Extensive Information Learning Enables Report Writing and Coding
But Issues of Cheating and AI Technology Misuse Remain
Discussion on the Need for "AI Regulatory Agency"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] OpenAI, a US AI research institute, launched 'ChatGPT' in December last year, which is creating a sensation in the United States. ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) trained on vast amounts of information from the internet to generate responses, developed based on GPT-3.5. Although the number of parameters of GPT-3.5 has not been disclosed, its predecessor GPT-3 had 175 billion parameters. The more parameters, which function like neurons in the human brain, the better the performance.
ChatGPT surpassed 10 million users within 40 days of its launch. Its excellent performance spread by word of mouth, gaining popularity, and it can write substantial reports or even code. It is characterized by producing results similar to humans based on enormous training data. Recently, it proved its capabilities again by passing the MBA graduation exam at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and achieving passing scores on the medical licensing exam.
In Korea, President Yoon Seok-yeol mentioned his experience using ChatGPT to write his New Year's address, which became a hot topic. On the 27th, during a work report session with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, President Yoon said, "I had an acquaintance try to have ChatGPT write the 2023 presidential New Year's address, and I received it. It was really excellent," adding, "If I fix a few words, it could just be released as the presidential New Year's address (to that extent)," praising it highly.
There was not only applause for the emergence of this new technology. Especially in educational settings, concerns arose that it could be used to cheat by having assignments done for students. Last month, the Los Angeles Unified School District decided to proactively block ChatGPT on all networks and devices within schools to protect 'academic integrity,' and the New York City Department of Education also banned access to ChatGPT in all public schools.
According to CNN on the 6th (local time), Jenna Lyle, spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education, stated, "Due to concerns about the negative impact on student learning and concerns about the safety and accuracy of content, access to ChatGPT will be restricted on networks and devices in New York City public schools." She explained, "ChatGPT can provide quick and easy answers to questions, but it does not build critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for academic and lifelong success."
Concerns about the misuse of AI technology have also emerged. Ted Lieu, a Democratic congressman majoring in computer science, emphasized the need for a dedicated agency to regulate AI in an article he contributed to The New York Times on the 23rd, warning that AI technology could cause widespread discrimination. He pointed out, "AI algorithms on social networking services (SNS) have contributed to radicalizing foreign terrorists and domestic white supremacists."
Regarding AI facial recognition systems, he said, "Facial recognition systems used by law enforcement have lower accuracy for people with relatively darker skin, which can lead to misidentification of innocent minorities," adding, "This can cause widespread discrimination."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
