ChatGPT presents ethical concerns for schools and profs

BY JASMINE SEVERI B&T EDITOR

Recently, a new artificial intelligence technology called ChatGPT has been gaining traction in the tech world. ChatGPT is a natural language processing system that can generate humanlike conversations with users. Created by OpenAI, it is powered by a deep learning algorithm that can understand and respond to user input in real time. It can also generate content based on a prompt, such as thesis statements or even entire essays.

This technology has raised ethical questions as some students have begun to use it to complete assignments, and it leaves schools trying to figure out what policies they need to put in place to address it.

Jennifer Tronti, assistant professor of English and director of the undergraduate English program, said she is aware of this technology and thinks that teachers have to accept that this is a reality now.

“I brought it up in a class and — no names — but people have said that they know classmates (who have used it),” Tronti said. “We know it’s in use already. It’s already something that’s here and around, so I feel that no matter what my personal position is on it, I’m going to have to contend with it and I can do horrible, awful things like make everybody do handwritten essays, which are painful to read. I’m sure they’re painful to write, and I don’t think that’s a great solution.”

Recently, California Baptist University’s Provost O ce sent out an email to the student body with the subject, “Uses and Abuses of Chat GPT3,” where they addressed this technology and acknowledged both the “potentials and perils it brings.”

“Your faculty are aware of applications like Chat-GPT3 and GPTZero, which can detect, like SafeAssign, AI-generated text,” said Tae Sung, dean of student success and associate professor of English, in the email.

“A group of faculty is currently exploring how such technologies can be used properly to enhance learning through technology in the same way we already use sophisticated computer software to enhance learning.” The email also warned against the abuse of this technology.

“If you choose to experiment with these new technologies, avoid any potential honor code violations,” Sung’s email said. “Do not use AI-generated text as your own. Treat it like any open online source that must be evaluated and, if used, cited properly.”

ChatGPT itself, when asked about the ethical implications and practical applications of this new technology, warns against using it improperly.

“It is important to consider the ethical and educational implications of (using ChatGPT to help with writing essays),” ChatGPT said.

“As a language model, ChatGPT can generate text that may be useful in providing ideas or suggestions for your writing, but it is not a substitute for your own original thinking and writing.”