Artificial Intelligence

According to YU's Undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy, unless use of AI is sanctioned by your professor, you should assume you cannot use it in any form.

There is a prevailing attitude that you can use one AI tool, such as ChatGPT or Microsoft's CoPilot, as a magical-type of tasker with unlimited abilities. However, there is a reason why there are so many different AI tools out there: They all have specialities and they all have limitations. You can use Google to answer what different tools can do and cannot do, and likewise search for AI tools that are appropriate for the tasks you need accomplished.

The AI tool you choose can give you plagiarized text, be biased, or fail to comprehend what is important. It can also return content that is simply incorrect. It is important to double-check information and proofread the content.

An example of ChatGPT-generated content, produced in response to the prompt:
"What would you say to students who want to use ChatGPT to write their papers for them?"
[Citations included below.]

If students want to use ChatGPT to write their papers for them, I would encourage them to consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of such actions. Here's what I might say:

Using ChatGPT or any AI language model to generate a paper entirely on your behalf raises serious ethical concerns and violates academic integrity. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Plagiarism: Submitting work generated by ChatGPT without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism, which is a form of academic dishonesty. Academic institutions take plagiarism very seriously and may impose severe penalties for violations.

2. Learning Experience: Writing papers is an essential part of the learning process. By relying on ChatGPT to write your papers, you miss out on the opportunity to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication.

3. Authenticity: Your professors expect your work to reflect your unique understanding, insights, and voice. Using ChatGPT to produce a paper undermines the authenticity of your academic work and diminishes the value of your education.

4. Long-term Consequences: Taking shortcuts in your academic work may provide short-term relief, but it can have long-term consequences for your academic and professional reputation. Employers and graduate schools value integrity and may view academic dishonesty unfavorably.

I encourage you to engage with the material, conduct thorough research, and develop your ideas independently. If you're struggling with a paper, consider seeking assistance from your professor, a writing center, or peer tutors who can provide guidance and support. Remember, the goal of education is not just to produce assignments but to foster intellectual growth and development.

Instead of using AI to write papers for you, it's better to use it as a tool for assistance and learning. You can:

• Generate Ideas: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and outline your paper.
• Clarify Concepts: Ask for explanations or clarification on difficult concepts related to your topic.
• Improve Writing: Use it for proofreading, grammar checks, and improving the clarity of your writing.

Ultimately, using AI responsibly means using it to enhance your learning and understanding, not to bypass the work that is integral to your education.
 

APA
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (June 5 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Chicago [Notes style, not author-date style.]
1. ChatGPT, response to “What Would You Say to Students Who Want to Use ChatGPT to Write Their Papers for Them?,” OpenAI, June 5, 2023.

MLA
“What Would You Say to Students Who Want to Use ChatGPT to Write Their Papers for Them?'" prompt. ChatGPT, 4.0, OpenAI, 5 June 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.