Generative AI, or artificial intelligence that can create content, has the potential to revolutionise many industries. From generating news articles and creative works to assisting with tedious tasks like data entry, generative AI has the ability to improve efficiency and productivity.
However, it's not all good news. When generative AI is good, it's good. But when it's bad, it can cause some serious issues. So, should we trust robots to write the next classic novel? Or should they just stick to starring in half decent Disney films?
One major danger of poor-quality generative AI content is the spread of misinformation. With the ability to generate large amounts of content quickly and easily, generative AI can be used to create fake news and other forms of misinformation that can spread quickly and widely. This can have serious consequences, including damaging the reputations of individuals and organizations, causing political instability, and even undermining public trust in the media.
The thing is this: AI tools such as ChatGPT write with confidence and persuasiveness that can be interpreted as an authority.
So, it's much easier to spread false information when the writer speaks this way. The text may be taken at face value by casual users, which can, as we've said, can send incorrect data and ideas throughout the internet.
For example, coders have been filling Stack Overflow's dev query boards with AI-generated snippets. But the quality of the code is so bad, Stack Overflow had to introduce guidelines to prevent it.
Another danger of poor-quality generative AI content is the potential for it to be used for malicious purposes. For example, generative AI can be used to create fake reviews, scams, and other forms of online fraud. It can also be used to automate the creation of spam messages and other forms of unwanted communication. In the wrong hands, generative AI can be a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and causing harm.
One major concern with generative AI is that it can produce content that lacks substance and depth. Basically, the content can be just a little bit shoddy. This is because generative AI is typically trained on large amounts of existing data, and it can only generate content based on what it has learned from this data. As a result, generative AI content may be limited in its ability to provide in-depth looks into complex subjects or offer new insights and perspectives.
This lack of substance and depth in generative AI content can have serious consequences. For example, it can lead to a superficial understanding of important topics and issues and make it difficult for people to make informed decisions.
The use of generative AI to produce content can create a homogenised, one-dimensional view of the world. Because, as we've said, generative AI content is based on existing data, it may reflect the biases and limitations of that data, which can result in a narrow and skewed perspective. This can have a negative impact on diversity and representation, as well as on the overall quality of the content that is produced.
So, it is important for users of generative AI to be aware of these dangers and to take steps to ensure that the content they generate is high-quality and accurate. This may require advanced AI tools and techniques, as well as careful review and verification of generated content. By taking these steps, we can help to minimise the risks associated with generative AI and maximise its potential benefits.
In order to address these concerns, it is important for users of generative AI to carefully consider the potential limitations and biases of the content that is produced. This may require advanced AI techniques and tools, as well as human oversight and review. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that generative AI content is high quality and provides a balanced and accurate view of the world.
We asked ChatGPT itself to respond to these claims:
"It is true that generative AI, like any technology, has its limitations and can be misused. However, it is also a powerful tool that has the potential to greatly benefit society in many ways.
For example, generative AI can be used to create new and innovative ideas, improve decision making, and automate tedious tasks. It is important to approach the use of generative AI with caution and care, and to consider its potential impacts on society before using it.
At the same time, it is also important to recognize the potential benefits that generative AI can offer, and to work to develop and use the technology responsibly."