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AI Tools in Academic Writing and Research

Risks in Using AI

Click on the following questions to see the Library-moderated ChatGPT responses.

What are the risks of using AI as a university student?

'The use of AI for students at university could pose the following risks:

  1. Potential biased and fairness issues: AI algorithms may not accurately reflect cultural, ethical, or social nuances. They can perpetuate and amplify existing biases in the data they are trained on, leading to potential ethical issues.
  2. An overreliance on AI for information and answers could reduce critical thinking and problem-solving skills, e.g., oversimplification, missed nuances, and errors.
  3. AI may provide incorrect or outdated information, leading to inaccurate conclusions or misunderstandings.
  4. Privacy and security concerns: AI systems can be vulnerable to hacking and data breaches, which can result in the theft of sensitive information.
  5. Lack of transparency: Some AI systems are difficult to interpret, which can make it challenging to understand how decisions are being made and hold organizations accountable for any negative outcomes.
  6. May not always accurately reflect cultural, ethical, or social nuances: AI raises a number of ethical concerns, such as the potential for misuse or abuse, lack of accountability, and unequal access to benefits.

It is important for students to critically evaluate and verify information obtained from sources, including ChatGPT, to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information used for academic purposes.'

Source: Open AI. (2023). ChatGPT. [artificial intelligence model]. Retrieved from https://openai.com/api/
Library Analysis: AI uses a preexisting data bank to respond to questions rather than undertaking a comprehensive internet search. Thus, AI cannot provide in-depth responses as required and also may in understanding the context of your question. As Academic writing tasks require students to respond to questions adequately, handing in AI generated assignments will put your grade at risk.
What are the risks of using ChatGPT to write my academic essay?

'Using ChatGPT or any AI-based tool to write an academic essay has several risks, including:

  1. Analytical skills: To analyze the topic and understand the key points to be included in your essay.
  2. Creative thinking: To come up with unique ideas and viewpoints that set your essay apart from others.
  3. Reflective skills: To reflect on the information you have gathered and determine what you need to do next.
  4. Problem-solving skills: To identify and solve problems that may arise while writing your essay.
  5. Reasoning skills: To logically present your arguments and ideas in your essay.
  6. Evidence-based reasoning: To provide credible and relevant evidence to support your claims and arguments.
  7. Ethical reasoning: To ensure that you are presenting accurate and ethical information in your essay.

By incorporating these critical thinking skills into your writing process, you will be able to produce an ethical and well-written academic essay.'

Source: Open AI. (2023). ChatGPT. [artificial intelligence model]. Retrieved from https://openai.com/api/
Library Analysis: While AI tools like ChatGPT might be beneficial, they cannot replace your original work. It would be best to exercise caution while employing AI tools in your studies. Ultimately, if you depend on artificial intelligence to do your assignments, you will not acquire the necessary skills to graduate. For your bachelor's or master's thesis, you must show your ability to do research and write about it under close supervision. If you have not fully acquired these talents, you will fall behind in your coursework or fail to graduate.

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