ChatGPT: Angel or Demond? Critical thinking is still needed
Mario Plebani
Abstract
The Chatbot Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), developed by OpenAI, a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software designed to simulate conversations with humans, works through algorithms programmed to interpret natural language inputs, and provides appropriate pre-written or newly generated responses. The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 prompted immediate enthusiasm thanks to its multiple potential uses, but concerns were also expressed about its potential misuse, since the language model could be used to cheat on homework assignments, write essays, take examinations, and write scientific manuscripts for publication. In particular, there is heated debate amongst Journal editors, researchers, and publishers concerning the role of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in publications. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies designed to help authors improve on the preparation and the quality of their manuscripts and published articles are, in fact, rapidly increasing in number and sophistication. These include tools to assist with writing, grammar, language, references, statistical analysis, and reporting standards. Editors and publishers also use AI-assisted tools for myriad purposes, including screening submissions for problems (e.g., plagiarism, image manipulation, ethical issues), triage submissions, validation of references, editing, and providing code content for publication in different media as well as facilitating post-publication searches and discoverability After the publication of articles that included ChatGPT as a byline author, Nature, Science, JAMA and other journals defined a new policy to guide the use of large-scale artificial intelligence models in scientific publications The policy prohibits the naming of such tools as a "credited author on a research paper" because "attribution of authorship carries with it accountability for the work, and AI tools cannot take such responsibility" In addition, the policy also advises