What is Generative Artificial Intelligence?
(Image: AI generated image by Microsoft Copilot).
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a category of web-based tools that use algorithms, data, and statistical models to draw reasonable inferences to create content of its own (e,g., text, images, etc.). They are not search engines but rather trained chatbots. Using a prompt, a chatbot strives to fill in the next missing content piece, "what one might expect" (Wolfram).
These tools use large language models to provide bots with the data they need to reply to a prompt you have given it appropriately. For example, when ChatGPT writes a response to a prompt, it provides text based on what words came before and what is the most likely next word. Because AI uses natural language and computes so quickly, it can often seem like the chatbot is, in fact, intelligent.
The field of AI is changing at a rapid pace. We know that these generative tools help users synthesize information and create content (code, essays, art, music, etc.). However, these tools can also "hallucinate", or make up facts or sources and create biased content.
Be sure to make sure it is ethical to use AI and fact-check any content and sources you plan to use in the work you share with others or publish that has been generated by AI.
- What Is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does It Work?
A more comprehensive explanation of Generative AI from Stephen Wolfram
- How AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Bard work – visual explainer (The Guardian)
An explanation of how generative AI tools work for everyday people, with visuals.
Generative AI in Action
Image generated by Craiyon from the prompt "Weatherford College, Weatherford Texas"
It s important to use critical thinking to evaluate and interpret AI-generated results.
Looking at these AI-generated images, and comparing them to what the Weatherford College campus actually looks like today, we can see that these aren't at all accurate.
While we can't determine precisely how the model went awry, it is likely that the underlying training data included many images of colleges, but not "Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas."
Do you recognize any of these buildings? If so, email library@wc.edu and let us know!
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