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[2018] Academic Integrity Tutorial: The Broader Implications

Impact of Unethical Use

Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash

As a university student, it is important to consider the broader implications of AI use in your studies as well as the personal implications. The ramifications of unethical or irresponsible use can hinder your progress, be deeply felt by your peers and have far-reaching consequences for society.

Here are a few examples:

Broad Implications

  

Personal Implications
In the Humanities and Social Sciences, writing papers without proper attribution can compromise the integrity of the scholarly community and/or the credibility of the scholarly work. >> You need to build your ability to write and attribute appropriately through guided practice.  Getting instructor feedback on your own written work is vital. If you submit work that you didn’t write, you will miss out on this opportunity.
In Scientific Research, generative AI can be used to fabricate experimental data, leading to fraudulent research that can damage the reputation of researchers and undermine the integrity of the research process. >> You need to internalize scientific research skills so that you can apply them accurately and completely. Shortcuts or made-up responses now mean you won’t have the skills you need for your next assignment, other courses, or even your future career.
In Computer Science and Software Development, creating code without proper testing can lead to faulty algorithms and potential system failures. >> You need to understand the fundamentals so that you can develop good evaluative judgment of increasingly advanced functions, especially as artificial intelligence applications expand into society. To build this judgment, you need practice and feedback while a student.
In Marketing and Advertising, using generative AI to create false or misleading content can result in deceptive practices, damaging brand reputation, and potentially leading to legal issues. >> You need to create and identify accurate and factual content because you want to be equipped with and communicate trustworthy information. Learning to use generative AI responsibly will be an important professional skill during your education and beyond.
In Journalism and Media Studies, generative AI can be used to generate fake news, contributing to the spread of misinformation, and eroding public trust in media sources. >> You need to develop critical media literacy skills by learning to question, deconstruct, and assess media sources, messages, and motives, to make informed judgments about biases, inaccuracies, or manipulation
In Medicine and Health Care, using generative AI irresponsibly could lead to misdiagnosis or inaccurate recommendations, compromising patient safety and well-being. >> You need to practice making the distinctions between appropriate and potentially harmful uses of new tools while the “stakes are low” and patient well-being is not on the line. Now is when you can safely develop that competence.   
In the Creative and Performing Arts, using generative AI to produce art or write scripts without proper credit or acknowledgement can lead to plagiarism and intellectual property disputes. >> You need to recognize the differences between your own creation and those inspired or adapted from others. Practice making these distinctions. Applying appropriate credit now allows you to benefit from feedback while there is still opportunity to improve.

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