The International Conference on Machine Learning is banning the use of ChatGPT and similar AI tools in the writing of academic papers.
“Papers that include text generated from a large-scale language model (LLM) such as ChatGPT are prohibited unless the produced text is presented as a part of the paper’s experimental analysis,” said the ICML.
The decision has led to debates on social media with AI researchers on both sides of the argument. In response, the ICML issued a lengthy response explaining its decision. According to the statement, the ICML believes having publicly accessible AI language models is an exciting innovation. However, it cautions that with such rapid progress comes “unanticipated consequences as well as unanswered questions.”
Students Can Use ChatGPT to Refine Papers
However, the ICML also states it will not prohibit the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for editing purposes. In defense of this desicion it adds that many already use tools like Grammarly for automated editing. Beyond the debate over whether an induvial can claim authorship of an AI-generated paper, the output of AIs like ChatGPT is unreliable. AI tools understand sentence structure and are thus able to create convincing statements. However, such tools often produce false statements meaning students will want to shy away from utilizing AI tools to write entire essays.
“At the end of the day, the authors sign on the paper and have a reputation to hold,” he said. “Even if the fake paper somehow goes through peer review, any incorrect statement will be associated with the author and ‘stick’ with them for their entire careers.”
Currently, there is no definitive way to detect papers written by AIs with 100 percent accuracy. Therefore, ICML plans only to investigate papers that other academics are already suspicious of. Additionally, the ICML will reevaluate its position on texts written by AIs next year.
The War Against AI-Generated Art
AI tools are also capable of creating digital art, which is causing a rift in the art community. An artist was recently banned from an art subreddit because their art style was similar to that of AI-generated art pieces. Conversely, an AI genrated art piece won the Colorado State Fair art competition in 2022, leaving traditional artists furious. Blockchain tech may be the key to resolving the rift. However, artists must choose whether to implement blockchain tech or allow AI tools to use their artwork.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
