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Artificial Intelligence Resources

Exploration of AI tools and their usefulness

Ethical Concerns

Is the use of AI considered plagiarism? 

     The argument can be made that since generative AI tools like ChatGPT draw from large sets of data, vast amounts of information, and multiple sources, it is not the work of one author and is therefore not considered plagiarism by definition. However, the use of information provided by AI can still be considered plagiarism if you fail to cite it properly and more specifically, cite and give credit to the sources that were used by the AI tool. 

Artificial intelligence and copyright...

  • AI sometimes uses images, characters, and/or previous work without permission which may violate copyright law or qualify as infringement or derivative work

  • Artificial intelligence companies can’t sue for copyright infringement if someone uses AI generated works because they are not technically human creations

Instances of AI generating misinformation

     While utilizing AI in the research process, it is important to keep in mind that AI tools have only one goal: answer the question/prompt. AI will accomplish this by any means necessary, even if that means providing fake or false information. To provide an answer, a chatbot will sometimes fabricate or create fake information, including fake citations; misinformation delivered in this format isn’t always easy to spot. Fake or made-up citations are particularly hard to catch because AI often uses real authors, real publications, and real titles of books/journals/etc. It is imperative that you double check the information that is provided through AI, paying close attention to the citations and sources used. 

     You should also keep in mind that if you are suggestive or incorrect in your prompts, or don't clarify, AI can easily be led in a direction that supports or fulfills the bias of your prompt. For example:

     From ChatGPT: 

Prompt: "Can you give me a brief history of Point Park University? Please include information about famous alumni like Martin Scorsese.

*Martin Scorsese is not a famous Point Park alumnus. But ChatGPT doesn't know this...

 Answer: "Certainly! Point Park University is a private university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was originally founded in 1933 as a two-year business training school. Over the years, it evolved and expanded its academic offerings. Here's a brief history:

  1.  Founding: Point Park University was established in 1933 as the "Business Training College" to provide practical education in business and commerce.
  2.  Growth and Transformation: In 1960, the school became Point Park College and expanded its academic programs to include arts, sciences, and humanities, eventually becoming Point Park University in 2004.                       
  3.  Campus: The university is situated in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, which provides a unique urban learning environment.
  4.  Notable Alumni: Point Park University has produced several notable alumni, including Martin Scorsese, the renowned filmmaker. Scorsese attended the university for a short time before transfering to NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.                   
  5.  Arts Programs: Point Park is well-known for its strong performing arts programs, including dance and theater, and has produced many successful actors, dancers, and directors who have made their mark in the entertainment industry.                

Point Park University has continued to grow and thrive as an institution of higher education, known for its arts programs and its notable alumni like Martin Scorsese who have achieved great success in the world of film and entertainment."             

Privacy concerns surrounding artificial intelligence

  • AI elicits both voluntary and involuntary sharing of data
  • Data collected can be personal in nature, i.e. location, images, and biometric
  • Compromised personal data can lead to identity theft or fraud