Perspectives about Using ChatGPT for Academic Writing
After reading the article by Tai et al. (2023), I have started thinking more about the role of ChatGPT in academic writing. Before reading this, I saw ChatGPT as a convenient tool that helps me brainstorm ideas, improve my writing, and correct grammar mistakes. I often used it for paraphrasing sentences, checking for grammatical errors, and sometimes even generating topic ideas. However, this article made me realize that while ChatGPT can be useful, it also presents ethical concerns and limitations that I had not considered before.
Despite these concerns, I still believe that ChatGPT offers many benefits when used wisely. For example, it is great for brainstorming because it helps generate ideas and organize points. It can also assist with paraphrasing, which is especially useful when I find it difficult to rewrite sentences clearly. Additionally, it improves grammar and sentence structure, making writing clearer and more professional. For non-native English speakers, AI tools like ChatGPT can be particularly helpful in improving fluency and clarity.
However, the article also pointed out that ChatGPT is not always accurate and may include biases in language and knowledge. Sometimes, it generates incorrect or misleading information, which means that students need to verify everything before using it in academic work. Another problem is that AI-generated text can sometimes lack originality and critical thinking, both of which are essential in academic writing. If students rely too much on ChatGPT, they may not develop their ability to state arguments or analyze information.
One major issue is that students might become too reliant on AI and fail to develop their own writing skills. If a student asks AI to do all the work, they may not engage in the writing process meaningfully, which could hinder their academic growth in the long term. Another concern is that ChatGPT generated text may not always be original, and using it without proper citation could lead to plagiarism, a serious violation of academic principles. This has made me think more carefully about when and how I use AI tools.
This makes me think that rather than viewing AI as a threat, schools and universities should teach students how to use it correctly and effectively. Instead of banning it completely, universities should provide guidelines on responsible AI use, such as using ChatGPT for idea generation but not for full essay writing.
After reading this article, I now see ChatGPT as both a potential risk and a valuable tool. It can be powerful if used correctly, but it can also be harmful if misused. The key is to use AI to support writing, not to replace thinking and doing the work on your own. Academic principles are not just about avoiding plagiarism but also about thinking critically and expressing ideas in an independent way.
In conclusion, I believe that ChatGPT is a helpful tool, but it should not replace human creativity, analysis, and personal effort. Instead of fearing AI, people should learn to integrate it wisely into academic writing while maintaining ethical standards and critical thinking skills.