As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly advance, there has been a surge in the development of AI-powered content creation tools like ChatGPT and Dall-e that offer users a range of personalized experiences. However, with this growth come concerns about the potential dangers and ramifications of such apps, from privacy concerns to the displacement of human workers.

For example, the previous paragraph was written by ChatGPT, illustrating the blurring of lines between AI- and human-generated content. And the image at right was created by directing Dall-e to produce an image of “the University of Toronto in the style of van Gogh’s The Starry Night.”

In recent months, news headlines have outlined the issues relating to generative AI tools and content. Illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, musicians and writers have expressed concerns about losing income to generative AI and having their creations used as source material without permission or compensation.

On the academic front, instructors are having to cope with students submitting work written by ChatGPT and are re-evaluating how best to teach and assess courses as a result. Institutions such as U of T are examining the ramifications of this technology and providing guidelines for students and instructors.

Despite the challenges, many experts say that the technology is here to stay, and that our focus should be on establishing guidelines and safeguards for its use, while others look to its positive potential.

Faculty of Arts & Science writer Chris Sasaki spoke with six U of T experts about the impact of generative AI tools – and the ethical questions posed by the new technology.