The Future of ChatGPT in Singapore: Is it Here to Stay?
“ChatGPT is scary good.” - Elon Musk
BY: JERELYN LEE
BREAD LOVER
All memes by Singaplex
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over the world by a storm in recent years. Living in a time and age where technology thrives, amidst the growing pool of apps and AI platforms available on the market, ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI has stirred waves, created a buzz, and gained a spotlight, with recent news of it passing business, law and even medical licensing exams. From answering questions and prompts using data across the Internet, to problem solving revolving around codes, we explore the possibilities of ChatGPT, its limitations, and whether ChatGPT will be embraced as a learning tool for Singaporeans.
What is ChatGPT exactly?
A language tool powered by AI technology and algorithms, ChatGPT functions like a chatbot, processing tasks and questions ranging from programming codes and essays. Interacting with the user via written dialogues, ChatGPT generates answers that are almost human-like, in a conversational manner.
The possibilities and limitations of ChatGPT
Powered by AI technology, when it comes to ChatGPT, it almost seems like the possibilities are endless, and every problem is answerable with comprehensive detail, but that remains debatable. On one end of the spectrum, ChatGPT allows the user to find an answer, a solution and troubleshoot the problem they are facing.
On the other end of the spectrum, it fairs poorly when prompted with more open-ended questions, and inputs that are not specific. There is also the issue and possibility of deriving an answer that is plausible, but in fact, wrong and nonsensical.
An end to conventional learning methods in classroom settings
In Singapore, we are no strangers to E-learning and self-directed learning. Integrating the use of technology into our learning and education, the world of digitalization that we live in is very real. The use of ChatGPT in classroom settings and schools will mean that both educators and students have another means of preparing teaching material and gaining new knowledge.
In view of how Singapore supports the use of AI, including platforms like ChatGPT, going as far as to allow civil servants to aid research and write speeches in time to come, this puts an end to the old school, traditional methods we used to learn, gain knowledge and produce content.
Who knows? It may well take over our jobs and livelihoods someday.
Where the use of ChatGPT becomes a problem in learning
Relying heavily on the use of ChatGPT to gain knowledge and seek answers can prove to be fatal for students, regardless of whether they have their fundamentals nailed down. An over reliance on AI and in this case, ChatGPT will mean that students no longer tackle problems by using their own creativity, and simply over rely on technological tools to learn.
While there is a need to encourage self learning and embrace technology in educational settings today, it is all too easy to just copy the answers given by ChatGPT as it is. What will learning come to be? Only time will tell.
Photo by Olena Sergienko on Unsplash
Will the use of ChatGPT be abused?
In view of how ChatGPT has answers to all sorts of questions so easily accessible, and the push for AI remains strong in the coming future, it is very much possible for students to make use of ChatGPT to write essays, seek answers for their homework and even resort to cheating.
Hackers too, have a platform they can experiment with to write malicious codes. With that said, it is only a matter of time that the scams we try to combat, evolve and become more convincing.
Afterword: Safeguards in place, but we all have apart to play
There is no question that ChatGPT is a powerful tool, especially when used in schools, making learning more fun and interesting. However, there is a need to set boundaries. To prevent ChatGPT from being a tool used with ill intent, the developers, OpenAI, have implemented the ‘Moderation API’ to filter out any requests pertaining to harmful content that is unsafe.
On our part, as users, it is vital that we are aware of the algorithms used, to avoid falling prey and victim to the power ChatGPT has. As Stephen Hawking once said: ‘AI is likely to be either the best or worst thing to happen to humanity’.
JERELYN LEE | BREAD LOVER
Jerelyn Lee is an aspiring content creator, who is passionate about the Arts. An enthusiast in writing, drawing, photography and music, she is keen to capture and share moments, memories and life experiences.
While she is shy in nature, she is more than happy to talk about books, art, anime, music and the joys (woes, and lessons) in life.
