(From Markkula Center for Applied Ethics)
Overview of Ethical Concerns Related to ChatGPT
A few suggestions regarding the ethical use of ChatGPT:
- NEVER directly copy any words used by ChatGPT or any generative AI.
- Always be wary of the blatant biases that generative AI’s may harbor.
- Do not rely on ChatGPT for accurate information; utilize a variety of reliable sources when researching important topics.
- Treat ChatGPT as an additional learning tool, not a vehicle to avoid honestly completing academic work.
- Whenever using ChatGPT be sure to double check all information against other sources to ensure accuracy.
- Be specific and concise when interacting with ChatGPT as its responses will only be as strong as the prompts.
- Before using ChatGPT, remember your own capabilities and the value gained through problem-solving.
- Before you use ChatGPT, ask yourself if your professor would approve of the way you are using it, and if you consider it to follow academic integrity.
We propose a few questions for students to think about as they assess their use of ChatGPT and whether or not it’s ethical. We pose these questions from a virtue perspective, which can be thought of as having our actions be consistent with certain ideal virtues that provide for the full development of our humanity. It asks of any action, “What kind of person will I become if I do this?” or “Is this action consistent with my acting at my best?”
- Does using ChatGPT contribute to the common good?
- If I use ChatGPT to help in this case, what other shortcuts would I use?
- Am I cheating myself of the opportunity to learn in other ways?
- Am I being the very best person I can be?
- Does using ChatGPT take away the value I would gain from problem-solving?
