We are sure that by now most people know about the intelligent AI chatbot; ChatGPT. However, if you’re still unaware of it and its uses, then don’t worry, we got you!

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence(AI) chatbot that was recently launched in November, 2022. From writing silly poems to pulling out well-researched explanations about anything on the internet, it does it all.

Is ChatGPT free?

Though ChatGPT has a subscription model, the basic features can be used for free.

How does ChatGPT work?

All you have to do is give it a well-created statement and make sure you give it all the important and relevant details. Once submitted, the AI will analyze it, then tap into its own resources and compose a reply for you.

Now that we know what ChatGPT is and how it works. Here are a few ways to use it ethically, and the limitations that come along with it.

Use it for thought starters

If you’re someone that is pursuing advertising or journalism, you already know the importance of having your words and ideas be your own. However, there are days when you struggle to decide on the direction you want to take with a certain brief. On those days, you can use ChatGPT as a classmate to bounce some ideas off of. Rather than using what it suggests word for word, think on how you can expand on those ideas and make them your own. 

Use it to avoid some ideas

A big limitation of ChatGPT is that if someone has searched the same topic as you (like most students in your class might) it may suggest similar ideas to them. This automatically makes the direction that ChatGPT suggested less unique. So, another use of ChatGPT can be to weed out the basic thought starters to ensure your angle is unique.

Use it to explain complex topics

ChatGPT can be your tutor. If you were too embarrassed to ask a question in class, but still want to know how to solve a particular math problem or understand a scientific theory, you could ask ChatGPTto explain it to you in simple and easy words. 

What else do I need to know?

Now that you know a few ways you can ethically use ChatGPT, here are a couple other things you will need to consider.

Verify all the results

Though the chatbot is helpful, you need to make sure you verify all the results that have been stated. After all it is a machine and it doesn’t cost a lot to validate its accuracy.

It is also suggested that you do not make any health or finance related claims on the basis of the information generated by the chatbot. 

Ask for the professor’s permission

It is up to you to make sure your professor approves of you using an AI chatbot. This step is very important because it could have consequences.

As per Humber’s academic regulations, copying from or using prohibited material in an assignment or examination including aids not approved by the faculty member, can be considered as plagiarism. 

Citing ChatGPT in assignments

According to the Guelph Humber Library Guide; ChatGPT cannot be used as a knowledge creation tool. As it is a non-recoverable source which can’t be linked, you have to properly cite it according to the MLA guidelines.

Note: As of February 2023, information about using and citing ChatGPT and other generative AI tools is still being developed and will continue to be updated.

Humber is excited to explore the possibilities of engaging with artificial intelligence in an ethical way to support student learning.

And if you’re excited too, just remember, as the use of AI gets popularized, it’s important to set boundaries. Over-use or over-dependence can develop habits that might stunt your personal growth. After all, there is a limit to how much you can rely on a software to do your work for you. So always use these resources wisely.

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