ChatGPT – An Ethical Dilemma or Just Another Advancement in Technology?
The introduction of ChatGPT has reignited the ongoing debate about whether artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually surpass human capabilities. This latest technological breakthrough, which aims to provide written responses to written questions, has not only raised concerns in the general public but also among some of the most prominent AI researchers.
In a joint open letter signed by AI leaders, including Stuart Russell, Elon Musk, and Steve Wozniak, a call was made to pause the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for at least six months. Their worries about the future implications of AI have been further emphasized by another open letter initiated by Geoffrey Hinton, a respected AI veteran who recently retired from Google to express his personal opinions on the matter. Hinton highlighted the importance of mitigating the risks associated with AI, comparing them to other global concerns such as pandemics and nuclear war. However, he did not sign the first letter, as he believed that a complete moratorium on AI advancements would be unachievable.
What do the students think?
While AI leaders seem to be unnerved by the potential dangers posed by AI (ironically, even the CEO of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT), what do the next generation of users, particularly students, think about this technology?
During a recent developmental activity within our DBA program, four doctoral researchers and I asked undergraduate students from Amsterdam and London for their opinions on ChatGPT. Interestingly, several concerns similar to those expressed by AI leaders were voiced, particularly regarding how people might misuse the technology. However, many students were more pragmatic in their approach, comparing the introduction of ChatGPT to their parents’ experience with the internet during their college years. Some even referred to it as a tool similar to a calculator, stating that it simply facilitates faster problem-solving.
Just another tool or something more?
While students recognized the novelty of ChatGPT, we also noticed comments that seemed to justify its ethical use, even though the ongoing debate within universities still questions its validity. Some students compared ChatGPT to Google, while others believed it could be used as long as proper referencing was done. Beyond being a mere reference tool, some students mentioned that ChatGPT provided them with more time for learning. In fact, a few students saw no problem with its use, considering it as inevitable.
The inevitable use of ChatGPT raises concerns about biases in the information it provides. Platforms like Google and YouTube already tend to reinforce our preexisting beliefs. One student questioned how ChatGPT would deliver information without expressing opinions, especially considering its conversational nature.
However, not all students held positive views about ChatGPT. Some who had not yet used the technology believed that it should not be used in universities, as it could be considered cheating and unfair to those who did not use it. This raises the question of what advantages ChatGPT possesses over humans.
According to Hinton, GPT knows thousands of times more than any human in basic common sense knowledge. He further elaborated that ChatGPT’s artificial neural networks have around a trillion connection strengths, while the human brain has approximately a hundred trillion connection strengths. With significantly less storage capacity, ChatGPT acquires far more information than humans. This suggests a significant advantage in terms of information processing. However, can AI’s pattern-forming capabilities truly equate to knowledge, or is it simply efficient information processing? Hinton argues that because AI systems can exchange digital information with each other, they can learn from one another at unprecedented speeds. In contrast, human communication is limited to hundreds of bits per second through sentences. This suggests that ChatGPT can learn thousands of times more than humans.
Nevertheless, as one student pointed out, humans digest a vast amount of information, but there is a fundamental difference between information and knowledge. While AI may possess the ability to acquire and process information quickly, it does not possess the human skill of true understanding and knowledge.
Considering these arguments, it is understandable why many AI leaders are concerned about the rapid development of AI. At the end of the day, ChatGPT may possess a vast amount of information, but it lacks the human capacity for true knowledge.
In conclusion, the introduction of ChatGPT has sparked a debate about the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI advancement. While students have varying opinions on the matter, there are concerns about the misuse of ChatGPT as well as its potential to perpetuate biases. While AI may surpass humans in terms of information processing, there is still a difference between efficient data processing and genuine human knowledge. As the ongoing discussion continues, it is crucial to consider the implications and limitations of AI while appreciating the unique skills and capabilities that make us human.
