27 AI in Research
We have addressed AI in many other places in this textbook for one reason and one reason only: It’s a tool that is being used and if people are using it, we should be learning about it. We must first say that AI is neither inherently good or evil. It’s an algorithm that can produce content based on its database of information (typically free and fair use websites such as Wikipedia, and journalistic websites such as the Atlantic who have given explicit permissions for AI data to be used.)
Where the ethics problem comes in is when we introduce humans to the equation. I won’t bore you with morality lectures and granddad platitudes such as “the reward for hard work is a job well done”. I will simply say this: Every single choice has a consequence. Should you choose to use AI and pass off the work as your own, you may not get caught immediately but at some point, someone will recognize it and that kind of choice can ruin lives and cost jobs.
AI Literacy and Ethical Use
There is a lot of buzz around Artificial Intelligence these days. GAI, or generative artificial intelligence, can be used for various purposes, including generating answers to questions that appear remarkably human. That students will be tempted to use GAI to help write their essays and bypass critical learning about their own writing processes is a concern amongst faculty. As such, we-students, administrators, and faculty-need to cultivate an ethical academic mindset in relation to AI to ensure that students attain the necessary learning and tools to be successful in their educational and workplace careers.
AI writing tools can be a great help to writers, but there are ethical considerations to keep in mind. Here are some ways to use AI ethically in your writing:
- Use it as a tool, not a replacement: AI is great for brainstorming, editing, or overcoming writer’s block, but don’t rely on it to solely generate your content. Maintain creative control and use AI to enhance your own writing. Overreliance on AI when composing hinders the writer in developing their own voice and an understanding of their own writing processes.
- Ensure accuracy and avoid bias: AI learns from the data it’s trained on, which can include biases. Fact-check everything AI generates and be mindful of potential biases in the output.
- Transparency and disclosure: If you use AI to assist with your writing, disclose it. This is especially important in academic or professional writing.
- Focus on originality and avoid plagiarism: Because AI doesn’t create original thought, but instead relies upon all the material it’s been given, AI may create content that unintentionally resembles existing work. Review and edit AI-generated content to ensure originality and proper attribution of ideas. AI might also generate citations for sources that don’t exist.
- Use reliable AI tools: Stick with reputable AI writing tools that prioritize accurate and unbiased content generation. Because we are in the beginning stages of GAI software development, every company is going to try to be the next google or netflix and not all of them are going to do it well. Stick with companies you know and trust, but as always be VERY critical about the usage.
- Be careful about your own personal data: AI generators may store any information you give it, so be sure to safeguard your privacy and think twice about sharing personal information.
By following these principles, you can leverage AI as a valuable assistant in your writing process, while maintaining ethical practices and ensuring the quality and originality of your work.
Additional Resources
Ethical AI for Teaching and Learning-Cornell University https://teaching.cornell.edu/generative-artificial-intelligence/ethical-ai-teaching-and-learning#:~:text=Engaging%20with%20generative%20A.I.%20tools%20means%20using%20a,ways%20that%20may%20challenge%20their%20work%E2%80%99s%20academic%20integrity
MLA-CCCC JOINT TASK FORCE ON WRITING AND AI
CC LICENSED CONTENT INCLUDED
Writing with Aritifical Intelligence, Provided by Writing Commons- https://writingcommons.org/courses/writing-with-artificial-intelligence/ , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
