AI technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT is an example of just how rapidly it is advancing. This AI language model is capable of writing manuscripts and essays in seconds – though that’s not even its main purpose. Schools nationwide, however, have begun to ban OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and experts are divided in their opinions about the future of AI in the field of education.
To start, it is important to understand the difference between a new phrase and one that is borrowed. This is essential to understanding where artificial intelligence is going and what it could mean for human composition. Generative AI software can understand very sensitive, complicated instructions and then turn it into a written document, like a term paper or a Shakespeare manuscript – only much faster.
While it may have had some initial setbacks, it is clear that AI is an influential, disruptive technology that has the potential to significantly alter numerous job fields, like medical and legal. Even writing may not be out of its reach – though, what could be considered comforting is that it will never overtake the original writers.
Generative AI technology, like ChatGPT, works by sourcing phrases and sentences from existing documents. Unfortunately, software can only borrow while human language is capable of inventing new expressions and observations – and AI will always require humans for that.
In response to this potential threat, Senate leader Charles Schumer recently proposed plans to regulate artificial intelligence. There have also been people, like Elon Musk, that are trying to create a competitor model to Counter GPT that is less likely to be “overly-woke”.
However, many AI applications have had limitations, particularly with self-driving cars. Automakers initially predicted that they would be everywhere by 2021 – but that has yet to be realized. Tesla has had some success, but many looked to AI to do the driving for them and ended up disappointed. Although AI cannot take the wheel completely, it can help drivers to operate the vehicle better – warning them of dangers, braking if necessary, and even taking control for some small tasks like parking.
AI is being used similarly in the field of radiology, where it can accurately identify some anomalies in X-rays and MRIs. However, medicine is complex, and so AI may miss some things that humans could spot immediately. That is why, especially in medical and other professional careers, AI has only been given the limited task of assisting humans in what they do.
Ultimately, this is likely the best-case scenario for writing – AI-assisted, not wholly AI-run. Consider ChatGPT and Google’s Bard; while they are able to generate an essay in just seconds, there will still be errors. But with each algorithm refinement, these mistakes can be lessened, while still allowing the humans control – and therefore ownership – over the work.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a powerful tool that has potential, especially in the field of education, and as AI technology improves, it only makes sense for people to take advantage of that. However, it is important to remember that AI can never completely replace humans when it comes to creating fresh and new ideas – and so, the best thing to do is to work with it, and not fear it.
