By Taiwo Abiodun-Oni
The term “jibiti” in the Yoruba language connotes a negative connotation of fraud or being bereft of ethics. The phrase ‘Chat GPT or Chat Jíbítì‘ was humorously coined by my Law and Tech Professor Bukola Olugasa in response to my seminar paper presentation on the Legal and Ethical Considerations on the use of Artificial Language Models in Academics and Research.
It is not uncommon for individuals to raise objections to the use of new technologies, and the use of Chat GPT is no exception. Many of my classmates had in fact voiced their concerns about the impact of Chat GPT on their careers as academics. They worry that Chat GPT will replace human researchers and take away their jobs. This fear is understandable, as the use of artificial intelligence and language models like Chat GPT has the potential to automate certain aspects of the research process, such as data analysis and report writing.
However, it is important to recognize that Chat GPT is not a replacement for human researchers. While it can automate certain tasks, it cannot replicate the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are unique to human researchers. In fact, the use of Chat GPT can actually enhance the work of human researchers by providing them with new insights and perspectives that they may not have considered otherwise.
At first glance, one may be quick to dismiss the use of CHAT GPT as jibiti, particularly when considering the potential for misuse or misrepresentation of information. However, it is crucial to recognize the numerous advantages and ethical applications that CHAT GPT offers, particularly in the realm of academics and research.
The most significant benefit of CHAT GPT is its ability to process and generate information rapidly, which can be invaluable for researchers and academics. By using artificial intelligence to analyze large datasets, researchers can more efficiently identify patterns, trends, and insights, ultimately accelerating the research process. Furthermore, CHAT GPT’s natural language processing capabilities can help individuals in academia communicate complex ideas more effectively by generating summaries, translations, and written content.
Despite these benefits, there are ethical concerns regarding the use of CHAT GPT in academics and research. One concern is the potential for AI-generated content to be passed off as original work, leading to instances of plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Additionally, there is the risk that the AI-generated content may be biased, inaccurate, or misleading, which can have detrimental consequences for the academic community.
To ensure that the use of CHAT GPT remains ethical and beneficial, it is essential to establish guidelines and best practices for its application in academics and research. Firstly, users of CHAT GPT must acknowledge and disclose the use of AI-generated content, ensuring that it is not misrepresented as original work. This promotes transparency and allows for proper attribution of intellectual contributions.
Secondly, users should actively scrutinize and verify the information generated by CHAT GPT, ensuring that it is accurate, unbiased, and relevant to their research. This can be achieved by cross-referencing AI-generated content with reputable sources and collaborating with experts in the field. In this way, academics can leverage the power of CHAT GPT without compromising the integrity of their work.
Lastly, educators and researchers must embrace the potential of CHAT GPT as a tool for innovation and collaboration, rather than a threat to their profession. By integrating AI-generated content into their work, academics can enhance their research, improve their communication, and foster a more efficient and inclusive academic environment.
In conclusion, while the term “CHAT jibiti” may have been coined jokingly by Professor Bukola Olugasa, the use of CHAT GPT in academics and research is far from fraudulent or bereft of ethics. By recognizing the potential benefits of CHAT GPT and implementing guidelines to ensure its ethical application, academics can harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in their field.