CSUF GuidelinesGenerative AI has the potential to be used in ways that violate the UNC Honor Code, such as using generated text, images, or audio without acknowledgement or plagiarizing work by using GenAI tools.
Remember to always check with your instructors and review the course syllabus for their policy on using Generative AI. Many instructors have specific guidance on when and how to use GenAI in their course, and guidelines for how to cite or acknowledge its use.
The rapid expansion of GenAI has created increased demand for the natural resources that power its processes, such as electricity and water.
Further reading: “A Computer Scientist Breaks Down Generative AI’s Hefty Carbon Footprint” Scientific American, May 2023
Many researchers who study the spread of misinformation (incorrect or false info) and disinformation (deliberately misleading information) are concerned about GenAI’s ability to easily and quickly spread false content.
While it may be tempting to think of an output from an AI-based tool as neutral when it comes to bias, that is not the case. Since machine learning models are trained on real world datasets, and since the world contains bias, outputs from these models may replicate or even exacerbate biases we see in the world around us.
Further reading: “An A.I. Researcher Takes On Election Deepfakes.” New York Times, April 2024
Can you trust that the information you receive from these AI-based tools is correct? Not without double checking. Many chatbots such as ChatGPT were designed to produce content that seems realistic, so they will produce inaccurate content with the same level of confidence as accurate content and it's up to you to determine which is which. You'll need to employ a variety of strategies to double check information before assuming it is correct. Check out the Lateral Reading page to learn more.
Because Generative AI tools have advanced so rapidly, existing copyright law has struggled to adapt. The rightful copyright owner of GenAI outputs is still unclear, and this area of law will continue to change as new ownership claims are made.
Where does the content come from? Because machine learning takes huge inputs of data sets, many models use information from the internet in their training. Artists and authors have criticized AI-based tools for using their work without compensation or credit. If an AI-based image generator can produce work in the style of a certain artist, should that be seen as stealing, or paying homage?
Further reading: “Boom in A.I. Prompts a Test of Copyright Law,” New York Times, December 2023
Copyright infringement lawsuits against OpenAI and Meta from the New York Times and comedian Sarah Silverman and other artists and authors.
Some experts are concerned because Generative AI companies are not clear about how users’ data are protected. Other concerns include the lack of consent from creators whose work was used to train AI tools.
It is safe to assume that -- in some way or another -- any information you put into a AI-based tool is being used to further train the machine learning model. If you choose to use these tools, you'll want to make sure you're never putting personal or secure information about you or anyone else in your chats. You should also read through any user agreements if you sign up to use a particular service and make your own decision if you are comfortable agreeing to the terms. If one of your class projects requires the use of a particular technology that you do not wish to create an account for, you can ask your instructor for an alternative way to complete the assignment.
Content adapted from University of Maryland libraries https://lib.guides.umd.edu/c.php?g=1340355&p=9880569 )
Further reading: “Generative AI's privacy problem,” AXIOS, March 2024.
Generative AI holds the possibility of creating content that is more accessible to everyone, including people who use assistive technology. However, it’s also important to ensure that GenAI-created content and tools are accessible and pass digital accessibility checks.
Further reading: “‘Without these tools, I’d be lost’: how generative AI aids in accessibility”Nature, April 2024
Content adapted from University of North Carolina Libraries