Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an artificial intelligence model trained to generate human-like responses to text-based conversations. It is a language model that can understand human language and create coherent, relevant, and contextually appropriate responses.
As with any AI technology, there are certain things we need to be aware of when using Chat GPT. These include:
1. Bias: Chat GPT is trained on large amounts of data, which can include biases and prejudices present in our society. As a result, the model may generate responses that perpetuate these biases. It is important to be mindful of this and to evaluate the responses generated by the model.
2. Privacy: Chat GPT requires access to large amounts of data in order to be trained effectively, including personal data, such as chat logs and user profiles. It is essential to be aware of the privacy implications of using Chat GPT and to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect user data.
3. Accuracy: Chat GPT is highly effective at generating human-like responses, but it is imperfect. The model may generate responses that are inaccurate, irrelevant, or inappropriate. It is important to evaluate the model’s responses and correct any errors or inaccuracies.
4. Ethical considerations: Chat GPT has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading disinformation or engaging in cyberbullying. It is important to use Chat GPT ethically and responsibly and be aware of its potential consequences.
So, if you made it this far, would you be shocked to know that every word you just read was created by CHAT GPT? I have the app and simply typed in “Tell me about CHAT GPT and some things to be aware of.”
As a writer, educator, and academic, I am, frankly, concerned. As a parent, this has also made my, and, job of keeping kids safe even harder. So while all the above is true, allow me to give you some tips, WITHOUT the help of Chat GPT, on how to protect your kids.
1. Explain what it is if they haven’t seen it.
2. Ask the chatbot a simple question, then discuss the answer. Is it different from a traditional search engine? Most importantly, does it make logical non-tech sense?
3. Play with it. Let your child’s curiosity drive the conversation.
4. Ask your children their thoughts on the answers they get.
5. Chat about how it makes them feel. Chatbots feel eerily like human responses and make it easy to feel like we are engaging with someone. By presenting them as thinking beings, we become vulnerable to being persuaded.
6. Remind kids about plagiarism and fact-checking.
Number 5 is incredibly important. These bots FEEL real. Part of the description actually encourages you to chat with it as you would a person.
This makes it incredibly hard for children, teens, and everyone to remember that it is only a computer-generated system. And while it does seem to be weeding out inappropriate information, time will tell if that continues to be the case. So please have open conversations with your kids about this technology.
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and healthcare experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals, and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.