How to Stay Vigilant Against Science Denial and Misunderstanding Facilitated by ChatGPT and Other Generative AI

How Generative AI Could Blur the Line Between Truth and Fiction in Science Information

The world of science information is changing rapidly with the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. ChatGPT, for example, is now a widely used platform that generates responses to queries based on predictions of likely word combinations from available online information. While this has the potential to enhance productivity, it also has major faults that could propagate misinformation, create “hallucinations,” and make it harder to accurately solve reasoning problems.

As science information consumers, it is vital to stay on our toes in this new information landscape to ensure that we are getting accurate information. Unfortunately, the increased use of generative AI and the potential for manipulation could further erode trust in science information. Here are some of the main concerns surrounding generative AI and how we can stay vigilant.

Erosion of Epistemic Trust

Epistemic trust is fundamental to understanding and using scientific information. As science information consumers, we rely on judgments of scientific and medical experts. However, with the increased use of generative AI, we may end up trusting AI platforms more than human experts. With a rapidly growing body of online information, people must make frequent decisions about whom to trust. With the potential for manipulation, trust is likely to erode further than it already has.

Misleading or Just Plain Wrong

Generative AI platforms can provide conflicting answers to the same question, reflecting errors or biases in the data on which they are trained. Disinformation can also be intentionally spread using AI-generated content, making it hard to discern whether the information is true or not. With the potential for bad actors to use AI for harmful purposes, we must become increasingly vigilant in verifying the accuracy of scientific information.

Fabricated Sources

AI platforms like ChatGPT may provide responses with no sources at all or present ones that it made up. This can be a big problem if a list of a scholar’s publications conveys authority to a reader who doesn’t take time to verify them. With this inventiveness, we can fall prey to reading misinformation that is seemingly reputable and plausible but may be hallucinations with no verifiable sources.

Dated Knowledge

AI systems continue to learn faster and become more powerful. However, they may also learn science misinformation along the way, making it easier to spread outdated and erroneous information about science. With knowledge advancing rapidly in some areas, readers must beware of erroneous outdated knowledge, especially about personal health issues.

Rapid Advancement and Poor Transparency

Generative AI is rapidly advancing, but without proper guardrails, we cannot be assured that it will become more accurate in providing scientific information. Insufficient transparency also raises concerns about the quality of the information generated by AI platforms.

What Can We Do?

As much as AI systems can ease the burden of information search, the accuracy of the information they provide should not be taken for granted. Science information consumers must become more vigilant than ever in verifying scientific accuracy. Here are some practical steps to take:

Be Vigilant

Consumers need to be thoughtful and deliberate in identifying and evaluating sources of scientific information. This means we must take time to vet the sources and avoid reflexively sharing information we found on social media. Knowing when to become more deliberately thoughtful can help separate the wheat from the chaff.

Improve Your Fact-Checking

A process professional fact-checkers use called lateral reading can be helpful. This involves opening a new window and searching for information about the sources, if provided. Look for credible sources from experts on the topic and assess the scientific consensus. If no sources are provided, use a traditional search engine to find and evaluate experts on the topic.

Evaluate the Evidence

Evaluating the claim often takes much more effort beyond a quick query to AI platforms. Take the time to evaluate evidence and make a tentative judgment based on what you find. Be open to revising your thinking as you continue to assess the evidence.

Assess Plausibility

After evaluating the evidence, judge whether the claim is plausible. Does it make sense and is it likely to be true? If AI makes a statement that is implausible or inaccurate, consider if it even makes sense.

Promote Digital Literacy

Improving our digital literacy can help us become better equipped to identify when AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, are accurate or not. All of us should stay informed and educate others about the importance of critically examining scientific information.

Editor Notes

It is essential to recognize the potential for generative AI to blur the line between truth and fiction in science information. We need to stay informed, vigilant, and promote digital literacy to ensure science information accuracy. Visit GPT News Room to stay informed about the latest news and resources in the world of AI.

Source link

from GPT News Room https://ift.tt/lwuLIYR