Confessions of a Researcher: My Co-Author is an AI, Do I Need to Spill the Beans?
“Generative AI Is My Research and Writing Partner. Should I Disclose It?”
“‘Chatbots, AI-powered virtual assistants or messaging apps, are involved in our lives at a growing rate. From answering customer service queries to booking an Uber, they’ve become an integral part of our digital existence.”
Pardon a smirk, but isn’t it just darling how our virtual nannies know us so well? These chatbots, or AI-powered assistants as they so fondly are labeled, chatter away in the corner of our devices, booking Ubers, answering questions and revolutionizing the digital landscape. They’re about as integral to our online lives as coffee is to morning rituals.
Some geniuses from Stanford, MIT, and Georgia Tech were not content with the status quo, they decided to take a bold leap and devised a simple concept aimed at enlightening the younger generation about the magic and mystery behind these tireless virtual assistants. Their proposition? Disclose to kids how exactly Alice, your favorite chatbot, is able to ‘know’ your favorite pizza topping.
The mission behind this tech education crusade is rooted in good intentions. It’s not about pulling back the curtain to reveal an old man frantically pulling levers behind the scenes, no, it’s about demystifying technology for children. It’s about making it less magic and more science.
The idea is to introduce a creative work prompt (ARTiFACTS) within these chatbots where, occasionally, they disclose how they knew something or made a prediction. The ‘A’ in ARTiFACTS stands for ‘AI awareness’ and the idea is that children will develop a better understanding of how chatbots and AI-powered systems work.
Now, one might argue that removing the magic might stifle children’s creativity and fascination with technology. However, unravelling the mystery doesn’t necessarily mean spilling every bean. The potential benefits, including creating tech-savvy, curious and analytical kids far outweigh any potential downside.
In the end, we have to remember that while technology is a kind of magic, it’s also a pragmatic tool. It’s high time that children learn the mechanics behind the enchantment. So, let the teaching begin, and bring on the questioning, curious kids! Because, after all, knowledge is power, and power should be in the hands of those creating a better future.