What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest buzzwords these days, popping up everywhere. We all toss it around, but do we really understand what AI is or how it works?
AI refers to programming computer systems to perform tasks that are typically associated with human intelligence. AI involves creating algorithms and models that can analyze data, identify patterns, and make decisions based on that analysis. AI technology is designed to learn and adapt over time, enabling it to perform increasingly complex tasks more accurately and efficiently. From self-driving cars to personal research assistants, AI is reshaping various aspects of our daily lives, and its significance continues to grow.
Generative AI
Generative AI (GenAI) is a type of AI that focuses on creating new content, such as text, images, music, and code, all by typing in a simple prompt. Large Language Models (LLMs) are a type of generative AI that are designed to generate human-like text.
Watch the video below to learn more about what AI is and how it works:
Important Considerations
If you decide to use AI for assignments, be sure to adhere to your instructor’s classroom policies and expectations for AI use. Here are a few more things to be aware of if you choose to use generative AI:
Hallucinations
In the context of AI, the term hallucination refers to the fact that these models may “confidently state information that is not correct.” AI may also generate information that is out-of-date and misunderstand context and nuance. But, because LLMs excel at copying human language patterns, the false or out-of-date information they create can sound very plausible. Verify any information you intend to use that came from an AI tool. If an AI tool suggests a source, do not cite that source without actually reading and evaluating it. More about hallucinations in AI.
Bias
AI tools may reflect biases present in the data it was trained on. These biases may then be reflected in the output the AI generates. Check any information you intend to use for potential bias. More about bias in AI.
Privacy
Like many online services, especially those that are free-to-use or offer a no-cost tier, generative AI tools collect and learn from user input in order to train their models and improve outputs. Always take the time to read terms of service and be aware of what data may be collected. Be wary of sharing sensitive information or uploading any personal documents that might include such information to an AI tool. Never share sensitive information such as social security numbers with generative AI. More about Data and Privacy in AI.
Evaluation
When you get information from AI and use it as a source, it is important to evaluate it the same you would any other source. Use criteria such as the source evaluation wheel to make sure the AI source is credible and useful for your research need.
AI Detection
AI detection software is fairly unreliable and suffers from false negatives and false positives. This is partly because AI models develop and evolve so quickly, and also due to flaws in AI detection tools. Students that are acting in good faith and not using AI to write their essays may have their original work flagged as AI-generated. Don’t rely on AI Detection tools to evaluate AI sources or information.
Copyright
The US Copyright office has acknowledged that while some existing copyright law covers areas relevant to AI, new laws will be necessary to protect individuals from harm that might be caused by AI-generated digital replicas. The Copyright Office will continue to release reports that address other areas of copyright with regards to AI in the coming years. For more on Copyright and AI as this topic develops, visit the US Copyright Office’s website for updates. Generative AI is trained off pre-existing material which may have individual copyrights, but is currently considered to be covered under Fair Use.
Additional Information
Continue exploring this guide to learn more about:
Need Help?
