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5 Big Questions About Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT seem to be almost as smart as humans. But can we trust them?

As You Read, Think About: How can artificial intelligence be used for good? What are some possible problems with it?

1. What exactly is artificial intelligence?

It’s a technology that allows computers to do tasks that normally require human thought and problem-solving skills. It’s often referred to as AI.

You may not realize it, but AI is all around us. Map apps rely on it to suggest directions. Sites like Netflix and Disney+ use it to recommend movies. And you know how Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa understand your voice commands? That’s also AI at work.

But the type of AI you’re probably most familiar with are chatbots.

It’s a type of technology. It’s known as AI. AI allows computers to do tasks that normally require human thought and problem-solving skills. 

AI is all around us. Map apps use it to suggest directions. Sites like Netflix and Disney+ use it to recommend movies. And Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa can understand voice commands. That’s also AI at work.

But the type of AI you’ve probably heard most about are chatbots.

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This is an actual joke from ChatGPT.

2. Are chatbots the same as robots?

No, chatbots aren’t objects you can see or touch. They’re computer programs designed to have conversations with people. The AI-powered chatbot that’s gotten the most attention lately is ChatGPT. A company called OpenAI released it to the public in November 2022. In less than a year, ChatGPT had more than 180 million users worldwide.

Using ChatGPT is like texting with a really smart friend. Write me a song. Tell me a joke. Why is the sky blue? Ask ChatGPT anything, and you’ll usually have an answer in a few seconds. The chatbot works by analyzing billions of online sources, including books, Wikipedia entries, and news stories. 

No. Chatbots aren’t objects you can see or touch. They are computer programs. Chatbots can have conversations with people. ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that’s gotten a lot of attention lately. A company called OpenAI released it to the public in November 2022. In less than a year, ChatGPT had more than 180 million users worldwide.

Using ChatGPT is like texting with a very smart friend. Write me a song. Tell me a joke. Why is the sky blue? Ask ChatGPT anything. You’ll usually have an answer in a few seconds.

The chatbot works by reviewing billions of online sources. That includes books, Wikipedia entries, and news stories.

3. Can AI tools do anything else?

Yes. For example, Midjourney and DALL-E are AI tools that can create artwork. Type in a request for a picture of Abraham Lincoln riding a unicorn. You’ll get an image in less than a minute. 

Also, the latest version of ChatGPT has enhanced features. Among other things, it can assist people who have vision loss. The bot can explain aloud what’s in photos. 

“AI is becoming helpful in almost every aspect of our lives,” says AI expert Hod Lipson. He’s a professor at Columbia University in New York.

Yes. For example, Midjourney and DALL-E are AI tools that can create artwork. Ask for a picture of Abraham Lincoln riding a unicorn. You’ll get an image in less than a minute.

Also, the latest version of ChatGPT has enhanced features. Among other things, it can help people who have vision loss. The bot can explain aloud what’s in photos.

“AI is becoming helpful in almost every aspect of our lives,” says AI expert Hod Lipson. He’s a professor at Columbia University in New York.

Creating a Cover

Scholastic via DALL-E

We asked DALL-E to create a Scholastic News cover. Do you see any problems with it? (One hint: DALL-E isn’t a great speller.)

We asked DALL-E to create a Scholastic News cover. Do you see any problems with it? (One hint: DALL-E isn’t a great speller.)

4. Could AI write this magazine?

Not an issue you can trust! The current version of ChatGPT analyzes information only from April 2023 and earlier. It doesn’t know about current events. We asked it to write an article anyway. 

ChatGPT’s article was called “Historic Space Mission Successfully Lands Humans on Mars!” The article was filled with details about a mission that never happened. It also included quotes from people who don’t exist. 

That’s one big problem with chatbots. We know that we can’t believe everything we read on the internet. But that’s where AI gets its data. So even though a chatbot’s responses sound correct, they could be completely false. Many people worry about AI being used to spread misinformation—either accidentally or on purpose.

Not an issue you can trust! Right now, ChatGPT uses information only from April 2023 and earlier. It doesn’t know about current events. We asked it to write an article anyway.

ChatGPT’s article was called “Historic Space Mission Successfully Lands Humans on Mars!” The article was filled with details about a mission that didn’t happen. It also included quotes from people who don’t exist.

That’s one big problem with chatbots. We know that we can’t believe everything we read on the internet. But that’s where AI gets its data. So a chatbot’s responses might sound correct. But they could be completely false. Many people worry about AI being used to spread misinformation—either by accident or on purpose.

5. So what can we expect from AI in the future?

Experts compare AI to a child. It’s making mistakes but is learning more each day. 

“The AI this year is a lot smarter and more capable than the AI last year,” Lipson says. 

For now, he suggests that kids learn to use AI responsibly. ChatGPT can be useful for brainstorming ideas. But having it do your homework is cheating. (Plus, the answers might be wrong!) 

Lipson predicts that as AI improves, its possible uses will be endless.

Experts compare AI to a child. It’s making mistakes but is learning more each day.

“The AI this year is a lot smarter and more capable than the AI last year,” Lipson says.

For now, he suggests that kids learn to use AI responsibly. ChatGPT can be useful for brainstorming ideas. But having it do your homework is cheating. (Plus, the answers might be wrong!)

Lipson predicts that as AI improves, its possible uses will be endless.

  1. In the article, what is meant by the statement that “AI is all around us”?
  2. Why does the article say that ChatGPT could not write an issue of Scholastic News that you could trust?
  3. Based on the article, why is it a bad idea to use ChatGPT to complete your homework? 
  1. In the article, what is meant by the statement that “AI is all around us”?
  2. Why does the article say that ChatGPT could not write an issue of Scholastic News that you could trust?
  3. Based on the article, why is it a bad idea to use ChatGPT to complete your homework? 
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