Vanderbilt University apologizes for using ChatGPT to write mass-fire emails | CNN Business

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Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School has apologized to students for using artificial intelligence to write an email about a mass shooting at another university, saying distribution of the note did not follow normal processes. the school.

Last Friday, the Tennessee-based school sent an email to its student body to address the tragedy at Michigan State that killed three students and injured five others: “The recent shootings in Michigan are a tragic reminder of the importance of caring for one another, especially in the context of creating inclusive environments,” the letter reads in part, as first reported by the student-run Vanderbilt Hustler newspaper.

At the end of the email was a striking line: “Paraphrases of OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI language model, personal communication, February 15, 2023,” read a parenthesis in smaller font.

After an outcry from students over using AI to write a letter about the community during the human tragedy, Peabody’s associate dean sent a note of apology the next day. Nicole Joseph, one of three signatories to the original letter, called the use of ChatGPT “bad judgment,” according to the Vanderbilt Hustler, a student newspaper.

On Tuesday, Vanderbilt said Joseph and Assistant Dean Hasina Mohyuddin, another signatory to the email, have stepped down from their responsibilities while the school conducts a comprehensive review.

“The development and distribution of the initial email did not follow Peabody’s normal processes that provided for multiple layers of review before it was sent. University administrators, including myself, were unaware of the email before it was sent.” , according to a statement Tuesday to CNN by Camilla P. Benbow, the Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development.

Since becoming available in late November, ChatGPT has been used to generate original essays, stories and song lyrics in response to user prompts. He has written summaries of research papers that misled some scientists. Some CEOs have even used it to write emails or do accounting work.

While it has gained traction among users, it has also raised some concerns, including inaccuracies, its potential to perpetuate bias and spread misinformation, and the ability to help students cheat.

Vanderbilt’s letter also included reference to the “recent shootings in Michigan,” although only one occurred.

“As dean of the university, I am personally saddened by the loss of life and injuries at Michigan State, which I know have affected members of our own community,” Benbow said. “I am also deeply concerned that a communication from my administration missed the crucial need for personal connection and empathy during a time of tragedy.”