Experts in the fields of artificial intelligence and digitalisation are calling for proactive regulation, transparency and new ethical standards in the use of generative AI, following a Delphi study conducted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). Large Language Models (LLMs), such as the chatbot ChatGPT, have the power to revolutionise the science system, according to the study. The positive effects of LLMs on scientific practice clearly outweigh the negative ones, according to the 72 international experts surveyed. However, the respondents stress the urgent need for science and politics to actively combat the possible spread of disinformation by LLMs, in order to preserve the credibility of scientific research.
While the use of LLMs, which are capable of generating false scientific claims that can appear indistinguishable from genuine research findings, has the potential to revolutionize academic research, the study suggests they could also negatively impact society through misinformation and flawed training data that may embed racist stereotypes and discriminatory views in texts. Critically contextualising LLM results and cultivating responsible and ethical practices in the use of generative AI in the science system were highlighted as key approaches to addressing the challenges posed by this powerful technology.
The report calls for stricter legal regulations and increased transparency of training data, along with the development of new skills among researchers, to ensure that LLMs are implemented in the most responsible and effective manner. This will require scientists and researchers to refocus on their research content and use their expertise, authority and reputation to advance objective public discourse in the face of growing disinformation from large language models. The report, Friend or Foe? Exploring the Implications of Large Language Models on the Science System, is available now as a preprint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the Delphi study conducted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)?
The Delphi study is a research project conducted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) that aims to investigate the impact of Large Language Models (LLMs) on scientific practice and society.
What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?
Large Language Models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence systems that are capable of generating texts that can appear indistinguishable from those created by humans.
Why are experts calling for proactive regulation and new ethical standards in the use of generative AI?
Experts are calling for proactive regulation and new ethical standards in the use of generative AI because of the potential risks associated with the misuse or abuse of this powerful technology, including the spread of disinformation and the embedding of racist stereotypes and discriminatory views in texts.
What are the positive and negative effects of LLMs on scientific practice?
According to a Delphi study conducted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), the positive effects of LLMs on scientific practice clearly outweigh the negative ones. LLMs have the potential to revolutionize academic research. However, the use of LLMs could also result in the spread of disinformation and flawed training data that may embed racist stereotypes and discriminatory views in texts.
What are key approaches to addressing the challenges posed by the use of LLMs?
According to the Delphi study, key approaches to addressing the challenges posed by the use of LLMs include critically contextualizing LLM results and cultivating responsible and ethical practices in the use of generative AI in the science system. This will require stricter legal regulations, increased transparency of training data, and the development of new skills among researchers to ensure that LLMs are implemented in the most responsible and effective manner. Scientists and researchers must also refocus on their research content and use their expertise, authority, and reputation to advance objective public discourse in the face of growing disinformation from large language models.
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