Evaluating and using Information

5. Artificial Intelligence

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms exploded in 2023. ChatGPT was followed quickly by a large number of text generating tools, alongside software that creates original images (such as Dall-E 2), presentations or computer code. 

AI has, of course, been around for some time and we often use it without realising. However, it is becoming an increasingly important part of modern society and has begun to revolutionise the way we work, communicate, and learn.

What is Generative AI and how does it work?

Generative AI tools create content based on patterns, generating reasonably accurate, plausible-sounding (or looking) responses to prompts on a wide range of topics.

Limitations of Generative AI

• Generative AI tools are unable to access information specific to your particular course or module at Queen Mary, nor do they have access to journals and resources that are available to you via Queen Mary Library Services, so they will only make use of generally available information.
• At the time of writing, most Generative AI tools do not retrieve information from ‘live’ online sources, meaning that information from the last few months is not included.
• Generative AI can create ‘hallucinations’ or fake data or information that is convincing but not based on reality. Furthermore, it can produce fake references or citations which could lead to academic misconduct (Nature, February 2023). As soon as ChatGPT was launched, stories started to appear about it passing exams (NBC, 23 Jan 2023). However, these platforms do not ‘think’ or create original ideas.

Ethical issues

• Discussion about Generative AI tools is just one part of much wider concerns about the development and control of AI in society.
• Because Generative AI systems are informed by existing texts or other datasets they, like other algorithm-based tools such as internet search engines, reproduce the biases contained within the source material.
• Issues around AI generated content go beyond text. The growth in ‘deep fake’ images and videos require you to develop your information literacy skills to evaluate the authenticity of all sources.

So, can you use Generative AI in your assignments at university? See link to FAQ's for more information: