Though ChatGPT should never be used to do your academic work for you, there are some ways in which you can use it appropriately. For example, ChatGPT can help you come up with keywords to use on a research topic, or can help you brainstorm topics to research.
However, there are a number of hidden impacts of ChatGPT on society, individuals, and the environment.
The below interactive image provides links to articles on the many harms of large language models like ChatGPT. It was created by Rebecca Sweetman from Queen's University. Click on the + icons next to each harm for a list of resources.
The information you get through AI is not guaranteed to be accurate. The following flow chart can help you decide whether or not to use AI.
"Is it safe to use ChatGPT for your task?" by Aleksander Tiulkanov, licensed under CC BY
Does it matter if the output is true?
Safe to use ChatGPT, stop.
Do you have expertise to verify that the output is accurate?
Unsafe to use ChatGPT, stop.
Are you able and willing to take full responsibility (legal, moral, etc.) for missed inaccuracies?
Possible to use ChatGPT. Be sure to verify each output word and sentence for accuracy and common sense. Stop.