
“Lately, there has been a surge of interest and concern surrounding ChatGPT, the increased sophistication of its capabilities, and the rapid advancement of AI writing tools. While AI writing tools have the potential to expand on original thoughts and ideas, they also have risks similar to contract cheating, when students represent AI-assisted writing as their own.”
The question of whether using ChatGPT can be considered plagiarism depends on how the user employs the tool. If the text generated by ChatGPT is used as a starting point for original research or writing, then it can be a useful tool for generating ideas and suggestions. In this case, it is important to properly cite and attribute the source of the information, just as you would do with any other source. Text generated by ChatGPT may contain information that isn’t original and may have been taken from multiple sources.
However, if the text generated by ChatGPT is simply copied and pasted into a paper or report without any modifications, it can be considered plagiarism since the text isn’t original. The use of ChatGPT in this way is not only unethical, but also violates the terms of use for the tool, which clearly states that the text generated by the model should not be used for commercial purposes without proper attribution and citation.
While using ChatGPT as a generator of ideas may be considered acceptable at some academic institutions, the best recommendation for students is to avoid using the tool for assignments and stick to utilizing it for fun (like planning out your next Thanksgiving feast!).
How Are Colleges Handling Artificial Intelligence?
ChatGPT is quickly leading to concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity. As a result, Forbes points out that many colleges and universities have taken steps to crack down on the use of AI text generators and ensure students are using the tools responsibly. The following are three ways educational institutions are addressing this growing concern.
1. Utilizing plagiarism detection software
One of the main ways colleges are cracking down on AI is by implementing plagiarism detection software, as previously mentioned. These software programs are designed to identify instances of plagiarism by comparing student papers to a database of text from published sources, including the internet. If a match is found, the software will flag the text as potentially plagiarized, and the instructor can then determine if the text was used inappropriately. Some plagiarism detection software even includes the ability to detect text generated by ChatGPT, allowing instructors to more easily identify instances of misuse.
2. Educating students on the ethical use of tools
Another way that colleges are cracking down on AI chatbots is by providing education and resources to students on responsible and ethical uses of the tools. In some cases, illustrates The New York Times, educators are arguing in favor of the use of ChatGPT as a means for teaching students how to safely and responsibly use technology. This may include workshops, online resources, and one-on-one advising to help students understand the dangers of plagiarism and the importance of proper citation and attribution. By educating students on the responsible use of AI, urges education site Common Sense, colleges aim to reduce instances of misuse and promote academic integrity.
This solution aims to promote the responsible use of AI text generators by integrating them into the academic curriculum. For example, instructors could assign students the task of writing a paper using ChatGPT as a starting point and then requiring substantial revisions and original contributions. By incorporating the use of ChatGPT into academic assignments, instructors can help students understand how to use the tool in a responsible and ethical manner while also fostering creativity and innovation.
3. Providing repercussions for misuse
In addition to education and technology, colleges are also cracking down on ChatGPT by implementing strict policies and consequences for misuse, which may include formal warnings, loss of academic credit, and even expulsion for repeated or severe violations. By taking a firm stance on the use of ChatGPT, colleges aim to deter students from engaging in unethical behavior and promote a culture of academic integrity.
Colleges and universities are cracking down on ChatGPT by implementing plagiarism detection software, providing education and resources to students, and implementing strict policies and consequences for misuse. However, some argue that cracking down on text genertors may not be the most effective solution, and that promoting responsible use through integration into the academic curriculum may be a better approach. Regardless of the approach taken, it is important to strike a balance between ensuring academic integrity and encouraging students to explore new tools and technologies that can enhance their learning and research.
Overview: What is ChatGPT and What Should College Students Know About AI Chatbots?
ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI and trained on a vast amount of text data from the internet, which enables it to generate human-like responses to a wide range of questions and prompts. This makes ChatGPT a useful tool for various applications, including chatbots, text generation, and language translation.
Although it can be a helpful tool in some situations, the technology is not without its downsides. One of the key features of ChatGPT is its ability to generate text based on patterns it has learned from the data it was trained on. This means that it can generate responses similar to text that appears in the training data, but it may not always generate responses that are accurate or ethical. For this reason, it is important for students to be aware of the limitations of AI chatbots and critically evaluate the outputs generated.
Another important aspect of AI that college students should be aware of is the potential for bias. Because ChatGPT and other AI models are trained on text data from the internet, they can reflect the biases and stereotypes that are present in this data. For example, a model trained on text data that contains a lot of sexist or racist language may generate outputs that are biased in these ways. This highlights the importance of training AI models on diverse and inclusive data to reduce the risk of bias.
Despite these limitations, ChatGPT and other AI models have the potential to change the way we work, communicate, and learn. For example, ChatGPT can be used to automate repetitive tasks, such as customer service inquiries, and to provide personalized recommendations, such as suggestions for books or movies. In education, AI models like ChatGPT can be used to provide instant feedback and assistance to students.
ChatGPT has the potential to transform a wide range of industries and applications. However, college students should be aware of the limitations and biases of AI chatbots, and critically evaluate the outputs generated by these models. Avoid the use of AI text generators for college because of the risk of plagiarism. By gaining a basic understanding of AI and its potential, you can prepare yourself for a future where these technologies play an increasingly important role in your life.
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